Charlene Ruto, the founder and patron of the Smart Mechanized Agriculture and Climate Action for Humanity and Sustainability (SMACHS) Foundation, has pledged her support for mangrove restoration and conservation efforts. In a notable initiative, she has committed to partnering with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to help preserve these vital ecosystems. Her latest efforts were showcased on Saturday, as she led a group of youths on a cycling event from Makupa to Mikindani, culminating in the planting of over 1,000 mangrove propagules in a pre-activity for the upcoming International Youth Day.
This year’s International Youth Day, themed “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development,” emphasizes the role of youth in driving sustainable development through digital means. Charlene Ruto’s activities are a testament to this, as she actively engages with young people to promote environmental conservation.
Charlene Ruto’s passion for youth empowerment and environmental sustainability was evident during her visit to Tudor Creek, Mombasa. Inspired by the ongoing mangrove conservation efforts led by Bigship Environmental CBO and Swahilipot, Ruto expressed her admiration for the youth-led initiatives in the area. Tudor Creek is the only forest in Mombasa with degraded mangrove areas, primarily due to human activities and urban development.
“As a youth champion, I like to amplify what the youths are doing,” Ruto stated during the event. She emphasized the importance of supporting existing conservation efforts rather than starting new ones. Encouraging the youth to plant the remaining 480 propagules that they hadn’t managed to plant, she said, “There is no need for me to start a mangrove while you have a successful one here.”
For Ruto, this was a significant experience, as it was her first time planting mangrove trees. “I have been hearing about it and seeing them online, but I didn’t know it was this much fun. I have enjoyed a lot. I will be bringing my friends to plant mangroves,” she added, highlighting the joy and fulfillment she derived from the activity.
The SMACHS Foundation Patron also emphasized the numerous benefits of mangrove forests, including their role in carbon sequestration and the various community initiatives they support. Ruto particularly appreciated the eco-tourism project that has been started in the area, calling it “a very innovative idea.” She believes that by coming together in a network, they can effectively spread awareness about the importance of these conservation efforts.
Ruto’s enthusiasm was further fueled by the participation of young people in the tree-planting event. “Actually, my joy for today is seeing the young people because as the older youths, we are passing on the right thing to the younger youths. In the next few years, they will take over this project,” she remarked, underscoring the importance of generational continuity in environmental conservation.
Mahmoud Noor, the founder of Swahilipot Hub, commended the community for embracing mangrove conservation. He noted that planting mangroves has a more significant impact on the environment compared to other trees. Noor also expressed interest in adopting an area for conservation and supporting the boardwalk and sitting area projects in Tudor Creek.
Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Deputy County Conservator, Rebecca Mung’ori, highlighted the often-overlooked significance of mangroves, describing them as the “unsung heroes” of environmental conservation. She praised Ruto for her dedication to the cause and urged the youth to seek information on mangrove restoration and its species. “Use your voices to seek information on how you can use the mangroves for job creation,” Mung’ori advised.
As the International Youth Day approaches, the commemoration will kick off with a walk from the iconic tusks on Moi Avenue to the Swahilipot Hub, symbolizing the youth’s journey towards sustainable development. Through these initiatives, Charlene Ruto and the youths of Mombasa are demonstrating the power of collective action in preserving and restoring the environment for future generations.
