Catherine Gichungu, a Kenyan entrepreneur and CEO of Caly Flora has earned international recognition from the United Nations as one of 12 global business leaders who have demonstrated progress and commitment towards advancing Sustainability Development Goals.
Guchungu’s efforts were recognized by the United Nations during the award ceremony in New York.
She was feted for outstanding contributions to the advancement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the implementation of the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact on human rights, environment, labour and anti-corruption.
Gichungu was one of just two Africans who attained remarkable recognition by the UN in 2023. She beat other contestants from over 100 participating nations to emerge among the top global leaders.
Through her company Caly Flora and its subsequent brands Greenit Decors and Mizizi Eco Circle, Gichungu has been spearheading education initiatives and community engagement promoting sustainable practices among Kenyans.
Caly Flora is the first in Kenya to use and create broader awareness of eco-friendly flower wraps to reduce its carbon footprint.
In 2022, the Company sold record-breaking bouquets in eco-friendly biodegradable wraps, saving numerous polythene floral wraps that would have had an effect on the environment.
Through Greenit Decors, Gichungu is also addressing the Kenyan Ecosystem’s rapid decline of indigenous tree species that play a vital role in curbing soil erosion, protecting water catchment areas, providing food, livelihoods, and promoting biodiversity.
“We have grown at least 45 species of indigenous tree seedlings, kept a minimum 100,000 trees Garden Centre and sold over 14,000 indigenous trees in 2022 alone while setting standards on the sizes of trees to sell at 1.5 meters and above to ensure their survival in the environments they are transplanted to,” she stated.
