The Kenya Red Cross has launched a three-year programme to expedite environmental conservation and mitigate the effects of climate change in Kwale county.
The Sh3 million pilot project funded by Belgium is being undertaken in Ukunda within Msambweni subcounty.
It involves the use of coconut fruit shells to create tree nurseries and reduce environmental pollution.
Kenya Redcross Coast region manager Hassan Musa said the project aims at getting rid of nylon papers which pose a great risk to the environment.
"Many people use nylon papers in their tree nurseries and kitchen gardens which derails conservation efforts," he said.
The project is focused on educating children to be environment lovers and spearhead conservation.
The community is also allowed to visit and learn from the demonstrations.
Musa said they source the dumped coconut fruit shells from Diani beaches where they are highly concentrated.
Most international and local tourists are fond of drinking coconut juice but the poor disposal of its wastes pollutes the oceans.
Musa said apart from plastic materials, coconut wastes contribute a lot in polluting the sea since they are found all over.
He said by shifting from nylon papers to coconut shells in establishing tree nurseries, they get to clean the beaches and protect both human life and the marine ecosystem.
Musa said at least 30 Kenya Red Cross volunteers manage the project. They walk around Diani and collect the materials.
The officer said the trials have proved to be successful, adding that evading polythene bags for seedlings growing is the only way to go for effective conservation.
He said the project intends to lower the cost of tree growing since nylon papers are expensive to buy unlike the coconut shells that can be found for free.
Musa said with the new method, they strive to help the community to improve food security and increase the forest cover.
He said they also use coconut fruit shells to make charcoal briquettes to help the community reduce over-reliance on natural resources for firewood.
"We came up with another project whose main purpose is to curb tree felling for charcoal burning," he said.
He said Kwale is among the leading coastal counties in charcoal burning and the project will help constrain the vice.
Musa said the briquettes go for Sh75 per kilogram and are sustainable. Only a few of them are required compared to the normal charcoal.
He said through the project, they have managed to conserve the environment and provide employment opportunities to the jobless youth.
A volunteer Mustafa Karanja, said the initiative has hugely supported environmental conservation.
He said the project includes recycling material for better use.
Karanja said the briquettes charcoal produce less smoke and are effective in cooking.
-Edited by SKanyara
