Chief conservator of forests Alex Lemarkoko has thrown his weight behind Canadian environmental champion Antoine Moses (Antomos) as Kenya hosts a historic 24-hour mangrove planting marathon at Mirarani in Tudor Creek, Mombasa County, aimed at setting a new global record of 40,000 mangrove propagules in a single day.
The challenge, which began at 6:30 AM on April 30, 2026 and runs until 6:30 AM on May 1, 2026, places Kenya at the centre of a global climate action moment while advancing the country’s ambitious restoration agenda.
Lemarkoko described mangroves as one of Kenya’s most valuable coastal assets, saying: “In Kenya, mangroves span over 64,000 hectares, quiet guardians of our coastline. They shield coastal communities from storms, sustain fisheries, support livelihoods, and store vast amounts of carbon. Their value is not just ecological, it is deeply human and economic.”
He warned that these critical ecosystems remain under pressure, adding: “Mangrove forests are under threat from illegal logging, pollution, and climate change.”
The record attempt follows another recent tree-planting milestone in Kenya and, according to Lemarkoko, should inspire wider public participation in environmental restoration.
“Following the remarkable effort by Hillary Kiplagat, who planted 23,326 trees in 24 hours at Kaptagat Forest, these young men challenge us all to use what we have in our hands to achieve Kenya’s 15 billion trees target, especially during this rainy season,” he said.
Moses, a globally recognised environmental advocate and current record holder, is attempting to plant the mangroves continuously for 24 hours in an event that has attracted international attention.
The challenge is being hosted by the EarthLungs Reforestation Foundation in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry and Canadian partner Veritree.
Organisers say the event is about more than a record. It is intended to restore degraded mangrove ecosystems, protect Kenya’s coastline, enhance marine biodiversity and strengthen climate resilience.
Mangroves are considered one of the world’s most effective natural climate solutions because they store significantly more carbon than inland forests while also supporting fisheries and livelihoods for coastal communities.
The species being planted during the attempt include Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, Avicennia marina and Bruguiera gymnorhiza, all vital to the health of Kenya’s coastal wetlands.
The challenge is also being live-streamed globally, turning Tudor Creek into a showcase of African-led climate action.
