A Canadian environmentalist has begun an ambitious 24-hour attempt to plant 40,000 mangroves along Kenya’s coast, in a bid to set a new world record.

Antoine Moses kicked off the challenge at 8:01 am on April 30, 2026, at Tudor Creek in Mombasa County, and is expected to conclude at the same time on May 1, 2026. If successful, he will surpass the current benchmark of 30,469 mangrove trees planted in 24 hours, set in 2024 by Australian environmentalist Jimi Cohen.

The attempt is unfolding in challenging conditions typical of mangrove ecosystems, where restoration work is dictated by tidal movements and difficult terrain. Planters must navigate knee-deep mud and saline waters, carefully positioning each propagule at the correct depth and spacing to ensure survival.

Principal Secretary in the State Department for Forestry Gitonga Mugambi praised the effort, describing it as both a test of endurance and a demonstration of what is possible in environmental restoration.

“Planting mangroves is among the toughest forms of restoration, done in shifting tides, deep mud, and demanding conditions. So when Antoine Moses takes on the challenge of planting 40,000 mangrove propagules in 24 hours, we pause and say pongezi. This is more than a record attempt—it is a powerful signal that what once seemed impossible is achievable,” he said.

Mugambi noted that the initiative aligns with Kenya’s national goal of restoring degraded landscapes under the 15 Billion Trees Programme by 2032, with mangroves playing a critical role in supporting the country’s blue economy and coastal livelihoods.

He added that the effort highlights the realities of restoration work, emphasizing the need for endurance, precision and collaboration with local communities.

“It reminds us that restoration demands endurance, precision, and strong partnerships with local communities. Above all, it shows us that with commitment, it can be done,” he said.

Kenya Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer June Chepkemei welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant contribution to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.

She said the choice of Kenya as the venue for the global attempt underscores the country’s role as a destination where conservation, community livelihoods and tourism intersect.

“Kenya offers more than breathtaking landscapes and seascapes. It provides living ecosystems where tourism thrives, communities earn, food systems are sustained, and global changemakers can drive real impact,” she said.

The record attempt has drawn attention not only for its scale but also for its symbolic value, bringing together global environmental advocacy and local conservation efforts in the restoration of degraded coastal ecosystems.