More than 3,000 indigenous and adaptive trees were planted at Flamingo Farm in Naivasha on Sunday as part of a conservation initiative linked to the LOOP Safari Gravel Series 2026.
The exercise, conducted alongside the second leg of the cycling event, brought together participants, conservation stakeholders, and community members in a bid to support ecosystem restoration and boost climate resilience in the region.
According to the organisers, the initiative forms part of a wider sustainability programme that has been integrated into the LOOP Safari Gravel Series, with tree-planting activities now accompanying the sporting events.
Speaking during the exercise, LOOP DFS Chief Executive Officer Eric Muriuki said the programme was designed to combine sport with environmental conservation efforts.
"Our tree-planting initiative within the Gravel Series reflects LOOP’s commitment to integrating sustainability into everything we do. By bringing together sport, community, and environmental action through the LOOP Safari Gravel Series, we are not only creating memorable experiences but also taking deliberate steps to restore ecosystems and protect biodiversity," Muriuki said.
The tree-planting exercise was held in collaboration with management from Hell's Gate, which has been supporting conservation initiatives within the Naivasha ecosystem.
A representative from Hell's Gate welcomed the initiative, noting that restoring degraded landscapes required collaboration between private organisations, conservation agencies, and local communities.
"Partnerships like this are essential to restoring our landscapes and protecting the ecosystems that sustain local communities. By planting indigenous and adaptive trees, this initiative will support biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and contribute to the long-term health of the Naivasha environment," the representative stated.
Organisers said the event attracted more than 2,000 people, including 850 cyclists, alongside spectators, partners, and members of the local community.
The trees planted included indigenous and adaptive species such as Odo, Olive, Neem, Croton, Acacia, Melia azedarach, and Syzygium. Conservation experts often favour such species because they are better suited to local climatic conditions and play an important role in supporting wildlife habitats and restoring degraded land.
Environmentalists have increasingly advocated for large-scale tree planting as Kenya pursues its national target of increasing forest cover and strengthening climate adaptation measures.
The newly planted trees are expected to provide long-term environmental benefits, including improved soil health, enhanced biodiversity, and increased carbon absorption. As the trees mature, they are also expected to create habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife within the Naivasha ecosystem.
The initiative comes amid growing efforts by both public and private sector players to integrate environmental conservation into major events, with sustainability increasingly becoming a key consideration in sports, tourism, and community development programmes.