Kwale, a coastal region of Kenya, has long been plagued by the destructive practice of sand poaching. For years, illegal sand miners ravaged its beautiful beaches, leaving behind scars on the landscape and contributing to the degradation of the environment. However, a remarkable transformation is now unfolding as former sand poachers join forces with environmental activists to reclaim these sand mines as a way to combat the devastating effects of climate change.

Mission to right our wrongs

Among those leading the charge is Hassan Juma, a former sand miner who once eked out a living by illegally extracting sand from Kwale's pristine shores. He now stands proudly as an advocate for change. "We used to exploit the sand without realizing the harm we were causing," Juma reflects. "Now, we are on a mission to right our wrongs and heal the land."

Juma and his fellow ex-sand miners have come together to form a group , known as "Green Sands," aimed at restoring the degraded areas. They have replaced their shovels and buckets with saplings and shovels for a much different purpose. Together with the guidance of environmental activists like Amina Kimani, they are transforming these barren landscapes into lush, green havens.

Amina Kimani, a passionate environmental activist, emphasizes the significance of this project in the fight against climate change. "The degradation caused by sand poaching was devastating," she states. "But now, we're not only reclaiming land but also sequestering carbon and preserving vital ecosystems. This is an example of how communities can come together to mitigate the effects of climate change."

Local flora and fauna are returning to the area

The transformation of these sand mines into thriving pockets of greenery is already having a positive impact. Local flora and fauna are returning to the area, and the community is benefiting from new opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. The once barren pits are now serving as rainwater harvesting reservoirs, replenishing the groundwater and mitigating the risk of floods during heavy rains.They also plant trees and other crops like maiz and cassava.

Musa, another ex-sand miner, shares his optimism for the future. "We have learned that protecting our environment benefits everyone. Our children can now play in a cleaner, greener Kwale. This is our legacy."

As the former sand poachers continue their mission of land reclamation, Kwale serves as an inspiring example of how individuals, even those who were once part of the problem, can become powerful agents of change. With determination and cooperation, they are not only healing the land but also taking crucial steps to combat the effects of climate change for generations to come.

By Athuman Luchi