A 2024 recap of restoration, community-led action and hope!
Our mission is to holistically restore one billion acres across the planet to create lasting environmental and social impact, and we can’t do it without you!
2024 saw us doubling down on this mission, working hand in hand with local communities, passionate volunteers, and dedicated partners to scale our efforts and drive meaningful change.
Our Key Projects in 2024
We are proud to have worked on several impactful projects this year. Here are a few highlights from our efforts:
1) Restoring Mangroves and Empowering Women
We teamed up with the incredible women of the Blue Earth Organization, a community-led group along the Mkupe Conservancy in Mombasa, Kenya, focused on restoring vital mangrove ecosystems.
Their mission is to create a thriving coastal ecosystem where mangroves flourish, women lead the charge in environmental stewardship, and local communities become economically independent.
These coastal ecosystems protect against rising sea levels, and fierce storms, and mitigate the impact of climate change while providing essential habitats for wildlife. By placing women at the forefront of conservation efforts, we’re proud to support a project that blends environmental protection with social empowerment.
Together, we’re working to:
- Restore Mangroves: Plant 100,000 mangrove seedlings across 10 hectares of the Mkupe Conservancy to fight climate change, restore habitats for wildlife and provide ecosystem services to local communities.
- Empower Women: Establish 10 beehives, creating sustainable income opportunities that empower local women while supporting the ecosystem.
- Educate Communities: Bring environmental education straight to local schools through workshops and fun awareness campaigns, fostering future eco-champions.
2) Saving Kenya’s Last Tropical Rainforest
Located in Western Kenya, the Kakamega Forest is the easternmost remnant of the Guineo-Congo lowland rainforest, a once expansive ecosystem stretching from West Africa to East Africa.
Covering approximately 230 square kilometres, less than half of Kakamega Forest remains as indigenous forest, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts.
We have partnered with Kenya Forestry Service and Commonwealth Forestry Association with a focus on reforestation, conservation, and empowering local communities to protect and restore this vital ecosystem for future generations.
As a critical ecosystem, this forest is home to unique flora and fauna while providing essential resources for surrounding communities. However, its proximity to one of Kenya’s most densely populated rural areas has led to significant environmental pressure, including deforestation caused by reliance on forest resources such as timber, firewood, and medicinal plants.
Despite these challenges, the communities around Kakamega Forest remain proud custodians of this unique ecosystem, with their conservation efforts deeply rooted in cultural heritage.
Together, we’re working to:
- Strengthen Local Groups: Collaborate with community-led initiatives, such as women’s self-help groups and youth nurseries, to build capacity and create sustainable income sources.
- Restore Indigenous Forests: Plant native trees and remove invasive species to restore biodiversity and ensure long-term ecosystem resilience.
- Educate and Engage: Promote conservation awareness through community outreach and train local leaders in sustainable environmental practices.
New Resource Hub Launch
This year, we also proudly launched our Resource Hub , providing guides and practical tools for activists, community leaders, and businesses that want to make a meaningful difference in the fight to save our planet.
Our Resource Hub is a knowledge-sharing platform that empowers changemakers worldwide to take action big and small to help our planet!
Check it out here:https://leavingalegacy.co/resource-guides/
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we reflect on a year of transformation and impact, we look forward to building on these successes in 2025.
We are excited to scale our initiatives, deepen community engagement, and make an even bigger difference in the fight to save our planet.
Thank you for being part of our mission, together we’re Leaving a Legacy of action and hope!