About Green Action

Green Action, a UK-based environmental nonprofit, is dedicated to empowering communities in the UK and East Africa to combat climate change and secure sustainable livelihoods.

The Challenge: With the global population to soar from 7 billion to over 9 billion by 2050, ensuring food security amidst climate change is our greatest challenge. Urbanisation and rising incomes are transforming food demand, increasing the strain on our natural and agricultural ecosystems. To meet this demand, global food production must increase by 70%, and in many African countries, it needs to double. In Northeast Kenya, the landscape is so degraded that communities struggle to meet their needs. Climate change, overgrazing, and invasive trees combine to make living in this semi-arid area more difficult year after year. Growing suitable trees, improving soil quality and rehydrating the land can reduce temperatures and create resilient, sustainable communities.

Woody plant species were deliberately introduced into many arid and semi-arid regions to help combat desertification and provide resources. The Mathenge Tree in Kenya (Prosopsis) has spread rapidly from the original plantations and invaded the surrounding natural grasslands, shrublands, and croplands.
The shrub is particularly difficult to manage because it bears fruit prolifically. Seeds germinate and grow very fast when in contact with moisture. This causes high densities of invasion that easily outcompete other species, shrinking grasslands and croplands.

Green Action Biochar uses biomass from Mathenge removal /management to sequester carbon from the atmosphere, converting it into fertiliser to improve soil quality.

Our Mission: Green Action is on a mission with local communities in East Africa to increase the sustainable production of their lands so they can grow and thrive. We aim to restore forests, improve agricultural practices, repair ecosystems, create sustainable green jobs and restore rural livelihoods. We work with local communities, providing the skills and training needed for long-term tree planting and environmental stewardship.

Get Involved: By partnering with local communities, we aim to alleviate the harsh effects of climate change and foster sustainable development. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support to expand our impact and create a greener, more resilient future.

Take Action Now: Join us in planting trees, supporting sustainable agriculture, and building a better world. Together, we can make a difference. Visit our website to learn more and get involved today!

Richard Thickpenny

Co Founder & CIO

Richard is recognised as a thought leader in refugee integration, social inclusion, and entrepreneurship. Green Action sees him build on his sustainable development expertise to deliver an innovative restoration-based model of entrepreneurship.

Sado Jirde

Co- Founder and Strategic Director

Widely recognised and plauded for her transformative work with BSWN improving the socio-economic conditions of marginalised communities. Sado’s expertise in education, employment, and entrepreneurship will ensure Green Action delivers a JUST transition.

Nimo Jirde

Co Founder & CFO

Nimo brings almost 2 decades of experience in corporate finance to her role at Green Action.
As a founder of Green Action Nimo is driven by her personal experiences in Northeast Kenya where landscapes and livelihoods have been ravaged by climate change.

Advisory Board
Chief Counsel

This board includes industry experts, academics, and representatives from stakeholder communities, providing strategic guidance and support ensuring the programme remains inclusive and responsive to local needs and challenges.

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