The Tree Petting and Environmental Education Project is an ongoing initiative by the Centre for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (CCCAM) that transforms environmental stewardship in semi-arid areas of Central Kenya. Working with over 500 primary schools, we engage students in adopting and caring for trees as if they were pets, fostering a personal connection to nature while building lifelong environmental responsibility. This hands-on approach, supported by workshops, environmental clubs, and community collaboration, is designed to plant and nurture more than 2,000,000 trees, contributing to reforestation, biodiversity restoration, and climate resilience.

Our work extends beyond tree planting by empowering youth as climate leaders. By training 100,000 students in sustainable practices, we are creating a generation of environmental ambassadors who inspire their peers, families, and communities. Through structured learning programs and digital monitoring tools, we ensure that each tree’s progress is tracked, survival rates are improved, and environmental education is seamlessly integrated into school life. This integration of technology, education, and community engagement ensures measurable, long-term impact.

As the project advances, it continues to address a critical policy gap by providing a structured, data-driven model for incorporating conservation into the school curriculum. Our evidence-based approach benefits the local environment and contributes to national reforestation goals and climate resilience strategies. With every tree cared for and every student inspired, the Tree Petting Project moves closer to creating greener schools, stronger communities, and a sustainable future for Kenya.