Standard Chartered to support restoration and conservation of the Nairobi Arboretum Park

Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited has undertaken a 3 years partnership with Kenya Forest Services and Nairobi Arboretum Conservancy Community Forest Association (NACCFA) to support the restoration and conservation of one of the oldest parks in the city; the Nairobi Arboretum Park.

Through this partnership the Bank has committed to the following:

·                     Promote urban green awareness and urban greenification by supporting a 1 million seedlings in the Arboretum Nursery. The seedlings will be available to staff, clients, and the community at large.

·                     Restoration of not less than 9km of paths for running or walking and overall experience of enjoying the park

·                     Develop a digital app in partnership with Strathmore University which will be used as an education tool to create awareness on conservancy, climate change and for promoting the park and to support park initiatives.

·                     Upgrade a minimum of 50 signages and KM markers. We will label 100 trees as part of the education journey for the park visitors.

·                     Encourage more visitors to the park, and lead by example by hosting community, staff and client events in the park.

The partnership is part of the Bank’s overall Sustainability agenda integrated across the business, operations and communities focusing on three priorities i.e Sustainable Finance, Responsible Company and Inclusive Communities.

Speaking during the announcement, Standard Chartered CEO, Kariuki Ngari Said: “To sufficiently address the issues of climate change, it is critical for us to take urgent steps and promote good sustainable behaviours with our clients, community, and staff, to help reduce carbon emissions. Standard Chartered is committed to accelerating to net zero through partnerships, creating awareness for staff, communities and engaging like-minded stakeholders in the fight to mitigate the impact of climate change, thereby putting the world on a sustainable path to net zero by 2050”.

“Through this partnership, we target to upgrade 50 signages, label 100 trees and support a 1 million seedlings nursery by 2023. We are also developing a digital app in partnership with Strathmore University which will be used as an education tool to create awareness on conservation, climate change and at the same time promote the park. We believe the park will be transformed and plan to host our community, staff and client events in the park,” added Mr. Ngari.

Speaking at the same event, Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited Board Chair, Kellen Kariuki Said: “As Standard Chartered Bank, we have taken steps towards the fight against climate change by committing to accelerate to net zero by 2030 in our operations and in our financing by 2050. Working together with like-minded organisations like Kenya Forest Services and the Nairobi Arboretum Conservancy Community Forest Association (NACCFA) we will lead efforts to conserve and restore the environment by mobilising financing towards climate change initiatives. As a bank, we are committed to help our communities adapt to the climate change and support conservation of our environment.”

“The starting point is raising awareness and engaging especially with our most vulnerable especially women, youth and people living with disabilities. Our commitment to support a 1 million seedlings nursery means that 1 million trees will be planted in three years and that is carbon emission reduced; that also has livelihood impact. And that is the Bank affirming our brand promise – to be Here for good”, added Ms Kariuki.

Commenting on the partnership, Chairperson Nairobi Arboretum Conservancy Community Forest Association Ms. Carlotta Dal Lago said: “Our goal is to ensure that we restore and preserve Urban green spaces for the future generation and in the process help reverse the effects of climate change.  We are cognizant that we cannot achieve these commitments on our own. We need partners who are united in purpose.  Both the private and public sector especially Financial institutions like Standard Chartered can play a big part in unleashing the funds needed to secure global net zero”.

During the 18th edition of Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, the Bank hosted virtual races in the green spaces such as Karura Forest, The Nairobi Arboretum and The Ngong Road Sanctuary. All the participants who completed both formats of the marathon received a tree seedling to plant at their place of choice. 

In the month of October alone, the bank planted over 6,000 trees through the staff and marathon finishers. The target is to is to plant a tree for every staff member and every client of the bank.