Regeneration Project Update: Cha Simba has Grown 4,000+ Tree Saplings

Star Seed's mission is to reconnect people to nature and regenerate our entire value chain. Our commitment to the planet, people and purpose is at the heart of everything we do. Behind every traceable Star Seed product is a community of indigenous growers, regenerated soil & a more biodiverse ecosystem. This week we celebrate some news from one of our Regeneration Projects in Kilifi, Kenya.

In the heart of Coastal Kenya, nestled on a rocky outcrop, lies the Cha Simba sanctuary. A biodiversity haven, home to rare fauna, flora, and magnificent limestone cave systems. In just 5 months since our last update in May, the Cha Simba Community Tree Nursery has yielded remarkable results. They've nurtured an impressive 4,055 seedlings into tree saplings, representing 22 different indigenous tree species, ready to be planted in the wild. The increasing variety of flora has shown the potential for biodiversity preservation.

However, it is not without its challenges. The team's surveys have revealed that climate change is taking a toll on flower and fruit development in indigenous plants, emphasising the urgency of our mission. Species are at risk of disappearing, and ongoing climatic changes are a stark reminder of the need for regeneration.

Social Impact: Community Livelihoods

One of the most promising aspects of the Cha Simba Relics Regeneration Project is the impact on the community itself. In partnership with The LEAF and the Cha Simba Caves Association, over 40 smallholder farmers are involved in this initiative. Through proper training and support, they've pushed ahead with nursery operations, seed collection, potting, soil preparation, composting, record-keeping, and sapling arrangement.

This holistic approach ensures that the community is not only stewards of their resources but also equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead the way in nurturing their beloved sanctuary. They are also rekindling ancient plant wisdom and continuing to pass it down through generations

Financial Impact: New Income Opportunities

Over 1,000 tree saplings have already been purchased from Cha Simba Nursery and planted locally, helping create more ecosystem resilience in the face of unpredictable weather patterns. These hardened species offer new income-generating opportunities for the local community to sell to regeneration projects and land stewards in the vicinity.

The dedication of the Cha Simba community to preserve this sanctuary is a testament to the potential for positive change, even in the face of growing adversity. As we move into the next quarter, we look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of the Cha Simba Relics. With one successful community nursery underway, the appetite and need for more, in order to scale our regeneration efforts is clear.

We thank all our Star Seed Community for their continued support. With your help we are able to channel energy & resources into our sourcing areas. If you want to learn more and see the impact for yourself, you can experience our activities in real-time via our Explorer.Land Platform, providing complete traceability & transparency. Stay tuned for more Star Seed Regeneration updates as we work hand in hand with the local communities to protect, restore, and celebrate the beauty of Coastal Kenya.