BEEyond Trees
Sustaining Forest Adjacent Communities beyond tree planting and growing.
Overview
BEEyond Trees is a flagship sustainability and community livelihood initiative developed by EarthLungs Reforestation Foundation in Kenya. It complements EarthLungs’ core reforestation mission by integrating nature-based enterprises that deliver long-term economic benefits to forest-
adjacent communities while ensuring ecological stewardship of restored landscapes.
The Rationale
While tree planting remains central to EarthLungs’ ecosystem restoration work, long-term conservation impact can only be achieved when local communities become stewards and direct beneficiaries of the forest. BEEyond Trees was born out of this realization – to move “beyond trees” and transform reforested landscapes into resilient, economically productive ecosystems.
Core components of BEEyond Trees
1. Apiculture (Beekeeping)
o Installation of modern beehives on private farmlands adjacent to both mangrove and terrestrial restoration sites.
o Training of community members, especially women and youth, in sustainable honey production.
o Development of branded EarthLungs honey and wax products for local and export markets.
2. Fungi-Culture (Mushroom Farming)
o Use of recycled coconut coir and agro-waste from restoration sites to produce mushrooms.
o On-site mushroom houses established on private farmlands adjacent to both mangrove and terrestrial restoration sites.
o Creation of income-generating value chains through processing and packaging.
3. Bamboo Value Chain Development
o Introduction of fast-growing bamboo species on private farmlands adjacent to both mangrove and terrestrial restoration sites.
o Promotion of bamboo for furniture, construction material, and carbon sequestration.
o Establishment of local workshops for bamboo craft, such as trash bins, lampshades, baskets, sugar dishes, and mats.
4. Dairy Goat Farming
o Piloted on private farmlands adjacent to both mangrove and terrestrial restoration sites in Mombasa County.
o Integration of goat manure into agroforestry systems to enrich soil fertility.
o Focus on high-yielding, disease-resistant breeds to support household nutrition and incomes.
5. Handicraft & Weaving Enterprises
o Use of natural fibres (e.g., coconut husk, banana, and bamboo) to produce ropes, mats, and artisanal goods.
o Engagement of women’s groups and training in design, branding, and marketing.
Objectives and Impact
o Economic Empowerment: Create sustainable livelihood pathways for over 10,000 community members across Kenya.
o Ecological Stewardship: Encourage community-led conservation by aligning economic returns with ecosystem health.
o Circular Economy: Promote use of restoration by-products (e.g., cocopeat, coir, bamboo poles) to fuel micro-enterprises.
o Gender Inclusion: Prioritize women and youth in enterprise development and leadership roles.
o Scalability: Build replicable models for other EarthLungs territories in Tanzania, Mozambique, and beyond.
Current BEEyond Trees Hubs in Kenya
Majaoni BEEyond Trees Centre of Excellence (Mombasa County)
♦Coastal mangrove zone with honey, mushrooms, goat farming and coir-based enterprises.
Shamakhokho (Vihiga County)
♦ Highland site with mushrooms, bamboo crafts, and goat farming.
BEEyond Trees is not just an initiative it is a movement towards restoration-linked prosperity, empowering communities to become custodians of the forests they helped restore.
It reinforces EarthLungs’ belief that the future of Africa’s forests lies in sustainable livelihoods, circular economies, and people-first conservation.