ITD

ABOUT US

What is African Tree Seeds Group (as the primary organizer of the ITD). The ATGS began as a desperate effort for conservationists to procure sparse native tree seeds for conservation purposes through barter or trade. Prior to it's existence availability of native tree seeds was largely limited to a handful of species that were marketable for timber and other purposes. As conservationists, the full spectrum of germplasm with our respective geographies. The ATGS has since evolved into a community of passionate and dedicated colleagues from all walks of life, who together can effect meaningful change. Indigenous Tree Day will be the first of several ways that can collaborate broadly and make a difference as a group.

OUR COUNTRY LEADS

UGANDA

Victor L. Nsereko Wantate Ph.D. FRSB (Founder of Indigenous tree day)

CAMEROON

Sunday Geofrey Mbafoambe

DRC CONGP

Jurgen Heytens (FAJA LOBI)

SOUTH AFRICA

Bishop Ngobeli

NIGERIA

Oloyede Olayinka

I am Oloyede Olayinka, a research scientist with over 13 years of research experience at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, specializing in biotechnology-driven forest conservation. My work focuses on in vitro propagation of indigenous tree species, contributing to afforestation, biodiversity restoration, and climate resilience. I am passionate about bridging scientific research with real-world applications, developing sustainable s olutions for forest conservation, and fostering climate-resilient ecosystems to advance global sustainability efforts.

EGYPT

Fawzia Mohamed Kamal Takadom

My name Fawzia Mohamed Kamal Takadom, Graduated from the Faculty of Science and Holds a Master’s degree in Zoology from the Faculty of Science, Aswan University, Egypt. Works as an environmental researcher in the Nature Conservation Sector at Egyptian Environmental Affaires Agency. dedicating my efforts to studying biodiversity in Egypt. I am passionate about wildlife conservation and raising environmental awareness through scientific research and community initiatives. I believes in integrating scientific knowledge with fieldwork to protect natural resources.

ZIMBABWE

Busi Balunga (Flora Afriacana)

Flora Africana is a legally registered company specializing in propagating indigenous tree seeds for various market segments. The company plays a crucial role in Zimbabwe's conservation efforts by:

Germinating and supplying seeds for bulk, medium, and small-scale markets.
Collecting millions of indigenous tree seeds across Zimbabwe.
Establishing regional mini-seed banks in key locations, including Harare and Bulawayo.
Facilitating seed storage, exchange, and distribution to a network of indigenous tree nurseries.
Facilitating seed storage, exchange, and distribution to a network of indigenous tree nurseries.

MALAWI

Laban Banda (CHAVI Gardens)

CHAVI Gardens, a registered afforestation project in southwestern Malawi, was founded in 2001 out of Laban Banda's deep-rooted passion for trees. The project focuses on:

Restoring deforested areas through natural regeneration and replanting native species.
Managing a 25-hectare land with established mother trees supplying seeds to various stakeholders.
Collaborating with Team Malawi ITD 25 programs and working with conservation clubs in 65 urban primary schools in Blantyre.
Partnering with the Rural Village Forests Club to strengthen afforestation and seed banking initiatives.

MADAGASCAR

Diamondra Ranaivoson

Diamondra is a Forest Engineer with a master's degree in forestry and Environment and a PhD candidate in Natural Resources Management. She specializes in:

Lemur conservation and sustainable organic farming.
Biodiversity conservation, environmental education, and sustainable finance.
Integrating ecological and financial solutions in carbon and biodiversity markets for a sustainable future.

ETHIOPIA

Mitiku Muanenda Adula

Mitiku is a conservation horticulturist, lecturer, and researcher at Dilla University, Ethiopia. researche His roles include:

Part-time research botanist at LuTreeCo, Uganda.
Directory of expertise at BGCI. BGCI.
Top observer of Ethiopia's flora on iNaturalist. Inaturalist
Founder and former director of the Dilla University Botanical Garden.

COTE D'IVOIRE

Yao Konan

A research fellow at the Centre National de Floristique (CNF), Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Yao holds a doctorate in systematic ecology and plant biodiversity conservation. His contributions include:

Managing the CNF Arboretum and Herbarium.
Focusses on endangered species conservation.
Associate researcher at the Aké-Assi Botanical Institute. (IBAAN).

RWANDA

Jean Claude Nkundimfura

A social entrepreneur and co-founder of Humura, Jean Claude integrates biodiversity conservation with rural development. He has a background in nursing and social sciences His initiatives include:

Established a social clinic for underserved communities.
Establishing botanical conservatories for endangered species.
Developing biospheres for orchids and native plants.
Restoring forests using the Miyawaki method.
Promoting eco-tourism and biodiversity education.
Creating research centers and seed banks to preserve indigenous Jean Claude Nkundimfura-Defender of Tree Conservation and Biodiversity Rwanda species.
Raising awareness among local communities and schools about biodiversity conservation and ecosystem functions.

TANZANIA

Leonard Mtera

Leonard is a Field Officer at The Kilimanjaro Project, focusing on:

Tree planting and tracking initiatives.
Farmer training and crop value chain analysis.
Grant proposal writing and stakeholder engagement.

KENYA

Monari Ochwangi (Kenya)

Holding a BSc in Environmental Sciences from Machakos University, Monari leads research at Silver Oak Mazingira Hub and coordinates:

Africa Indigenous Tree Day (ITD2025).
The African Tree Seeds Group, restoring native and endangered tree species.

ZAMBIA

Lydia Amanzi

Lydia Amanzi is a Communications Officer at CIFOR-ICRAF based in Zambia with over five years of experience in environmental conservation. She leverages the power of storytelling and photography to communicate the critical role of trees in supporting biodiversity within landscapes.

BOTSWANA

Keletso Mike Seabo (Botswana)

Keletso holds a master's degree in environmental management Keletso is the Principal Forest & Range Resources Officer and Manager of the Botswana National Tree Seed Centre. His mission is to generate reliable data for informed policymaking to promote sustainable ecosystem management in Botswana.