Environmentalists Raise Concern Over Export Of Ancient Baobab Tree From Kenya

• The Kenyan government finally approved the export of eight Baobab trees from Kilifi county to Shekvetili Dendrological Park Ltd in Georgia
• Paula Kahumbu, the CEO WildlifeDirect, claimed that the ship carrying Baobab trees was spotted near Mtwapa heading towards Mombasa
• Elphic Tossi said the Baobab tree, an iconic symbol of Africa's diverse landscapes, holds great cultural, ecological, and economic significance

Kilifi - On Saturday, August 12, conservationist Paula Kahumbu shared photos of four ancient Baobab trees on board a ship in the Indian Ocean.

Kahumbu, the CEO WildlifeDirect claimed that the ship was spotted near Mtwapa heading towards Mombasa.

"@DCI_Kenya, please investigate and arrest these people who are defying the order to stop Baobab tree removal from Kenya. These four (4) ancient trees are near Mtwapa now heading south," Kahumbu tweeted.

Immediately, the post elicited mixed reactions on social media, with environmental activists observing that the shipment was a form of bio-piracy and a mockery of President William Ruto's campaign to plant 15 billion trees.

"Over the last month, about 4-8 trees are moved per week. This is disastrous. As this happens, power is shut down from Mtondia to Kibaoni, sometimes for two days. Kilifi county government should do something about this," said Geomatics Engineer turned Public Health Researcher Moses Chapa Kiti.

Where are the Baobab trees exported to?

TUKO.co.ke understands that after long deliberations and much controversy, the Kenyan government finally approved the export of eight Baobab trees from Kilifi county to Shekvetili Dendrological Park Ltd in Ureki, Ozurgeti Municipality, Georgia.

In November 2022, Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Chief Conservator Julius Kamau initially permitted a Georgian, Georgey Gvasaliya, to export the trees.

However, President Ruto subsequently ordered an investigation, and the permit was revoked in a letter dated November 22.

In response to further instructions from Environment Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya on January 18, the chief conservator issued a new permit on January 30 that lifted the revocation.

Is Baobab a protected species in Kenya

KFS stipulated that the Baobab tree is not an endangered species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, nor is it a protected species in Kenya or listed on any of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) appendices.

Furthermore, the county government of Kilifi had issued a certificate of origin and permit to harvest and the proponent had expressed a willingness to trade.

The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis) and the National Environment Management Authority of Kenya (Nema) also issued a phytosanitary certificate and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) licence, respectively, on January 17.

This licence was only applicable for the eight Baobab trees, subject to payment of any government statutory fees.

Therefore, the Kenyan government finally granted permission for the export of the Baobab trees on January 30, with the stipulation that all government fees must be paid.

This decision brought to an end the lengthy and contentious dispute over the export of the trees.

What are the benefits of Baobab tree?

When reached for comment, Onemilliontrees4kilifi Director Elphic Tossi told TUKO.co.ke that the majestic Baobab tree, an iconic symbol of Africa's diverse landscapes, holds great cultural, ecological, and economic significance.

"However, the exportation of Baobab trees from Kilifi county to other regions, such as Georgia, raises serious concerns about the potential harm it could inflict on the local ecosystem and community," said Elphic.

The environmentalist explained that the Baobab tree exportation could harm Kilifi county even as he highlighted the importance of preserving these ancient giants within their natural habitat.

"It's believed that a farmer is being paid KSh 30,000 for one tree others say the company is giving KSh 430,000 equivalent of 3000 US dollars for one tree," Elphic further said.

According to Elphic, the tree is highly worshipped in Kilifi as it used to be used as a place of worship by elders.

The trees also provide habitat, food, and shelter for numerous species, including birds, insects, and mammals.

"It saddens to see the tree being exported, it's like our churches are being shipped out," Elphic lamented.

How Baobab tree curbs soil erosion

Elphic also said the trees contribute to the local flora and fauna by creating microhabitats, supporting pollinators, and enriching the soil with fallen leaves and fruits.

Among many other benefits of the tree, Elphic said the Baobab plays a crucial role in maintaining soil health through their extensive root systems.

"These roots help prevent erosion and promote water retention, which is vital in regions prone to drought," he added.

Already, Elphic's organisation has initiated a petition calling upon members of the public to sign and help stop the exportation of baobab.

"The trees are being exported to Georgia by the former prime minister of Georgia to make a private park. The trees are uprooted and shipped. Due to their nature where they can regrow. The trees are believed to be over 300 years," he further said.

How Baobab is a lucrative business

In the petition, Elphic argues that the removal of Baobab trees from their habitat could lead to increased soil degradation, reduced water availability, and diminished agricultural productivity in Kilifi county.

In a related story, TUKO.co.ke previously reported that President Ruto called for equitable revenue sharing from the Baobab tree export in Kilifi.

This followed a move by the residents to sell the trees to an American firm, turning into a lucrative business.

Ruto said proper authorisation should be implemented about the tree planting agenda and define the revenue sharing formula.