Mandera Clinches International Green City Award

The Municipality of Mandera, a semi-arid region in Kenya, has garnered international recognition by winning the prestigious Green City Award in the 'Living Green for Climate Change' category.

This accolade, presented by the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) at the Royal Jaabeurs in Utrecht, Netherlands, comes as a result of the transformative Mandera Green Initiative, an eight-year project that has significantly altered the landscape and livelihood of the area. The initiative was born out of necessity, as explained by Mandera County Governor Mohamed Khalif Adan. During the collapse of the Somali Government, an influx of refugees into the Mandera East Constituency led to severe deforestation and land degradation. This crisis served as the catalyst for the green initiative, which faced initial challenges due to the refugee occupancy but persevered through community determination.

Over the course of its implementation, the Mandera Green Initiative has achieved remarkable success. It has transformed the once barren land into a thriving green space, simultaneously creating employment opportunities for over 1,300 residents, with a focus on vulnerable youth and women. This shift has been particularly impactful for women who previously relied on dangerous and often unlawful work to support their families. The initiative has provided these individuals with safer, more sustainable livelihoods. The project's success is rooted in its comprehensive approach to environmental restoration and community engagement. Unlike typical reforestation efforts, the trees planted in Mandera require constant nurturing for up to seven years due to the region's semi-desert conditions.

This intensive care has become a lifeline for many vulnerable residents, including widows, orphans, and those living in poverty. Despite the high costs associated with such meticulous care, Governor Adan affirms that the returns have been worthwhile. The greening efforts have not only improved the aesthetic appeal of the town but have also had a tangible impact on its climate, making it cooler and more livable. This transformation caught the attention of the Global AIPH Awards, ultimately leading to Mandera's victory. The initiative has also gained national support, with President William Ruto advocating for similar tree-planting projects across Kenya as part of the global effort to mitigate climate change.

Mandera's achievement is particularly noteworthy given the strong competition it faced in its category. Competing against projects from Liverpool, UK (URBAN GreenUP) and Melbourne, Australia (Green Factor Tool), both of which focused on urban greening solutions, Mandera's unique approach and significant community impact set it apart. The Mandera Green Initiative represents a holistic response to the region's environmental and socio-economic challenges. It encompasses systematic tree planting, nurturing, and the establishment of critical water infrastructure to support sustainable forest growth.

This includes the installation of underground and elevated water storage tanks, which are regularly replenished by water bowsers. The active engagement of 1,300 participants, many of whom are women and youth, not only provides them with monthly stipends but also enhances family stability and fosters a sense of community ownership.