“My quest is to intensify environmental sustainability throughout Kenya by working with women and youth to teach organic farming and water harvesting and management and in essence, inspire communities to transform themselves and restore their landscapes and seascapades. “

I think that more and more people are realizing that when it comes to development and environmental protection, a grassroots approach is a very effective route. By “grassroots” I mean an approach where you attempt to find a solution looking within the community you are trying to help rather than come with a predetermined plan from the outside.

This approach has two very important advantages. Firstly, it is very effective because by listening to the community you can integrate the scientific knowledge you bring to the table with indigenous knowledge about local climate and environmental phenomena passed down through generations, which is of immeasurable value. Secondly, on a more practical level, the fact of listening allows us to build trust which is fundamental to an effective project.

Paul Kaluki is the Executive Director of Kenya Environmental Action Network (KEAN), Global Director at INUKA for Youth4Nature and Lead- Afrika Youth Caravan to COP.