Indian HC in Nairobi to plant 500,000 saplings under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative
Nairobi, June 5
High Commission of India in Nairobi on Friday announced that they will plant 500,000 trees in Kenya under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative.
The High Commission said in a statement that on the occasion of World Environment Day 2026, High Commission in association with Drylake Ngelesa Conservancy Amboseli, launched a tree plantation drive to take forward Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This also dovetails with Government of Kenya's goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
Over half-million indigenous trees will be planted in the greater Amboseli ecosystem over the next 5 years under this campaign, the statement said.
High Commissioner Adarsh Swaika was joined by prominent Indian conservationists and wildlife photographers Dileep Kumar and Remya Warrier of Ngelese conservancy, PBSA awardee Prakash Heda, local conservation and county officials and members of Maasai community.
"Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" is an effort that shows our respect and dedication towards our motherland and nature. The aim of this campaign is to plant a tree in the name of a mother and create a lasting memory, which will not only protect the environment but also contribute to building a greener and more prosperous future. Both mother and nature are the fundamental bases of life, and through this initiative, we are fulfilling our responsibility. Become a part of "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" and plant a tree to create an unforgettable memory for your mother.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has continued to coordinate several tree planting activities across the country. The KFS is committed to continuing its tree planting efforts in order to achieve the government's goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, Kenya Biodiversity said.
Trees are essential for our environment, providing us with clean air, water, and soil. They also help to regulate the climate and protect biodiversity, Kenya Biodiversity notes.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally, some good news from the diplomatic front! While we often talk about trade and defense, this kind of grassroots environmental collaboration is equally important. The Maasai community involvement makes it even more special. Kudos to High Commissioner Swaika and all the Indian conservationists.
Nice symbolic gesture, but 500,000 trees over 5 years is only 100,000 per year. For a country with Kenya's deforestation rate, that's a drop in the ocean. I hope there's proper follow-up on survival rates of these saplings—otherwise it's just another photo-op. Let's see the impact report in 2032.
Love the sentiment of 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'! My mother always told me that trees give life just like mothers do. 🌿 It's wonderful to see this Indian cultural connection being shared globally. Makes me proud to be Indian.
Good to see Indian conservationists like Dileep Kumar and Remya Warrier getting recognition abroad. These are the unsung heroes who work quietly. Hope this initiative also involves local Kenyan nurseries and creates some employment for the Maasai community. That would be true 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' in action.
Respect for the intent, but I recall similar grand promises in India too. The 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign needs more transparency on how many saplings survive after the first monsoon. Let's not just count trees planted; count trees that live. Otherwise good PR for both governments.
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