Rutendo Chirume

As the country prepares to celebrate National Tree Planting Day, the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe has said it is targeting to take the lead in planting 25 000 trees across Masvingo province.

Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe Masvingo provincial acting manager Edwin Machokoto said the target was achievable if all stakeholders worked together.

“This figure would contribute to the target of at least 600 000 trees nationally for the whole of year 2024. As such, I encourage communities to come together in their respective districts and participate for the better of our environment,” said Machokoto.

He said a total of19 sites across the province had been designated for the planting of trees on the day.

“The main event will be at Danhamombe High School where the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira will officiate. Our tree of the year is called Mukashu or Quinn Tree, and it will be planted on the day across the whole country.

“The significance of this day is centred on sustainable land management, environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, environmental stewardship, and promotion of national pride and unity,” said Machokoto.

National Tree Planting Day is observed annually in Zimbabwe on every first Saturday of December.

“We often face challenges when people who are supposed to tend to the trees neglect them after the day of planting. In such cases, the trees are destroyed by animals, or they wilt due to lack of watering. We urge the people to take tree planting seriously and to look after the trees to maturity,” Machokoto said.