Yunis Ibrahim Sheikh

Yunis Ibrahim Sheikh was recognized for his remarkable contribution to environmental conservation and climate resilience through his leadership in the Eldas Afforestation and Greenification Programme. A visionary environmental champion, he has dedicated his efforts to transforming the arid landscapes of Eldas into thriving green spaces that support both ecological balance and community well-being.

Under his stewardship, the programme has successfully overseen the planting of more than one million trees over the past five years, a milestone that has significantly mitigated the effects of climate change in the region. These tree-planting efforts have helped combat desertification, improved soil fertility, and restored biodiversity, creating a more sustainable environment for future generations.

Beyond the environmental impact, Yunis’s initiative has also created meaningful economic opportunities for the traditionally nomadic communities of Eldas. Through tree nurseries, agroforestry projects, and environmental education, local residents have gained new sources of income and developed skills in sustainable land management.

His leadership has not only turned Eldas into a model for dryland afforestation but has also demonstrated how environmental restoration can serve as a powerful tool for poverty reduction, peacebuilding, and resilience in Kenya’s northern regions.