Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) marked World Environment Day with a community-led mangrove restoration exercise in Tsunza, Kwale County, as part of its Much More Than Trees initiative focused on climate action, environmental conservation, and community empowerment.
The exercise brought together residents, the Mwatsumbo Community Forest Association, Furaha and Baraka Farms (FBF), the Kenya Forest Service, and DTB staff to support the restoration of Kenya’s coastal ecosystems.
Mangroves at the Centre of Climate Action
Mangroves are widely recognised as one of nature’s most effective climate solutions due to their ability to protect coastlines, support marine biodiversity, enhance ecosystem resilience, and store large amounts of carbon.
Their restoration in coastal regions such as Kwale is seen as a key intervention in addressing climate change while also protecting livelihoods that depend on healthy marine ecosystems.
Community-Led Conservation Efforts
Speaking during the event, Azmaira Thobani, Head of Sustainability & Communications at DTB, emphasised the importance of community participation in environmental conservation efforts.
“Climate action is often discussed as a global challenge, but its solutions are built through local action and strong partnerships. The work being undertaken by the Mwatsumbo Community Forest Association demonstrates the important role communities play in protecting and restoring our natural ecosystems,” said Thobani.
She added that DTB’s Much More Than Trees initiative is designed to ensure environmental conservation delivers long-term benefits for both people and nature.
Empowering Coastal Communities
Beyond environmental restoration, the initiative is also contributing to sustainable livelihoods in coastal communities. Residents are actively involved in nursery establishment, seedling production, planting, and long-term ecosystem management.
These activities are creating income-generating opportunities, while also strengthening women’s economic empowerment and community resilience.
Long-Term Commitment to Reforestation
The World Environment Day activity forms part of DTB’s broader environmental strategy, which includes a commitment to growing 10 million trees by 2030.
In 2026 alone, the bank is supporting the planting of 1.2 million mangroves, reinforcing its role in advancing climate action and sustainable development across the region.
Through initiatives like the Kwale mangrove restoration project, DTB continues to position itself as a key private-sector player in environmental conservation and community-driven climate solutions.
