How Many Trees Did the Green Belt Movement Plant?

The Green Belt Movement (GBM) is a Kenyan environmental organization that was founded in 1977 by the late Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Wangari Maathai. Its main objective is to improve the livelihoods of rural women by planting trees, conserving the environment, and improving water catchment areas. Over the years, the Green Belt Movement has been at the forefront of environmental conservation in Kenya, and it has successfully planted millions of trees across the country. In this article, we explore the number of trees that the Green Belt Movement has planted since its inception.

The Early Years (1977-1990)

During its early years, the Green Belt Movement focused on planting trees in the rural areas of Kenya to improve the livelihoods of women who depended on the environment for their daily needs. During this period, the organization implemented tree planting programs in various regions across the country, particularly in the Rift Valley, the Coast, and the Western regions.

In total, the Green Belt Movement planted over 10 million trees during its first 13 years of existence. This was a remarkable achievement given that the organization faced significant challenges in the early years, including a lack of funding and support from the government.

The Expansion Phase (1990-2000)

In the 1990s, the Green Belt Movement expanded its tree planting programs to reach more communities across Kenya. During this period, the organization established partnerships with various stakeholders, including the government, local communities, and non-governmental organizations, to enhance its tree planting initiatives.

Between 1990 and 2000, the Green Belt Movement planted over 20 million trees in various parts of the country. This was a significant milestone as the organization continued to play a critical role in environmental conservation in Kenya.

The New Millennium (2000-2010)

In the new millennium, the Green Belt Movement continued to expand its programs to include other environmental conservation initiatives such as soil conservation, water resource management, and sustainable livelihoods. Despite facing some challenges during this period, including a lack of funding and political interference, the Green Belt Movement continued to inspire change and plant trees.

During this period, the Green Belt Movement planted over 30 million trees in different parts of Kenya. This brought the total number of trees planted by the organization to over 60 million over its first 33 years of existence.

The Modern Era (2010-Present)

Since 2010, the Green Belt Movement has continued to champion environmental conservation in Kenya. The organization has integrated various technologies and innovations, such as mobile technology, to improve its operations and reach more people with its programs.

Between 2010 and 2021, the Green Belt Movement has planted over 10 million trees in different parts of Kenya, bringing the total number of trees planted by the organization to over 70 million since its inception. This is a remarkable achievement that highlights the pivotal role that the Green Belt Movement has played in environmental conservation in Kenya and beyond.

Conclusion

The Green Belt Movement is a remarkable environmental organization that has played a critical role in promoting environmental conservation in Kenya. Over the years, the organization has planted over 70 million trees across the country, transforming the lives of rural communities and enhancing the environment. Through its tree planting programs and other environmental conservation initiatives, the Green Belt Movement has shown that small actions can have a significant impact on the environment and the lives of people.