RYGM – Rusinga Youth Greening Movement

This is the core message of the committed young people.

They not only run the tree nursery founded in April 2021 on a voluntary basis, but also regularly launch door-to-door campaigns. This has already led to great progress, as deforestation has decreased, allowing several native tree species to grow naturally, especially around hills and public spaces.

RYGM sees positive behavior change as the key to greater forest cover on Rusinga and has therefore continued to raise awareness in schools, churches and public meetings. Schools are the main public targets. Students are trained in tree care, and they are already noticing gradual positive changes, which is a great motivator.

The Rusinga Youth Greening Movement has also identified some schools, churches, private homes and public lands where extensive tree planting and tree rehabilitation work can be done. It has also conducted some trainings on positive environmental change, thus promoting community interest in the greening initiative.