Story by Grace Sibanda
SCHOOL children have taken the lead in planting trees ahead of the National Tree Planting Day set for the first Saturday of December,
Bulawayo joined hands in a noble initiative this Thursday after taking part in a tree-planting initiative before the school holidays.
Conducted in partnership with the Forestry Commission, the move is also meant to ensure learners play an active role in combating climate change.
The Forestry Commission has set a target of planting 25 million trees this season, with Bulawayo Metropolitan Province expected to contribute 30 000 trees.
“The target is to plant 25 million trees country-wide, and Bulawayo has the mandate to plant 30 000 trees,” said Forestry Commission chief conservator of forests, Armstrong Tembo.
In a speech read on her behalf by Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Paul Nyoni, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Judith Ncube noted that trees are the first line of defence against climate change.
“The theme reminds us of the role played by trees, especially in the face of climate change-related problems that affect our nation time and again.”
This year`s National Tree Planting Day theme is “Trees and Forests For Ecosystem Restoration And Improved Livelihood”, with the national tree being the Fever acacia, known as Umkhaya in Ndebele and Muunga in Shona.
