Friends of River Ezava-Forezava

Earlier this week, global news broke that China has discovered one of the largest gold ore deposits in its history. Found in the Shandong Province, the deposit is being described as “supergiant” and is estimated to hold over 50 tonnes of gold. You can read the full article here . Now, this might seem far removed from our small villages here in Vihiga County. But it isn’t. In fact, it raises a very serious question about what is happening right here, in our backyards. Chinese-Backed Mining in Our Villages In recent months, several Chinese-backed companies have quietly set up small-scale mining operations across our region. These operations claim to be mining gold—but their activities tell a different story. Rather than supporting our local artisanal miners and cooperatives, these companies often take over entire mining zones. They extract huge quantities of ore and carry it away—unprocessed and unverified. None of the minerals are tested or refined here in Kenya. Everything is shipp...

In the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, when silence haunted classrooms and hope seemed scattered in the wind, I found myself drawn—pulled, even—towards something humbler, yet profoundly powerful: the soil. As a teacher in a rural community, the pandemic hit hard. Schools were closed. My students, without access to digital learning, were left in academic limbo. I felt disoriented and disconnected—like a voice without a platform. Yet, amidst that stillness, there was a quiet calling. The earth beneath my feet, the trees around my village, and the scattered seeds I began collecting whispered a different kind of lesson: start where you are, do what you can. The photo above captures that moment in time. A crate of seeds, collected from around my village, balanced on my shoulder. I was heading to the farm—unsure of what exactly I was building, but confident that it meant something. That act of seed collection and propagation was my way of reimagining education, rethinking resilience, and ...

In our continued commitment to environmental conservation and community-driven climate action, Forezava today marked yet another impactful milestone—this time at Chamasilihi Primary School , where a tree growing exercise brought together learners, educators, and environmental champions for a common cause: making learning spaces greener and safer. This special initiative engaged 15 enthusiastic pupils , who were introduced to the power of trees not only as providers of shade and beauty but also as natural, living fences . The school's current need for secure boundaries presented a practical learning opportunity for both ecological restoration and school safety. By planting trees as a living fence, the school is embracing a solution that is sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally enriching. The Deputy Headteacher of Chamasilihi Primary expressed his appreciation for the collaborative effort, highlighting the significance of partnerships like this in transforming school e...

 In our rural communities, life revolves around the essentials. At the end of the day, many of us pass by mama mboga or the kibandasky to buy a small portion of vegetables—just enough to make dinner. These small transactions are built on trust—you know that mama mboga will always have fresh sukuma wiki, and she knows sometimes you can lack the cash to pay but still she may never disappoint. This system works because both sides know they’re getting something valuable. But then, there’s carbon credits—a concept that sounds distant and complicated for many. Ask anyone at the local market, and you’re likely to get a puzzled look. Why should carbon credits matter to a smallholder farmer who plants trees for firewood, shade, or fruits? The idea seems more relevant to big companies in distant places than to our everyday lives. And for a long time that has been the norm, but we seek to change it! Why Carbon Credits Matter to Us Here’s the reality: while planting trees has always been...

 May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I’ve found myself increasingly drawn to join the conversation. My desire to speak up is not just driven by statistics or trending discussions, but by a deeply personal experience—a near nervous breakdown just a few weeks ago. The pressure of maintaining a work-life balance became almost unbearable, and I found myself on the verge of losing touch with reality. In that moment, I knew something needed to change. As a child, I had this peculiar habit that some, like one of my uncles, called 'bad manners.' I would venture down to a small local river, barefoot, and start wading through the water from one point to another. I moved aimlessly, soaking in the coolness, unbothered by crabs, stinging insects, or even the lurking danger of snakes in the bushes. It was my version of a daredevil act, but it brought me a sense of adventure and deep fulfillment. After trudging through kilometers of slippery rocks, thorny thickets, and wild terrain, I ...

At Lusengeli Secondary School, a vibrant spirit of environmental stewardship took root recently as students from the Scouting Club, Handball Club, and Environment Club came together to embark on a transformative journey towards sustainability. The day was filled with enthusiasm, learning, and action as young learners immersed themselves in climate change education and tree planting, culminating in the establishment of a school-based Active Climate Change Club. Guided by the principles of environmental conservation, the students participated in interactive sessions on the role of youth in addressing climate change. The event, supported by Forezava, was designed to empower learners with practical knowledge and hands-on skills. The young leaders embraced their roles with remarkable energy, actively engaging in discussions on sustainable practices and their significance in building resilient communities. One of the day’s highlights was the planting of over 100 indigenous tree seedlings aro...

There’s something incredibly humbling about standing beneath a guava tree, its branches heavy with ripe, juicy fruit. As I stood there today, in the heart of a local riparian forest, memories from years past came rushing back. Back then, this was more than just a forest—it was a sanctuary, a playground, and an escape for the curious minds of my Village. Growing up around River Ezava, we knew every winding path, every bend of the river, and every towering tree. But none held as much allure as the guava trees. During peak season, the branches would be adorned with plump, fragrant fruit, drawing us like moths to a flame. The thrill of climbing up to reach the best guavas, balancing on branches while savoring their tangy sweetness, was an adventure in itself. Swimming in the river, skipping stones, and running barefoot through the forest made every visit unforgettable. These experiences, spontaneous and pure, shaped our understanding of nature’s gift. Today, as I climbed one of those very ...

I did watch about an incredible documentary about reality within the Amazon rainforest, a remarkable ecological partnership between the Brazil nut tree (Bertholletia excelsa) and a small, squirrel-like rodent known as the agouti. These rodents possess the unique ability to crack open the hard shells of Brazil nut pods, consuming some seeds and burying others for future use. Often, the agoutis forget these buried seeds, which then germinate and grow into new Brazil nut trees, playing a crucial role in forest regeneration. This natural process of seed dispersal and tree growth inspired us at Forezava to develop the Seed2Tree campaign. Our initiative aims to emulate this ecological partnership by involving local communities in the collection, germination, and nurturing of tree seedlings. Just as the agouti inadvertently supports forest growth, humans can consciously contribute to reforestation efforts by ensuring seeds are planted and cared for until maturity. Understanding the Seed2Tree ...

I have observed with great concern how large media platforms are being used to greenwash climate action initiatives. Some so-called 'Climate Change Influencers' boast about planting 100,000 trees in a school or a forest. However, upon closer scrutiny, these claims often turn out to be grossly exaggerated or outright falsehoods. Unfortunately, such misleading narratives are not only accepted but also celebrated by some partners and even local government officials. The core issue here is not just the false claims but the profound consequences of these untruths. Greenwashing creates a false sense of progress and undermines genuine efforts towards environmental sustainability. It distracts attention and resources from community-driven initiatives that are more practical, sustainable, and impactful. Greenwashing has become a trend where influencers and organizations seek applause rather than real change. They use their vast platforms to broadcast activities that appear grand on the ...

As I walked home from work today, I paused to capture a breathtaking moment—the sun piercing through the branches of a tree, illuminating the world around me. It was a striking reminder of how a star, nearly 149.6 million kilometers away, nourishes our planet. The sun, often taken for granted in our daily lives, is more than just a bright ball in the sky. It is the epicenter of life on Earth. Every beam of light that reaches us is a product of nuclear fusion happening within its core—a continuous reaction that transforms hydrogen into helium, releasing an immense amount of energy. This energy, in the form of sunlight, travels across the vast expanse of space to reach us, a journey that takes approximately eight minutes and twenty seconds. Once sunlight arrives on Earth, it becomes the lifeblood of ecosystems. Plants, in their simple yet brilliant ingenuity, capture this light through photosynthesis, transforming carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose. This process not only f...

As always, I've been taking walks within the local forest ecosystems, mainly along River Ezava and the associated river ecosystems. These walks have not only rejuvenated my spirit but have also rekindled a profound connection to nature's rhythm. As I navigate through the thick canopies, my senses come alive with the scent of fresh earth, the songs of birds, and the vibrant colors of wild flora. One of the most enchanting moments is finding ripe, juicy guava fruits and wild berries along the trail. Picking and tasting these natural treats fills me with ambition and optimism, reminding me of nature's abundant gifts. These moments are not just nostalgic but deeply symbolic. They remind me of the days when boys and girls would venture into these forests, not just to explore but to experience the simple joy of collecting fruits and splashing in the river. Such experiences are more than just childhood memories; they are traditions that forged our connection with the environment. ...

We believe in the power of sports and environmental stewardship to build resilient communities. This week, our team embarked on an inspiring community engagement initiative at Demesi Secondary School, blending the thrill of soccer with impactful climate action. Sports and Sustainability: A Winning Combination In a bid to strengthen community ties and raise awareness on climate change, the Forezava team hosted a friendly soccer match with the students of Demesi Secondary School. The game wasn’t just about competition—it was about collaboration, learning, and making a difference. The match ended in a 3-0 victory for the Forezava team, but the day’s real win was the collective commitment to environmental conservation. Students, teachers, and our team members came together to plant 100 indigenous trees around the school compound as part of our #PlantALegacy campaign. This initiative not only contributes to biodiversity but also symbolizes our commitment to nurturing a greener future. Cr...

There’s a certain magic in watching a river ripple past an old tree or observing how a tiny insect makes its home on a resilient plant. Through my lens, I have come to appreciate the incredible stories that nature tells—stories of survival, persistence, and the quiet determination to thrive against all odds. Zoom Into Nature! was born from this deep-seated curiosity and respect for nature’s innate ability to self-preserve. As a visual storyteller, I am constantly fascinated by how nature, even when faced with the harshest of conditions, finds ways to persist. A river meandering through rocky terrain, a flower blossoming amid the urban sprawl, or a bird singing after a storm—all of these moments speak to me of resilience and renewal. My journey into nature photography began as a personal quest to reconnect with the environment around me. I found that each shot, each frame, had a story to tell. Over time, it became more than just capturing beautiful images—it became a way of preserving ...