Equity bank is spearheading a nationwide initiative to commemorate lives lost in the pandemic since the beginning of the outbreak in March 2020.
According to the Ministry of Health, there have been more than 5,000 fatalities recorded over the duration of the pandemic in the country. The Healing Trees Initiative aims to plant a tree in commemoration of every life lost in the country and around the world.
The initiative has seen more than 50,000 trees planted in 7 regions across the country.
Speaking during the local rollout of the initiative, Equity Group’s Associate Director, Energy and Environment – Eric Naivasha noted that the initiative is a remarkable effort to protect lives and livelihoods of everyone in the face of the pandemic.
“When we were approached to join this movement, we saw it as a great opportunity as it connected with us very well in terms of connecting the world and consoling those who have lost their loved ones, and building better economies by greening our environment,” said Mr Naivasha.
The Initiative aims to highlight the inseparable relationship between the planet and its inhabitants. Planting trees to honor those who have lost their lives is a sign of respect and a commitment to protect and sustain future generations.
The pandemic has highlighted the need to care for our ecosystems and give greater attention to our environment. The Healing Trees Initiative provides limitless opportunities for individuals, institutions, and organizations to engage in the noble duty of regenerating the planet and its people.
Equity has committed a total of 1 million trees to the Healing Trees Initiative. The trees will be planted by the group’s 200 branches spread across the country. On average, each branch has planted at least 5000 trees in tribute to the 5000 lives lost to the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.
In 2019, Equity Group kickstarted a campaign to plant 35 million trees for the nationwide cause to conserve the environment. With more than 13 million trees already planted, the Group has made significant strides in the fight against climate change and global warming.
Through its Energy and Environment pillar, Equity has been supporting transition to clean energy with an eye on reducing the heavy reliance on charcoal, wood fuel, and fossil fuels like kerosene as sources of energy for households and schools across the country. This has a direct impact on health outcomes through reduction in household air pollution, positive impact on the environment, reduction in carbon footprint and climate change mitigation. To date over 329,000 clean energy products has been financed and distributed, directly benefiting schools across the country, and directly impacting thousands of individuals across the country.
The significance of trees in our communities cannot be understated. Their potential to improve the quality of life is unmatched. International agitation on global warming and air pollution has shone more light on the potential of trees to improve climate and conserve energy. Planting trees to commemorate those we have lost is a noble way to ensure life is sustained and communities empowered to live meaningfully.
