Forest Location Details
Reclaiming Kenya’s Green Jewel: A Bold Vision to Restore the Mau Forest Complex
The Mau Forest Complex, stretching across an expansive 400,000 hectares, is one of Kenya's most precious natural resources. Often referred to as one of the nation's five critical "water towers," the Mau is the largest closed-canopy forest in the country and serves as the backbone of water security in the Rift Valley and western Kenya. This vibrant ecosystem forms the headwaters of some of Kenya’s most vital rivers, sustaining millions of people, wildlife, and agricultural activities.
But this once-thriving forest is under severe threat. Decades of deforestation, unsustainable land use, and human encroachment have stripped away nearly 37% of the Mau's original forest cover. This destruction has led to devastating environmental consequences — rivers that once flowed year-round have become seasonal, wildlife habitats have shrunk, and communities are facing water shortages and food insecurity due to degraded land. The forest’s decline is not just a national issue; it’s a global environmental crisis.
The Ecological and Social Importance of the Mau Forest Complex
The Mau Forest Complex is not only a critical water catchment area but also a biodiversity hotspot teeming with life. It is home to a vast array of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic or threatened, including the iconic mountain bongo antelope. The complex also boasts an incredible diversity of tree species, from indigenous trees like cedar, African olive, bamboo, and dombeya to exotic species such as cypress, pine, grevillea robusta, and eucalyptus, which are often planted for commercial use by the Kenya Forest Department.
The forest plays a crucial role in regulating the climate, capturing carbon dioxide, and providing a natural buffer against climate extremes. The rich soils of the Mau Forest Complex have supported agriculture for centuries, but deforestation has led to soil erosion, which in turn has caused rivers to become laden with pollutants and agrochemicals. These pollutants ultimately flow into the Mara River, a lifeline for over 62% of the households in the Mau catchment basin.
Biodiversity at Risk
In addition to its ecological value, the Mau Forest Complex holds cultural and medicinal importance for the local communities that rely on it. The forest is a source of medicinal plants, traditional remedies, and materials used by indigenous communities. However, the forest’s deterioration is threatening these time-honored practices. The loss of biodiversity, coupled with the transformation of perennial rivers into seasonal streams, is jeopardizing not only wildlife but also the livelihoods of countless Kenyans.
The Crisis: How We Got Here
The Mau Forest Complex has been severely impacted by deforestation, excisions, and illegal settlements, especially over the last two decades. In the South Western Mau, where the Mara River begins, entire sections of the forest have been clear-felled, making way for cultivation right up to the riverbanks. This has led to increased soil erosion, causing massive floods during the rainy season and droughts during the dry season. The loss of tree cover means that the soil, which once held the water like a sponge, now runs off, carrying pollutants into critical water bodies.
As a result, the Mau Forest Complex now has some of the highest runoff rates in Kenya, especially in areas where the land slopes as steeply as 60 degrees. These steep gradients, combined with human encroachment, have accelerated erosion, creating a cascade of environmental degradation that affects communities, agriculture, and ecosystems downstream.
Climaton's Holistic Reforestation Project: A Bold Solution
At Climaton, we believe that this crisis presents a profound opportunity for change. Our mission is to restore the Mau Forest Complex to its former glory through our ambitious Holistic Reforestation Project. Our vision is to plant 50 million trees within the complex, restoring lost forest cover and ensuring the health of Kenya’s most important water tower for generations to come.
But we know this is not just about planting trees — it’s about creating a sustainable and long-lasting impact. That’s why our approach goes beyond simply putting seedlings in the ground. We have assembled a team of 1,000 highly trained, incentivized tree-planting stewards, each dedicated to planting, nurturing, and monitoring the trees until they reach maturity. These stewards will oversee every aspect of the reforestation process, from soil preparation to weekly health checks for each tree.
Indigenous Tree Species to be Planted (Crucial for Biodiversity Restoration).
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Juniperus procera (African Pencil Cedar)
A native conifer that thrives in montane forests, it provides excellent habitat for wildlife. -
Olea africana (African Olive)
This drought-resistant, evergreen tree is important for soil conservation and provides edible fruits for wildlife. -
Podocarpus latifolius (Yellowwood)
A slow-growing, long-living tree that stabilizes soil and serves as a keystone species in montane forests like Mau. -
Prunus africana (African Cherry) Known for its medicinal bark, this tree is also essential for forest biodiversity and supports wildlife.
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Warburgia ugandensis (East African Greenheart)
A critically important medicinal tree with antifungal and antibacterial properties, often used in traditional medicine. -
Croton megalocarpus (Broad-Leaved Croton)
A fast-growing species that helps in forest regeneration and provides habitat and food for birds. -
Vitex keniensis (Meru Oak)
One of Kenya’s most prized indigenous hardwoods, supports the forest’s wildlife. -
Ficus thonningii (Strangler Fig)
A keystone species that supports a wide range of wildlife, including birds and small mammals, by providing fruits and habitat. -
Dombeya torrida (Dombeya)
A pioneer species that plays a role in stabilizing degraded areas and offers a good source of fodder. -
Albizia gummifera (Peacock Albizia)
A fast-growing nitrogen-fixing tree that improves soil fertility and provides a habitat for wildlife. -
Cordia africana (East African Cordia)
A multipurpose tree used for agroforestry, timber, and medicinal purposes. It thrives in tropical montane environments. -
Markhamia lutea (Nile Tulip Tree)
Known for its ornamental and medicinal value, this tree is also excellent for reforestation due to its resilience. -
Syzygium guineense (Waterberry)
A riparian tree species that thrives near rivers, crucial for water conservation and providing fruits for wildlife. -
Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter Leaf Tree)
A species valued for its medicinal leaves and ability to grow in diverse soil conditions. -
Polyscias kikuyuensis (Kikuyu Polyscias)
An indigenous tree found in Kenya's highland forests, useful for stabilizing soil and providing a habitat for birds. -
Hagenia abyssinica (African Redwood)
A keystone species in montane forests, it improves soil fertility through its nutrient-rich leaf litter and provides medicinal flowers used in traditional medicine. -
Newtonia buchananii (Forest Newtonia)
A large tree that thrives in tropical montane forests, it provides a critical habitat for birds and mammals and is valuable for its timber. -
Ocotea usambarensis (East African Camphorwood)
A tall, evergreen tree that is highly valued for its timber and plays an important role in the forest’s water cycle and microclimate. -
Ehretia cymosa (Forest Ehretia)
A fast-growing species that is important for reforestation, it provides habitat and food for wildlife, particularly birds. -
Polyscias fulva (Parasol Tree)
Known for its fast growth, this tree is great for forest restoration, especially in degraded areas, and provides shade and shelter for smaller plants and animals. -
Fagaropsis angolensis (Corkwood Tree)
A large tree species native to East African highlands, it supports forest biodiversity and has timber and medicinal value. -
Rhus natalensis (Natal Rhus)
A hardy species that is highly tolerant of varied climatic conditions. It plays a significant role in stabilizing soils and supporting wildlife with its fruits. -
Teclea nobilis (Small-leaved Teclea)
An evergreen tree used traditionally for medicinal purposes, it is also important for wildlife and soil conservation. -
Syzygium cordatum (Waterberry Tree)
An evergreen species found near rivers and wetlands, it plays a crucial role in water retention and provides edible fruits for both humans and wildlife. -
Bersama abyssinica (Abyssinian Bersama)
A small to medium-sized tree found in tropical montane forests, this species contributes to soil stabilization and biodiversity support, particularly for birds and insects.y
Commercially Viable (Sustainably Managed to support Livelihoods.
Commercially viable trees species to be planted to support sustainable livelihoods for local communities while minimizing ecological disruption.
- Grevillea robusta (Silk Oak)
A popular agroforestry species used for timber and shade, growing well alongside indigenous species without invasive tendencies. - Eucalyptus globulus (Blue Gum)
While controversial due to high water demand, it can be planted in carefully selected areas for sustainable timber production under managed forestry systems. - Cupressus lusitanica (Mexican Cypress)
Frequently planted for timber and reforestation, it grows well in the highlands and helps support local economies. - Pinus patula (Patula Pine)
A commercially valuable tree species commonly used for timber and pulpwood production in reforestation projects. - Casuarina equisetifolia (Whistling Pine)
A fast-growing, salt-tolerant species that helps in soil stabilization and is widely used for timber and charcoal production in sustainable systems.
Why Choose Climaton?
Seamless, End-to-End Tree Planting
With Climaton, planting trees in the Mau Forest Complex has never been easier. We’ve eliminated the logistical and operational hurdles that have traditionally made large-scale reforestation projects difficult for companies and individuals to participate in. When you purchase tree seedlings through our platform, you’re not just donating — you’re making a direct investment in the future of the Mau Forest.
A Proven Track Record
Our stewards are highly trained professionals, capable of ensuring a 95% survival rate for all the seedlings we plant. Whether your company has struggled with logistical challenges in previous tree-planting efforts or you’re looking to make your first contribution, Climaton takes care of all the details — from selecting the best tree species for each area to providing continuous care for the seedlings.
Indigenous and Commercial Species
We plant a diverse mix of indigenous trees — like cedar, bamboo, and African olive — alongside carefully selected exotic species. This ensures the restoration of natural biodiversity while also supporting local economic activities, as some of the species are grown for commercial use in a sustainable manner. Additionally, our project supports the regeneration of medicinal plants, helping preserve the cultural and healing traditions of local communities.
Be Part of the Change: Rebuild the Future of the Mau Forest Complex
This is more than just a reforestation project — it’s a movement. By partnering with Climaton, you’re contributing to the revitalization of an ecosystem that is critical to Kenya’s environmental health and the well-being of its people. Our reforestation project will help regulate water cycles, prevent soil erosion, protect endangered species, and combat climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide.
Global Participation, Local Impact
Whether you are an environmentally-conscious individual, a conservation-focused company, or a global organization committed to sustainability, Climaton’s platform allows you to make a tangible difference. From any corner of the world, you can help restore the Mau Forest Complex, knowing that your contribution will be planted, nurtured, and cared for by our dedicated stewards.
Together, we can rebuild the Mau Forest Complex, one tree at a time. Join us on this journey to restore Kenya’s most important water tower and leave a legacy of sustainable impact. ???? Plant the future, with Climaton.
