An alarming rise in sea turtle deaths in Marereni, Kenya, is attributed to illegal fishing and poaching, with over 200 turtles lost in the past year. Conservationists and researchers, including Thomas Mkare from the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, highlight the impact of trawlers operating close to shore and the lack of turtle excluder devices. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation by reducing monitoring. Green sea turtles are the most affected, and poaching contributes to 20% of the deaths. Local conservation efforts, led by individuals like Sammy Safari, emphasize the need for stricter enforcement and the establishment of marine protected areas.

The Catholic Diocese of Kakamega, led by Franciscan Fr. Hermann Borg and in partnership with Mother Earth Network, is working to restore the degraded Maragoli Forest in western Kenya. The project aims to plant over 300,000 seedlings in the next five years, with $140,000 already committed to conservation efforts. The initiative has gained support from the local community, which now participates in protecting the forest against illegal activities. Successful past projects by Borg and heightened conservation measures by the Catholic Church have led to the restoration of over 200 acres of forestland. Challenges such as dependence on wood fuel and land encroachment persist, but increased awareness and education on environmental conservation are making progress. The Kenya Forest Service supports the project, aligning with the government's goal to increase national tree cover. Religious organizations are recognized as potential key players in addressing global environmental challenges.

Pope Francis' visit to Mongolia, a country with a small Catholic population, exemplifies his vision of shepherding by highlighting the significance of the marginalized. The article reflects on the 'Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe,' emphasizing that Christ's presence is an everyday occurrence, seen in the needy and burdened. The synod on synodality and Francis' actions call for a collective journey towards recognizing and uplifting the less visible members of society, aligning with the teachings of Jesus and the essence of Psalm 23.

Nyeri Hill Farm, managed by the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri, Kenya, has expanded its mission to include significant environmental conservation efforts. The farm, which produces coffee and tea, has implemented irrigation and water recycling systems to combat the effects of climate change. It also supports local communities by providing tree seedlings and conservation education. The region has faced severe drought, and local leaders emphasize the importance of environmental conservation for future generations.

The Archdiocese of Nyeri's Nyeri Hill Farm in Kenya, established to aid evangelization and combat poverty, has expanded its mission to include significant environmental conservation efforts. The farm, which spans over 3,000 acres, dedicates substantial portions to coffee and tea production and has implemented irrigation and water recycling systems to combat the effects of climate change. Local environmental activist Alfred Munyua and farm manager Joseph Wanjau highlight the farm's afforestation strategies and their positive impact on local weather patterns and food security. Bishop Anthony Muheria emphasizes the importance of environmental conservation for future generations, urging corporate leaders to support such initiatives. The farm also educates the local community on conservation practices, contributing to broader regional efforts to combat climate change.

Kathleen Bonnette's book '(R)evolutionary Hope: A Spirituality of Encounter and Engagement in an Evolving World' explores the relevance of St. Augustine's theology in contemporary times, emphasizing inclusivity and justice within the Catholic Church. Bonnette shares her personal journey as a theological scholar and adult convert to Catholicism, challenging traditional hierarchical structures and advocating for a more inclusive and interconnected faith. The book intertwines scholarly insights with personal anecdotes, encouraging readers to reflect on their own spiritual experiences while engaging with Augustine's theological reflections.

The Covid-19 pandemic's impact on Kenya's tourism industry led Maasai women in Narok County to innovate by making soap from elephant dung. This initiative, supported by Nashulai Maasai Conservancy, has provided a sustainable income source, improved living conditions, and promoted elephant conservation. The project has also reduced domestic violence and cultural practices like female genital mutilation by offering alternative livelihoods. The soap, rich in medicinal properties, is gaining popularity, and the women plan to expand their market reach.

In Kenya's Baringo and Turkana counties, herders are turning to aloe vera farming to combat the economic challenges posed by severe droughts. Aloe vera, thriving in arid conditions, offers a viable alternative to livestock farming, which has been heavily impacted by climate change. Community-based organizations and partnerships with companies like Zonken Biotech are helping farmers produce and market aloe products, significantly improving their livelihoods. Despite the labor-intensive process, aloe farming is seen as a sustainable and profitable venture, reducing reliance on livestock and mitigating climate-related losses.

In the Eburu Forest, sustainable fruit farming is replacing logging and poaching, providing jobs that protect endangered species and rich habitats. The Eburu Fruit Farmers Association, a community-based organization, promotes sustainable development through farming without harming the ecosystem. Supported by Rhino Ark, the initiative has helped former poachers transition to farming, significantly reducing illegal activities in the forest. The project has also improved the livelihoods of local farmers, contributing to the conservation of the critically endangered mountain bongo antelope and other wildlife.

Allen Ottaro, founder of the Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability Africa (CYNESA), is leading efforts to engage African youth in climate action. Growing up in Nakuru, Kenya, Ottaro witnessed the adverse effects of climate change, which inspired him to start CYNESA in 2011. The network, influenced by Pope Francis' encyclical 'Laudato Si',' connects faith with environmental conservation and has expanded across several African countries. Despite challenges, CYNESA continues to promote environmental education and participate in global climate discussions, including COP26 and the upcoming COP27. The organization collaborates with various entities, including the United Nations Environment Programme and the Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, to further its mission.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri in Kenya is actively working to conserve the Kalondon River, which is threatened by climate change and human activities such as logging, illegal dumping, and unsustainable farming practices. Archbishop Anthony Muheria and other local leaders are advocating for better community awareness and sustainable use of the river. Despite efforts to protect the river, challenges persist, including the lifting of a logging ban by the Kenyan government, which has been criticized for exacerbating environmental issues. Community members and environmental activists continue to push for more support and responsible practices to ensure the river's survival.

The Diocese of Murang'a in Kenya has partnered with Equity Bank to restore degraded forests as part of a broader initiative to plant 15 billion trees over the next decade. This collaboration aligns with President William Ruto's pledge to increase clean energy and phase out fossil fuels by 2030. The partnership involves planting seedlings provided by Equity Bank in diocesan compounds and institutions, supervised by the Kenya Forest Service. Equity Bank, which has a significant focus on environmental conservation, aims to achieve a negative carbon footprint by 2030. The initiative also includes transitioning schools and colleges from firewood to liquified petroleum gas energy sources. The Kenyan government plans to introduce a Certificate of Green Conduct to incentivize tree planting. The article highlights the broader context of climate change impacts in Africa and the need for rich nations to fulfill their financial commitments to help developing countries adapt.

Policymakers at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi discussed the severe impact of climate change on children in developing countries. Yvonne Arunga from Save the Children highlighted the vulnerability of children to climate disasters and the subsequent loss of essential services. Data from the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre revealed a significant increase in child displacement due to climate shocks in Sub-Saharan Africa. Experts emphasized the need for youth participation in climate talks and the importance of education in mitigating climate change effects. The article calls for urgent intervention and support from the developed world to address these challenges.

A Christian group has denounced a doomsday cult leader whose followers reportedly starved themselves to death in Kenya to meet Jesus. The cult leader has threatened a hunger strike over his treatment in jail.

Kenyan President William Ruto is facing domestic criticism for his plans to lift a logging ban, even as he is recognized internationally as a green champion. The government argues that lifting the ban will economically benefit the country and only affect a small portion of forests. Some environmentalists agree, suggesting it will protect indigenous forests, while others believe it will exacerbate drought conditions and harm the environment. The ban, initially imposed in 2018 to protect water resources, was lifted by Ruto in July, citing economic and job benefits. However, the Law Society of Kenya has legally challenged the lifting, and the Kenyan high court has temporarily suspended it pending a final verdict.

Nyeri Hill Farm, owned by the Archdiocese of Nyeri, has expanded its mission to include significant environmental conservation efforts, such as afforestation and water recycling, to combat climate change impacts like drought and soil erosion. The farm, which produces coffee and tea, has also implemented irrigation systems to boost crop yields. It actively supports local communities by providing tree seedlings and conservation education. Bishop Anthony Muheria and environmental activist Alfred Munyua commend the farm's initiatives, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation for future generations.

The biogas project in Eburu, Kenya, aims to reduce deforestation by providing alternative energy sources to local communities. The initiative, led by Rhino Ark in collaboration with the Kenya Forest Service, has introduced affordable balloon plant biogas systems to 150 households. This project helps protect the critically endangered mountain bongo and other wildlife by reducing the community's reliance on firewood and charcoal from the Eburu Forest. Despite the benefits, the high cost of biogas systems remains a barrier for many residents. Conservationists and community leaders advocate for financial support to expand the project's reach.

In Kakamega county, western Kenya, small-scale farmers are finding some relief in the struggling sugar economy through the production of jaggery. Benjamin Ambesta, a 68-year-old former sugar company employee, started a small jaggery factory in South Wanga, providing income for himself and the community.

Danai Gurira's play 'Eclipsed' portrays the lives of women during the Liberian civil war, highlighting the trauma of rape and captivity. The play, featuring an all-female cast, aims to raise awareness about injustices faced by women globally. Liberia's current situation, including the declaration of rape as a national emergency by President George Weah and the lack of effective measures to combat sexual violence, mirrors the historical exploitation and violence depicted in the play. The article also touches on the U.S.'s historical and current involvement in Liberia, the use of child soldiers, and the societal impact of wartime atrocities. Additionally, the piece briefly mentions recent protests and state violence in Colombia, emphasizing the disproportionate impact on Afro-descendant communities.

In Kenya's Kajiado County, Noor Lenku, a livestock farmer, faces severe drought conditions that have devastated his livelihood and left his family malnourished. The drought, the worst in four decades in the Horn of Africa, has been exacerbated by climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to food insecurity and conflicts. Organizations like the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Kenya Red Cross Society are providing aid, but the situation remains dire. As world leaders meet for COP27 in Egypt, Lenku and others affected by the drought call for greater attention and compensation from countries responsible for high greenhouse gas emissions.

In Kenya's Narok county, the Paran Centre has been working for nearly two decades to combat illegal logging and charcoal burning. The organization unites women from the Maasai, Kalenjin, and Ogiek communities to protect the indigenous Mau forest, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation in the region.

Indigenous peoples globally are engaged in struggles to protect their cultures, territories, and rights. The Chao Lay in Thailand face citizenship denial, the Amazigh in North Africa fight for linguistic identity, and the Ogiek in Kenya combat land grabbing. Despite challenges, including racism, indigenous communities are using music as a powerful tool for cultural reclamation, with artists like Renata Flores and Lido Pimienta leading the way. The United Nations has designated August 9 as the International Day of Indigenous Peoples to recognize these ongoing battles.

Loita forest in southern Kenya, known as 'entim e Naimina Enkiyio' (forest of the lost girl), is protected by local residents who have implemented various schemes to prevent logging and poaching. The Iloitai Maasai women, part of the Nkonyek Oolkimpa conservation group, use photography to document illegal activities, supported by organizations like IFAW and Lensational. Despite challenges such as poverty and illiteracy, the community remains dedicated to preserving the forest. However, Kenya's forest cover has significantly decreased, and a proposed road by KeNHA through the forest has faced opposition from locals, with the National Environmental Management Authority noting a lack of public consultation.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Kenyans turned to home brewing due to the closure of bars and liquor shops and the high cost of imported wines. Muratina wine, traditionally made from the fruit of the muratina tree and significant in Kikuyu culture, has seen a resurgence. Due to the scarcity of muratina fruit, pineapples have become a popular substitute. Elders have relaxed traditional brewing restrictions, allowing younger generations to learn the craft. This shift has also provided a safer alternative to dangerous bootleg liquors. Kimani, a descendant of a renowned muratina brewer, and Douglas Maina, a wine enthusiast, have been instrumental in teaching others how to make this homemade wine.

Kenya is experiencing deadly land disputes that have made forests appear safer than houses. The article delves into the causes and consequences of these land tussles, highlighting the violence and safety concerns that have arisen. It provides a detailed account of the situation, emphasizing the need for resolution and safety measures.

The Ogiek community in Kenya continues to face challenges in reclaiming their ancestral land in the Mau Forest despite a 2017 ruling by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights that found the Kenyan government guilty of violating their rights. The government has yet to implement the court's decision, citing environmental conservation laws and ongoing evictions. The Ogiek, supported by various organizations, argue that they are the true protectors of the forest and that the evictions are more about land grabbing than conservation. The community remains determined to regain their land, with ongoing advocacy and legal efforts to ensure the court ruling is honored.