SMACHS Foundation took a significant step in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation by officially adopting the Chepalungu Forest in Bomet County. This marks a key milestone in our ongoing commitment to climate action and sustainable environmental stewardship. Under the banner of the Roots to Canopy Project, SMACHS Foundation has pledged to rehabilitate 202.4 hectares of this vital ecosystem by planting and growing 200,000 trees over the next eight years.
Why Chepalungu Forest?
Chepalungu Forest is not just a piece of land it is a critical ecosystem that provides habitat for wildlife, plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration, and serves as a source of clean water for local communities. However, like many forests in Kenya, it has suffered from deforestation, leaving the land vulnerable to erosion, biodiversity loss, and climate-related challenges. SMACHS Foundation saw an urgent need to intervene, aligning with our mission to lead youth-driven efforts toward Climate-Smart Agriculture and Climate Action.
The Launch of the Rehabilitation Initiative
The launch event of the Chepalungu Forest Rehabilitation Initiative was a resounding success, with the participation of over seven local schools, students, and community members, we began the long-term journey of forest restoration by planting the first 1,000+ trees. This collaborative effort showcased the power of community involvement and youth’s pivotal role in protecting our natural environment.
SMACHS Foundation’s key initiative bringing youth to the forefront of environmental conservation was visibly in action. By involving young people, we not only emphasized the importance of reforestation but also equipped them with practical knowledge and skills to lead future environmental efforts.
Roots to Canopy: A Vision for the Future
The adoption of the Chepalungu Forest is part of our broader Roots to Canopy Project, which envisions a world where reforestation and ecosystem restoration is central to climate action. By rehabilitating this forest, we aim to restore biodiversity, improve water catchment areas, and create a sustainable habitat that benefits both local communities and wildlife.
This effort fully aligns with SMACHS Foundation’s overarching thematic pillars of Climate Action and Food Security. Trees act as natural protectors of soil and water resources, which are critical for sustainable agriculture. As forests grow, they enhance the resilience of ecosystems, providing much-needed balance and support for agricultural activities, ensuring long-term food security.
Aligning With Our Core Values
At SMACHS Foundation, we firmly believe that we have the Power Today to Change Tomorrow. The adoption of the Chepalungu Forest directly supports our core values of collaboration, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. By working with local schools, communities, and organizations, we are ensuring that this rehabilitation initiative will have lasting impacts for generations to come.
Furthermore, this project exemplifies our belief in youth-led environmental change. The success of the Chepalungu Forest adoption illustrates how young people can take leadership roles in tackling global challenges like climate change, providing them with a sense of ownership and responsibility for the future of our planet.
A Call to Action
As we move forward, SMACHS Foundation is calling on all individuals, organizations, and partners to join hands with us in this transformative journey. Every tree planted is a step toward a healthier planet. By restoring the Chepalungu Forest, we are taking tangible steps to combat climate change, support biodiversity, and improve the well-being of local communities.
We are committed to making this forest a model of success, demonstrating the power of youth engagement, sustainable practices, and community-driven conservation.
Together, we can achieve our vision of a youth-led climate-smart agricultural renaissance. We welcome all passionate environmentalists, volunteers, and supporters to join us in restoring the beauty and ecological balance of Chepalungu Forest.
Let’s turn the vision of a sustainable future into reality—one tree at a time.
This initiative is a testament to SMACHS Foundation’s unwavering commitment to Climate Action and Food Security. We are proud of the strides we have made and excited for what lies ahead in our mission to empower young people across Kenya’s 47 counties to lead the way in climate-smart agriculture and environmental conservation.
This initiative is a testament to SMACHS Foundation’s unwavering commitment to Climate Action and Food Security. We are proud of the strides we have made and excited for what lies ahead in our mission to empower young people across Kenya’s 47 counties to lead the way in climate-smart agriculture and environmental conservation.
SMACHS Foundation’s Adoption of Chepalungu Forest – Reviving a Vital Ecosystem
On October 8, 2024, SMACHS Foundation embarked on a transformative journey by officially adopting the Kapchumbe Block of the Chepalungu Forest in Bomet County. This block, covering 202 hectares (approximately 404 acres), is part of our long-term Roots to Canopy Project, aimed at rehabilitating this once-thriving forest by planting 200,000 trees over the next eight years.
The Chepalungu Forest, which straddles both Chepalungu and Sotik sub-counties, spans 12,000 acres in total. However, the forest was completely destroyed during Kenya’s 2007 post-election violence, leaving it barren and vulnerable to further degradation. SMACHS Foundation’s adoption of the Kapchumbe Block is a major step towards reversing this damage and restoring the forest’s ecological balance.
Why Chepalungu Forest?
The destruction of Chepalungu Forest in 2007 was a significant loss, not only for the local ecosystem but also for the communities that relied on it for water, biodiversity, and climate regulation. This critical forest, now a shadow of its former self, is in desperate need of restoration. By adopting the Kapchumbe Block, SMACHS Foundation seeks to restore this ecosystem, aligning with our broader mission to lead youth-driven initiatives in Climate-Smart Agriculture and Climate Action.
The Launch of the Rehabilitation Initiative
The official launch of the Chepalungu Forest Rehabilitation Initiative was a resounding success. Held on October 8, 2024, the event brought together students from seven local schools, community members, and environmental advocates. Together, we planted the first 1,000 trees, setting the foundation for the forest’s revival.
Our focus on engaging youth in the reforestation process was at the heart of the event. By involving young people from the surrounding community, SMACHS Foundation is empowering them to take ownership of their environment and play an active role in the fight against climate change. The enthusiasm displayed by the students and community members highlighted the power of youth-led environmental initiatives, a key pillar of our foundation.
Roots to Canopy: Restoring the Kapchumbe Block
Our Roots to Canopy Project is an ambitious initiative designed to rehabilitate the 202 hectares we have adopted within Chepalungu Forest. Over the next eight years, SMACHS Foundation aims to plant 200,000 trees, rejuvenating the land and restoring vital ecological functions. This project is more than just tree planting—it is about reviving a vital ecosystem that plays a crucial role in water catchment, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration.
The restoration of Chepalungu Forest is closely tied to SMACHS Foundation’s two thematic pillars of Climate Action and Food Security. Healthy forests help regulate climate by storing carbon and providing clean water to nearby communities. Furthermore, reforestation contributes to soil health and prevents erosion, which is essential for sustainable agriculture. As we bring this forest back to life, we are also helping to secure the future of Kenya’s agricultural productivity.
Aligning With Our Core Values
SMACHS Foundation’s adoption of the Kapchumbe Block exemplifies our commitment to our values of sustainability, collaboration, and environmental stewardship. By working alongside local schools, organizations, and the community, we are ensuring that this initiative is both inclusive and impactful. Our goal is not just to restore a forest but to create a lasting environmental legacy for future generations.
This project also supports our vision of a youth-led climate-smart agricultural renaissance. By empowering young people to lead the way in climate action and sustainable farming, we are equipping them with the skills and knowledge to build a more resilient, sustainable future.
Beekeeping
As part of the Chepalungu Forest adoption, SMACHS Foundation is implementing beekeeping training for community members. This initiative aligns with our mission to foster sustainable livelihoods and protect the forest ecosystem. Beekeeping offers an alternative source of income, reducing the community’s reliance on harmful practices like tree-cutting for financial gain. Moreover, bees play a critical role in the forest’s pollination process, helping to regenerate plant life and maintain biodiversity. By promoting beekeeping, we encourage the community to protect the forest, as the presence of bees will deter both people and animals from disturbing the area, further supporting our commitment to long-term environmental sustainability.
A Call to Action
The journey to rehabilitate Chepalungu Forest is just beginning, and SMACHS Foundation is calling on all individuals, organizations, and partners to join us. Whether you’re passionate about environmental conservation, reforestation, or youth empowerment, your support is crucial to the success of this initiative.
Every tree planted in the Kapchumbe Block is a step toward a healthier, more sustainable planet. We welcome all environmentalists, volunteers, and supporters to join hands with us as we work to restore Chepalungu Forest, one tree at a time. Together, we can create a future where our forests thrive, our communities flourish, and our ecosystems are in balance.
This adoption is a powerful testament to SMACHS Foundation’s commitment to Climate Action and Food Security. We are proud of the progress made and look forward to the continued restoration of Chepalungu Forest as we empower young people across Kenya’s 47 counties to lead in climate-smart agriculture and environmental conservation.