Narok County has witnessed immense environmental degradation in the recent past due to the unabated human population growth. Consequently, many hitherto natural areas have been, and continue to be, converted into small- and large-holder farm, pastoral lands and settlements. The resulting environmental degradation, especially from wind- and rain driven soil erosion is unprecedented in scale. With intense awareness creation on the importance of conserving the environment, it is possible to mitigate negative anthropogenic impacts on the environment. Therefore, this project seeks to establish a tree nursery in Maasai Mara University for environmental education and community awareness in Narok County.

The project is expected to make a substantial and long-lasting contribution to nature conservation at Maasai Mara University and Narok County at large by mobilizing the University community and the general public in tree planting, restoration of degraded areas and environmental awareness campaigns. This is because the conservation of the environment is the responsibility of the community including school children. When thoroughly and adequately sensitized, communities will understand the importance and the connection between the environment and their livelihoods. Empowered people inherently pass on the information to the future generations.

The project team will also initiate the establishment of environmental clubs in selected primary and secondary schools in Narok County. Members of the environmental clubs will be trained on environmental conservation at the University Botanical Garden. Environmental sensitization materials will be developed and circulated in these schools. These materials will be prepared in English and translated into the local Maa language for all stakeholders.

The project team in collaboration with the local Narok County Government will establish Narok County tree planting and environmental conservation day where at least everybody in the county will be expected to plant a tree and make Narok County green. Establishment of an annual tree planting and environmental conservation day, coupled with the training of pupils and students in schools, ensures project sustainability long after the end of the project. Moreover, the project team will take the lead in ensuring that the culture of tree planting and environmental conservation is embedded in the annual activities of Narok County.