Every year, we look forward to visiting our botanical growers and regeneration partners in Kenya. 2024 was no exception. Emilie and I spent a month in Kilifi, home to four of our restoration projects.

Earlier this year, we explored Cha Simba caves multiple times, even holding a brand photoshoot in their stunning limestone formations. This historic site and the community's commitment to protecting and restoring their land, despite the threat from a mining exploration project, deeply inspired us. Despite the mounting pressures, the community made time to welcome us and share their hospitality.

We were thrilled to show Ludmila, one of our impact investors, the beauty of Cha Simba, also known as "the Lion Cave."

Experiencing projects, and their development, firsthand really brings it to life for us, and in this case Ludmila. Meeting the kind-spirited ladies running the tree nursery and learning how they protect and restore this natural biodiversity hotspot was nothing short of remarkable. Supporting this ancient limestone relic, so close to where we source our Baobab Seeds, is incredibly enriching for Star Seed and reinforces our purpose.

We're excited to share more about the Cha Simba Relics project. This initiative is a testament to the success of environmental restoration and community empowerment. Here are some of the latest highlights from Wincate, the LEAF's program manager:

Establishment of an Indigenous Tree Nursery:
Last year, we established a thriving tree nursery at Cha Simba. It has since become a source of livelihood for at least 20 community members through the sale of seedlings.

To date, over 6,000 seedlings from 25 indigenous species have been propagated. More than 4,000 seedlings have been sold or donated for planting on the site and in community farmlands. Species include Erythrina sacleuxii, Strychnos spinosa, and Adansonia digitata, fostering biodiversity and ecological balance.

Tree Planting Initiative:
On April 29, 2024, we planted 600 indigenous trees around the caves, providing income to 30 community members for their labor and contributing directly to the Cha Simba Caves Association through the purchase of seedlings. The species planted included Afzelia quanzensis, Grewia plagiophylla, and Tamarindus indica.

Collaborative Efforts:
This planting event was a collaborative effort with our partner organizations: The LEAF, Distant Relatives, Cha Simba Caves Association, and Chariots Creatives, demonstrating the power of community and partnership in environmental conservation.

Progress and Impact:
The Cha Simba Relics project has now received a total of 2,070 new trees, with 1,200 supported directly through our efforts. The trees planted at Cha Simba boast an incredible survival rate of over 90%.

The restoration efforts extend to the Pwani University site, where 436 Cha Simba saplings were planted with an impressive survival rate of over 85%.

Future Outlook:
To ensure the continued success of this project, we plan to conduct a survey to confirm the current survival rates of the trees and develop strategies to mitigate future challenges.

Join our regenerative journey and witness the impact of the Cha Simba Relics project in real-time on the Explorer.Land map. Together, we are creating a global community with local activists.