Conservation of the threatened trees of Chasimba and Pangani Limestone outcrop in Kilifi county, Kenya

Conservation of the threatened trees of Chasimba and Pangani Limestone outcrop in Kilifi county, Kenya

Partner: The Little Environmental Action Foundation (The LEAF Charity)
Years: 2025-2027

In 2021-2023, the LEAF was part of a Fondation Franklinia funded project, “Mainstreaming threatened species into tree planting programs in Kenya” facilitated through Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) to conserve threatened tree species in Kilifi county, Kenya. With this new funding, restoration efforts at Chasimba and Pangani are to be strengthened. In-situ species presence should increase through reforestation, protection and rehabilitation activities.

Bauhinia mombassae(EN)

The Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa are a biodiversity hotspot harbouring more than 4,000 native plant species and are major centres of endemism. Despite its high biodiversity value, the region faces several challenges including fragmentation. Some of the fragmented forest patches are unprotected and at the heart of the community lands. These fragments are centres for endemism and are home to Endangered and Critically Endangered species. Their conservation is paramount in the fight against rampant biodiversity loss.
The Little Environmental Action Foundation, also known as The LEAF Charity, is a UK-registered charity that works with local communities to safeguard threatened habitats, restore vital ecosystems and combat climate change through reforestation and education efforts.
In response to this growing threat, the LEAF aims to increase in-situ populations of threatened species found at two of the forest patches which are limestone outcrops in Kilifi County. This will be achieved through seed collection, propagation of threatened tree species and their associated species, and replanting. The funding will also promote employment opportunities for the local communities through the project activities, such as patrolling, eco-tourism, nursery work and seed collection.