My name is Veronicah Wangui Njuguna, and conservation has become embedded in my being ever since I witnessed the effects of climate change.
Arriving in Loitokitok in 2003, I was greeted by a landscape abundant with rainfall, lush with vegetation and full of life. We planted food crops and reaped bountiful harvests, relying on the generosity of nature. However, something changed.
As time passed, we began to unknowingly destroy our well-being by indiscriminately cutting down the very trees that once provided us with sustenance and shelter.
The consequences of our actions and the impact of climate change became painfully evident as the rains grew scarce, leaving us to lament the loss of what once was plentiful. It felt like divine revenge for our negligence.
But hope emerged when WWF-Kenya [World Wide Fund for Nature-Kenya] intervened, offering possibility amidst our despair.
They trained us, showing us the path to reversing our destructive practices through tree-planting initiatives. Inspired by this, my fellow women in the Bidii Women Group and I seized the opportunity to initiate change.
Together, we embarked on a journey to restore the balance of nature, one tree at a time. The fruits of our labour began to be noticeable, breathing life back into our landscape. Today, our hearts are filled with joy as we witness the results of our efforts.
But our journey did not stop there. Another project, Sowing Change, has come to our community through the CARE-WWF Alliance.
This project has brought with it a promise of empowerment, aiming to uplift us. What struck me most profoundly was its inclusivity.
Attending meetings with my six-month-old baby has now become a norm, a testament to the organization’s commitment to inclusivity.
Here, in this sanctuary of learning, my child is not a hindrance but a welcomed addition. The team ensures that every aspect, from discussions to meals, accommodates the needs of mothers like myself.
In this space, my mind finds peace, knowing that nothing related to conservation escapes our collective attention.
I extend an invitation to all women with children: do not shy away from these gatherings.
Sowing Change embraces us all, promising a future where Loitokitok thrives once more.
Together, let us embrace the teachings of conservation, for in unity lies the power to restore our beloved home.
By Faith Tanui — Communications Officer, Southern Kenya Landscape, WWF-Kenya
