Apollo Forest

Apollo Forests was founded by Esther Ruth Mbabazi, a Ugandan documentary photographer, storyteller, and National Geographic Explorer. Inspired by her late father Ntahondi Apolinali, who nurtured fruit and indigenous trees around their home, Esther launched the project in 2022 to honor his legacy and help restore Uganda’s green cover. “I wanted to do something that would honor his life, and make the world a slightly better place at the same time,” she says. Starting with a 10-acre plot in Central Uganda, Apollo Forests has planted more than 2,600 indigenous trees. The initiative is now expanding to a 20-acre site in Kigumba, Northern Uganda, an area previously stripped bare by charcoal production. In partnership with soil scientists, botanists, and researchers, the project aims to restore biodiversity, improve soil health, create local jobs, and provide environmental education for surrounding communities. Recently, Apollo Forests hosted me alongside a visual artist and writer to explore the intersection of creativity and the environment. The project highlights how artists can deeply connect with nature and demonstrates that environmental and climate action can be both personal and generational, carrying forward values that outlive their founders.