Growing up in Nyeri, Elizabeth Wathuti remembers rivers that ran clear, thick tree cover and farmlands that seemed endlessly generous.
As she grew older, she began noticing forests thinning, water sources shrinking and communities becoming increasingly vulnerable to drought and unpredictable weather.
That early observation would shape a journey that has turned the 30-year-old into one of Africa’s most recognisable voices in climate restoration.
Today, she is the founder of the Green Generation Initiative, a Kenyan organisation that is using environmental restoration and youth leadership to tackle the effects of climate change.
"When we protect forests, rivers and wetlands, we are not just restoring nature; we are securing water, food, livelihoods and a healthier future for communities."
But unlike many climate advocates whose work revolves around policy papers and global conferences, Wathuti’s approach starts much closer to home. Her organisation works with schools and communities, encouraging children and young people to plant and nurture trees while learning about environmental stewardship and food security.
The project involves planting indigenous fruit trees in schools, allowing children to green their environment and improve nutrition through school gardens.
The initiative has grown into one of Africa’s fastest-growing youth-led climate organisations, focusing on restoration, community resilience and climate education. The initiative has planted more than six million trees in Kenya since founding in 2016.
For Wathuti, however, the work is not simply about increasing tree cover.
“When we protect forests, rivers and wetlands, we are not just restoring nature; we are securing water, food, livelihoods and a healthier future for communities.”
“At the same time, I want conservation and restoration to create opportunities, especially for young people and women, so that protecting nature also improves lives, livelihoods, and strengthens local economies.” she says.
–Kabui Mwangi