A section of elders and residents have taken a front position in restoring the degraded Kaya Tiwi Forest in Matuga, Kwale county.
The forest, they said, suffered massive destruction following the falling of trees by several intruders who claimed ownership.
The vice led to the destruction of ancient trees, contributing to the effects of global warming.
Led by Hamisi Juma Mwajao, the elders said they have taken the initiative to restore the lost dignity of the sacred forest and help fight climate change through enhanced conservation of forests and the environment.
"We want to bring to life this forest and protect it for an improved ecosystem," he said.
Mwajao said they are looking forward to planting more than 10, 000 native and fruit trees.
The trees, which include Milicia excelsa, baobab and neem, were donated by the Kenya Forest Service.
The tree-planting exercise will regularly support the government's efforts to increase forest cover.
The move is to assist the community avoid the negative effects of climate change, such as drought and land degradation.
According to Mwajao, the destruction of the Kaya Tiwi Forest has already had a negative impact on the community.
For many years, the Mijikenda community protected the kayas for their religious and cultural beliefs.
Mwajao claims that the exploitation of the forest by land grabbers endangers not only the environment, but also their spiritual well-being and way of life.
He said that since the invasion of forest lands in the county, calamities such as severe drought and floods have struck the region.
"Previously, we were unable to conduct our rituals because the forest had been severely damaged, now, residents will be able to pray," he said.
The Mijikenda community often uses kaya shrines to appease their gods, ask for divine powers for prosperity and cure diseases.
The Kaya Tiwi borders the famous Kongo Beach River and the historic Kongo Mosque that act as tourist attraction sites.
Nlela Kirungu said kayas play a significant role in the community as they hold ancestral history and promote cultural heritage. She said they will be planting more trees to heighten conservation.
"We have been told to expect more rain and Hidaya cyclones. So, in the future, these trees will reduce the impact [of climate change]," she said.
She said that the exercise aims to engage women in conservation and pass on the knowledge to the next generation.
Another Kaya elder, Hamisi Bwika, urged the government to enhance the protection of forest lands and reclaim the grabbed ones.
He blamed land grabbing for the increased annihilation of forests in Kwale.
He said both county and national governments must ensure that people uphold conservation rules.
Junior Kaya elder, Ali Mwachangu, called on President William Ruto to end historical land injustices. He said the region lagged because of land grabbing and the destruction of natural forests.
