Segera Conservancy’s Tree of Life Project tackling deforestation and regenerating degraded land

At the heart of Laikipia, within Segera Conservancy, the ZEITZ foundation is driving an ambitious reforestation effort under the Tree of Life initiative, which aims to plant 3 million trees by 2030, to address deforestation and regenerate degraded landscapes.

The initiative is focused on planting 6 indigenous acacia species in wildlife exclusion zones and in the first phase, 150,000 trees were planted in the shape of a rhino, as the conservancy prepared to operationalize the Segera Rhino Sanctuary last year. 

At the heart of this initiative is the Tree of Life Nursery, a 13-acre perma plot, supported by the conservancy and employing 30 women, who work diligently to propagate and maintain the tree seedlings, ready for planting during the rainy seasons.

To date, the Tree of Life program has planted over 1.8 million trees across more than 3,000 acres, with additional community members benefiting through seasonal employment opportunities, during which an average of 300,000 to 400,000 trees are planted annually.

The initiative reflects the principles of The Long Run, through which the ZEITZ foundation embodies the 4C Philosophy (Conservation, Community, Culture & Commerce) of creating and supporting projects that protect the environment, strengthen communities, celebrate culture and drive sustainable livelihoods.

Lessons from this project will be instrumental in scaling a similar intervention in other conservancies, under the Right Tree Right Project , Laikipia Conservancies Association is finalizing in partnership with the Landscape Alliance, formerly ICRAF.