# Swiss naturalist turns barren Kenyan quarry into wildlife sanctuary

2026-08-10T14:15:11+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

A Swiss-born naturalist has turned a barren limestone quarry near Mombasa, Kenya, into a thriving wildlife sanctuary after decades of work. Dr. René Haller, working with Bamburi Cement, began the restoration in 1971. He planted 26 tree species, but only three survived the harsh, salty ground. One survivor, the casuarina tree, dropped needles that would not decay. Haller introduced red-legged Mombasa millipedes to break down the needles, rebuilding soil nutrients. Over time, more than a million trees were planted, and former quarry pits became wetlands and ponds. The site, now Haller Park, hosts forests, butterflies, birds, and mammals.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/one-man-spent-decades-transforming-a-kenyan-quarry-left-barren-by-limestone-mining-into-a-thriving-wildlife-sanctuary-filled-with-forests-wetlands-and-wildlife/articleshow/133098433.cms>

Tags: Dr. René Haller, ecological restoration, Haller Park, Kenya, quarry rehabilitation, wildlife sanctuary
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