Osaka, Japan, 16th September 2025 – Kenya was honored to today with a tree at the Forest of Civilization, a Czech Republic installation at Expo Osaka Japan 2025, that showcases over 133 decarbonized trees of various sizes, believed to be 6,500 years old. The Forest of Civilization team selected Kenya among other participating countries to select a tree as a representation of the commitment to climate change action. The tree that Kenya selected is a subfossil oak tree weighing over 446kg, placed strategically near a walkway visible to many visitors. The honor underscored the shared urgency of forest conservation and provided a platform to highlight Kenya’s national reforestation target of planting 15 billion trees by 2030.

During the visit, the Kenya Pavilion Director, Ms. Maureen Mambo was accorded the symbolic opportunity to select a tree to represent the country within the Forest of Civilization display. The gesture reflects Kenya’s long-term environmental ambition and frames the nation’s tree-planting programme as a contribution to global climate resilience, biodiversity restoration, and sustainable livelihoods. The selected tree will serve as a living emblem linking Kenya’s domestic climate action to an international conversation about forests, heritage and ecological stewardship.

The Forest of Civilization pavilion tour opened conversations about how large-scale tree restoration can deliver multiple benefits beyond carbon sequestration, including job creation in rural areas, improved water security, soil restoration and enhanced habitat for wildlife. Kenya’s 15 billion trees initiative is designed to restore degraded landscapes and support community-led natural resource management, while also creating pathways for green economic opportunities that align with global sustainability goals.

“The Forest of Civilization is a powerful reminder that forests are foundational to human wellbeing and to the resilience of our planet,” said Maureen Mambo, Kenya Pavilion Director. “Kenya’s target to plant 15 billion trees by 2030 is a national commitment with global resonance. Selecting a tree to represent Kenya here at Expo is both an honor and a public pledge: we will continue to scale conservation efforts that protect ecosystems and support communities.”

The Kenya Pavilion’s engagement at the Forest of Civilization follows a series of sustainability-focused activities at Expo 2025 Osaka Japan, where Kenya has been showcasing renewable energy, conservation programmes and sustainable agriculture. The visit reinforces a key message the Pavilion has been advancing throughout the Expo: meaningful climate action combines ambitious national targets with on-the-ground programmes that improve livelihoods and safeguard biodiversity.

—ENDS—

About the Kenya Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

The Kenya Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka showcases the country’s economic transformation, cultural richness, and sustainability agenda under the theme “Kenya Rising: From the Bottom-Up.” Expo 2025 Osaka runs from April 13 to October 13, 2025, bringing together over 160 countries and international organizations under the overarching theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” Kenya’s participation highlights its commitment to global collaboration in trade, investment, climate action, and cultural exchange.