NCBA Bank joined forces with Boreka Group, Kenya Forest Service, Kwale County Government, NEMA, and locals to plant 3,000 mangrove trees and lead a coastal clean-up exercise in Diani to mark the World Environment Day 2025.

This year’s global theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution,” set the tone for the event, which was not just about trees but about transforming coastal ecosystems, fighting plastic waste, and sparking community-led climate action.

Now in its third year, NCBA’s partnership with Boreka has made a lasting impact, having already planted 180,000 trees across Kitui and Kwale counties, with a 75 per cent seedling survival rate.

Alongside environmental gains, the initiative has generated 392 green jobs, trained 1,040 farmers in sustainable agroforestry, and empowered 35 Boreka staff through Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) training.

The program has also brought climate awareness campaigns to 27 local communities.

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Speaking during the exercise, NCBA Group Director of Marketing, Communication & Citizenship Nelly Wainaina noted that plastic pollution is one of the most significant environmental challenges threatening marine life and coastal ecosystems worldwide.

“At NCBA, we continue to execute our 15 Sustainability commitments ensuring we Change The Story of the communities we operate in,” stated Wainaina.

She added: “We are committed to taking decisive action through the planting of mangroves to restore vital coastal habitats. Furthermore, we aim to empower local communities and partners to engage in sustainable, long-term initiatives to mitigate ocean-bound plastic waste.”

The Chale-Diani coastline in Kwale County, a biodiversity hotspot, was chosen by NCBA Bank and its environmental partners for its ecological significance.

The area is home to mangrove forests, coral reefs, and seagrass beds; ecosystems that support marine life like turtles and fish and provide natural protection against climate change and coastal erosion.

On top of tree-planting, NCBA held educational sessions with local schools and youth groups to increase awareness on the dangers of plastic waste and highlight the key role that mangroves play in “safeguarding coastlines, sustaining fisheries, and capturing carbon.”

The significant environmental conservation event also spotlighted the urgency of tackling plastic waste, which represents a growing crisis in Kenya’s coastal regions and beyond.

According to environmental experts, plastic pollution is choking oceans, destroying marine habitats, and contributing to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions during production and disposal.

Kwale County Chief Officer for Environment Neema Suya lauded NCBA for its devotion to long-term environmental stewardship and for leading the way in furthering climate action in Kenya.

“Plastic pollution harms ecosystems, endangers wildlife, poses risks to human health, and contributes to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions from its production and disposal,” intimated Suya.

With its growing environmental commitments, NCBA Group is showcasing how financial institutions can go beyond profit to drive social and ecological impact and proving that sustainable development and community empowerment can go hand in hand.