The Lavington Rotary Eco Club in partnership with Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Forest Research Institute (KERFI) I & M Bank, and Muguga
Ecosystem Research Community Forest Association (MERCFA), on Saturday hosted the annual Rotary charity run in memory of Kenya’s heroine and nature conservationist, the late Prof. Wangari Maathai in Muguga Forest.
The annual charity run marked the 11th commemoration to celebrate her outstanding achievements to empower communities, reduce poverty and conserve the environment through tree planting.
All participants were able to join in 5 KM family run 16KM run and
other activities geared towards educating the public on the importance of environmental sustainability.
In addition, participants had a chance to plant trees in a push to sustain and protect Muguga forest and its natural resources.
“Wangari Maathai is the benchmark for environmental responsibility and set an example ofwhat it means to care for the future of the planet and our community. The annual charity run helps create awareness in our quest for environmental protection and preservation. We want to build a network of people who can benefit from each other’s knowledge experience and perspectives on environmental issues,” said Wambui Mbarire, President, Lavington Rotary Eco Club.
Special guest, Douglas Wakiihuri, the first ever Kenya to win a gold medal in the marathon at the 1987 World Championships in Athletics in Rome, graced the event and spearheaded the 16Km run.
“Sustaining our natural environment is a responsibility and cause that I am proud to be part of. More than ever before, it is important that wetake appropriate actions necessary to address the issues of our surroundings the spirit and zeal of the late Prof. Wangari Maathai”
said, Douglas Wakiihuri, Former Kenyan long-distance runner.
The effects of environmental degradation are far-reaching and tree planting in all available spaces within and outside forests ensures sustainability and that these effects are mitigated.
Tree planting is also fundamental to the survival of forest-dwellers, and one of the most effective ways to mitigate the effects of climate change. A single mature tree can remove upwards of 25kgs of harmful greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere.
The Lavington Eco Rotary Club is a single-focused cause-based club initiated in 2019 as a subsidiary of the Rotary Club of Lavington aims to engage its community in dialogue, networking, and hands on service projects around environmentally sustainable causes.
Through its activities, the club seeks to build a “green culture” within and outside of Rotary.
It also aims to identify environmental issues in communities and work collaboratively with others to promote sustainable existence in communities.