Karen Wanjiru Kimani, an eleven-year-old Kenyan, is a force of nature. This remarkable young lady has already planted over 30,000 trees, spearheaded plastic recycling initiatives, and addressed world leaders at the UN Climate Change Conference.
Now, she’s set to inspire a new generation of environmental activists at the upcoming Northern Forum on Sustainable Development in Yakutsk, Russia, where she will share her passion and vision for a greener future.
Karen’s journey began with a simple observation: adults were wreaking havoc on the environment. Witnessing the destruction of trees and the pervasive problem of plastic pollution, she felt compelled to act.
At the age of ten, she founded a tree nursery, hoping to replace lost trees and create a haven for nature enthusiasts to nurture seedlings.
“Trees are important for our environment,” Karen tells SCENES. “I feel happy when I step into my tree nursery, seeing the trees growing and seeing people plant trees.”
Her dedication extends beyond tree planting. On weekends, she leads a plastic recycling club and organizes community clean-ups with her friends.
Her commitment to environmental stewardship has earned her the title of Cabinet Secretary for the Environment at her school and an invitation to the prestigious UN Climate Change Conference, COP27, in Egypt. As the youngest delegate at the conference, Karen had the opportunity to engage with world leaders and share her insights on environmental issues.
I met the president of Kenya, I told him about me, and we discussed the environment.
Karen’s passion and achievements have garnered international attention, making her a rising star in the global environmental movement.
She is the Founder & General Director of the Karen Forte Environmental Conservation Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting tree planting and environmental mentorship through initiatives like “Trees for Birthday” and the “Virtual Forest Program.”
Her impressive work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Green Kids Award in Kenya, the UK’s MTM Environmental Excellence Award, and the Spain Eco Project award.
She has also been acknowledged for her “Eco-Project” in the Little Mister and Miss Kenya, Little Prince and Princess of Africa, and Mini Miss United World contests, and serves as a Brand Ambassador for Justdiggit, a Netherlands-based organization committed to re-greening degraded landscapes.
Now, Karen is preparing to share her inspiring story and vision at the Northern Forum on Sustainable Development, where she will be a featured speaker at the “Sister Ecosystems: New Generation Environmental Initiatives” session on September 25th.
This session, organized by the Andrey Melnichenko Charity Foundation, aims to showcase the work of young environmental activists from around the world and foster collaboration in addressing climate change and its impact on permafrost thaw.
The Melnichenko Foundation, dedicated to promoting zero hunger, quality education, and climate action, recognizes the importance of empowering young voices and promoting nature-based solutions within the global climate agenda.
Karen’s participation exemplifies the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders.
Karen’s ambition extends beyond her current projects. She dreams of opening a plastic recycling factory one day, further contributing to a greener future for Kenya and the world.
“I would like to do more for the environment,” she says. “It makes me feel so happy and the environment happy.”
Karen Wanjiru Kimani’s initiatives demonstrate that even the tiniest seed, when nurtured with passion and determination, can grow into a powerful force for positive change.
As she takes the stage at the Northern Forum on Sustainable Development, Karen’s inspiring journey is fosters hope and inspiring action for a more sustainable future.
