LOOP DFS Brings Tree Planting Drive to Safari Gravel Series in Naivasha
As corporate sustainability initiatives gain momentum, the cycling event brought together conservation agencies, local communities and participants to restore degraded landscapes through indigenous species.
LOOP DFS has planted 3,000 indigenous and climate-adaptive trees in Naivasha as the company steps up its environmental conservation efforts, combining sports, ecosystem restoration and community engagement through its flagship Safari Gravel Series.
The tree-planting exercise took place at Flamingo Farm during the second leg of the LOOP Safari Gravel Series 2026, which attracted more than 2,000 participants, including 850 cyclists, spectators, partners and local residents. The initiative was carried out in partnership with the management of Hell’s Gate National Park as part of wider efforts to restore degraded landscapes and strengthen climate resilience in the Naivasha ecosystem.
Why LOOP DFS Made Tree Planting Part of the Safari Gravel Series
According to LOOP DFS, the initiative reflects the company’s strategy of integrating sustainability into its sporting events, ensuring that each edition of the gravel cycling series contributes to long-term environmental restoration alongside promoting outdoor recreation.
LOOP DFS Chief Executive Officer Eric Muriuki said the company is embedding conservation into its business activities by linking community participation with practical environmental action.
“Through the LOOP Safari Gravel Series, we are creating experiences that go beyond sport by supporting ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation,” he said.
Indigenous Trees Chosen to Restore the Naivasha Ecosystem
The trees planted include Odo, Olive, Neem, Croton, Acacia, Melia azedarach and Syzygium; species selected for their ability to thrive in the local environment while improving soil health, supporting wildlife habitats and enhancing ecosystem recovery.
Officials from Hell’s Gate welcomed the partnership, noting that restoring indigenous vegetation is critical to protecting biodiversity, strengthening climate resilience and preserving the natural resources that support surrounding communities.
How the Project Supports Kenya’s Long-Term Climate Goals
Furthermore, environmental experts have increasingly identified indigenous tree planting as an effective approach to restoring degraded ecosystems because native species are better adapted to local climatic conditions and provide long-term ecological benefits.
As the trees mature, the project is expected to improve carbon sequestration, create habitats for birds and other wildlife, rehabilitate degraded landscapes and contribute to Kenya’s broader climate action and reforestation goals.
The latest exercise continues LOOP DFS’s practice of making tree planting a permanent feature of the Safari Gravel Series, positioning the event as both a sporting competition and a platform for environmental conservation and community impact.
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