Samora Salim is a Kenyan forestry and environmental conservation professional with over eight years of experience in forestry, agroforestry, ecosystem restoration, tree seed systems, nursery management, and climate-smart land management.

He is the Founder of Mpingo Growers Network Kenya (MGNK), an initiative focused on promoting the conservation, sustainable management, restoration, and commercial development of Mpingo (Dalbergia melanoxylon) while supporting communities to establish sustainable tree-growing enterprises.

Currently  serving as the Strategic Advisor and International Conservation Advocate, Samora combines technical forestry expertise with vast practical field experience in tree seed collection, seedling production, degraded landscape restoration, plantation establishment, agroforestry, capacity building and community-based natural resource management. His work also extends to carbon project development, monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV), and nature-based solutions for climate change.

He has professional work experience with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), where he serves as Senior Forester, contributing to forestry research, tree-growing initiatives, restoration programmes, nursery development, and community engagement. Through his work, he is particularly passionate about bridging the gap between forest conservation, scientific knowledge, community livelihoods, and sustainable business opportunities.

As the founder of MGNK, Samora’s vision is to build a network of Mpingo growers and conservation partners that can transform Mpingo from an underutilised indigenous threatened tree species into its former state and population; a driver of land restoration, biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and long-term economic value for local communities.

Areas of Expertise: Forestry & Agroforestry | Carbon Projects & MRV | Ecosystem Restoration | Mpingo Conservation | Tree Seed Systems | Nursery Management | Plantation Establishment | Community-Based Conservation | Nature-Based Solutions

David Saville is an American forester and conservationist with a longstanding commitment to forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable natural resource management. Based in West Virginia, USA, David has worked extensively on forest and wilderness conservation and has developed a strong connection with forest restoration initiatives in East Africa.

For more than a decade, David has spent part of his time in Kenya and Tanzania, contributing to forest restoration and conservation efforts. He has developed a particular passion for the restoration of Mpingo (African Blackwood) — Dalbergia melanoxylon, an iconic East African tree valued for its exceptional timber and cultural and musical importance. David has publicly highlighted the need to restore Mpingo populations in Kenya following decades of overharvesting.

David brings extensive experience in forest restoration, conservation advocacy, community engagement, wilderness protection, and restoration planning. His conservation career in the United States has included work supporting red spruce ecosystem restoration and broader forest and watershed conservation initiatives. He has also been recognised for his contributions to conservation by organisations including the USDA Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy.

His involvement in Mpingo restoration reflects a commitment to connecting international conservation expertise with local African knowledge and action. Through his support for Mpingo restoration in Kenya, David contributes to the broader vision of building a future where African Blackwood is conserved, regenerated, sustainably grown, and valued as an important ecological and economic resource.

Areas of Expertise: Forest Restoration | Conservation & Wilderness Protection | Mpingo/African Blackwood Restoration | Community Conservation | Ecosystem Restoration | Sustainable Forestry | Conservation Advocacy | East African Forest Conservation

John Ken Ouko is a distinguished forestry professional with 17 years of experience spanning the private sector, the Kenya Forest Service, and international development agencies. He brings extensive practical and technical experience in forest management, dryland forestry, climate resilience, and community-based natural resource management.

John has supported the implementation of dryland forestry and climate resilience projects across parts of Kenya’s dryland areas, working with communities and stakeholders to promote sustainable land and forest management practices in challenging and climate-vulnerable landscapes.

His professional expertise includes forest management, project management, community engagement, participatory planning, and the development of plantation and forest management plans. He has demonstrated a strong ability to bring together technical forestry knowledge, community priorities, and project objectives to support sustainable and practical conservation outcomes.

As part of the MGNK team, John contributes valuable experience in forestry planning, community mobilisation, project implementation, and sustainable forest management, strengthening the organisation's capacity to promote Mpingo conservation, restoration, and sustainable tree-growing initiatives.

Areas of Expertise: Forest Management | Dryland Forestry | Climate Resilience | Project Management | Community Engagement | Participatory Planning | Plantation Management | Forest & Plantation Management Plans | Sustainable Natural Resource Management

Elvis Oroni is a dedicated forestry practitioner and seed collection specialist with practical experience in the identification, collection, handling, and management of high-quality tree seed for restoration, conservation, and tree-growing programmes.

As the Seed Collector at Mpingo Growers Network Kenya (MGNK), Elvis plays a critical role in supporting the organisation’s tree seed supply chain. His work involves identifying suitable seed sources, monitoring seed maturity, undertaking timely seed collection, and ensuring that collected seed is properly handled and maintained to preserve its viability and quality.

Elvis contributes to the conservation of indigenous and valuable tree species by supporting the responsible collection of seed from appropriate and diverse parent trees. His work is particularly important to the Mpingo restoration programme, where access to quality and genetically diverse planting material is essential for establishing healthy and resilient populations of Dalbergia melanoxylon.

His role extends beyond seed collection to supporting seed processing, documentation, storage, nursery propagation, and traceability, helping to maintain a reliable link between natural seed sources and future restoration landscapes.

Through his field-based expertise and commitment to quality seed collection, Elvis contributes directly to MGNK’s mission of restoring indigenous trees, strengthening local tree-growing capacity, and creating sustainable pathways for forest conservation and community livelihoods.

Areas of Expertise: Tree Seed Collection | Seed Source Identification | Indigenous Tree Species | Seed Handling & Processing | Seed Quality & Viability | Seed Documentation & Traceability | Forest Restoration | Mpingo Conservation | Nursery Propagation

Antony Miriti is a Seed Technologist with three years of professional experience in forestry and a strong passion for forest conservation and ecosystem restoration. His work focuses on ensuring that quality tree seed is available to support successful forest restoration and sustainable tree-growing initiatives.

Antony specialises in indigenous tree seeds, seed testing, seed treatment, and viability tests, applying practical seed technology to improve germination, seedling quality, and ultimately forest cover.

Through his work with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and local communities, Antony contributes to the restoration of degraded landscapes by promoting the use of high-quality, properly handled and tested tree seed. His technical understanding of seed handling and propagation strengthens the link between seed collection and successful restoration on the ground.

As part of the Mpingo Growers Network Kenya (MGNK) team, Antony contributes valuable expertise in seed technology, indigenous tree species, nursery propagation, and restoration-oriented seed systems. His work supports the conservation and regeneration of valuable indigenous species, including Mpingo (Dalbergia melanoxylon).

Antony is committed to using science, quality planting material, and community participation to contribute to healthier forests and more resilient landscapes across Kenya.

Areas of Expertise: Seed Technology | Indigenous Tree | Seed Testing | Seed Treatment | Nursery Management | Seed Germination | Forest Conservation | Landscape Restoration | Community-Based Restoration

Kelvin Maleba is a student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and a passionate youth advocate for environmental conservation and Mpingo restoration.

As part of the Mpingo Growers Network Kenya (MGNK) team, Kelvin focuses on mobilising young people to participate in Mpingo restoration, helping to build a new generation of conservationists, tree growers, and environmental champions.

Through youth engagement, awareness activities, and peer-to-peer mobilisation, Kelvin works to increase young people's understanding of the ecological, cultural, and economic importance of Mpingo (African Blackwood) — Dalbergia melanoxylon. He encourages students and young professionals to see restoration not only as an environmental responsibility but also as an opportunity to contribute to sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience.

Kelvin brings the perspective, energy, and connectivity of Kenya's younger generation to the Mpingo restoration movement. His work is particularly important in creating youth ownership and long-term continuity for Mpingo conservation efforts.

Through his contribution, Kelvin supports MGNK's vision of building a growing network of young people who are actively involved in tree growing, environmental stewardship, conservation awareness, and the restoration of Kenya's indigenous forests.

Areas of Contribution: Youth Mobilisation | Mpingo Restoration | Environmental Awareness | Student Engagement | Community Outreach | Conservation Advocacy | Youth Leadership | Tree Growing

Ian is a passionate musician and Mpingo conservation awareness advocate who uses his musical talent to promote appreciation, understanding, and conservation of Mpingo (African Blackwood) — Dalbergia melanoxylon.

As a player of musical instruments made from Mpingo, Ian brings a unique cultural and creative dimension to the Mpingo Growers Network Kenya (MGNK). Through music, he helps tell the story of Mpingo, highlighting the importance of the species to music, culture, livelihoods, and the environment.

Ian uses his musical skills as a platform for environmental education and public awareness, helping audiences understand the value of Mpingo and the need to conserve and restore its populations. His approach demonstrates how art, culture, and conservation can work together to inspire communities to take action.

Through performances, demonstrations, and conservation messaging, Ian helps connect people emotionally with Mpingo and its cultural heritage. His contribution supports MGNK’s broader goal of building a strong public movement around Mpingo restoration, sustainable use, cultural preservation, and community participation.

Ian represents the powerful connection between music, culture, environmental conservation, and community awareness, using creativity to give Mpingo a voice beyond the forest.

Areas of Contribution: Mpingo Musical Instruments | Music & Cultural Heritage | Conservation Awareness | Environmental Education | Public Engagement | Community Outreach | Mpingo Conservation Advocacy | Arts for Conservation