Story by Peter Chivhima
THE Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has committed to strengthening national environmental protection efforts through a nationwide tree-planting campaign launched in Harare on Friday.
The initiative, launched at the ZNA Headquarters in Harare on Friday by Commander Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, will see all army units participate in a coordinated reforestation drive aimed at combating deforestation and supporting climate resilience.
Lieutenant General Tapfumaneyi said the programme forms part of the ZNA’s broader obligation to safeguard the future by restoring damaged ecosystems.
“Today’s tree planting efforts symbolise more than just an act of planting; they represent our commitment to reclaiming our future. Each sapling we put in the ground is a testament to our determination to restore balance to our planet. It is a declaration that we care about our environment, about our children, and about the world we leave behind. I urge each of you here today to envision the future that these trees will help create, a future where our air is cleaner, our waters are purer, and our communities are more resilient,” Lieutenant General Tapfumaneyi said.
He urged the nation to recognise the long-term benefits of sustained environmental action.
“Imagine the shade of these trees providing comfort to children playing in the parks, the songs of birds nested in their branches, and the beauty they will bring to our landscapes. As we roll up our sleeves and dig into the soil, let us remember that we are not just planting trees; we are planting hope. We are nurturing the earth that nurtures us. We are making a stand for our planet.”
Environmental stakeholders who attended the launch commended the ZNA for supporting national reforestation initiatives.
“Each tree we plant is a step towards reversing deforestation and restoring balance to our ecosystem. This is a national responsibility,” Forest Extension Officer for Harare Metropolitan Province, Mr Duncan Chiwala said.
“Tree planting is not just about the environment, it is about securing our future for our children, for the climate, and for generations to come,” POSB’s Public Relations Officer Mr David Makacha added.
Zimbabwe is targeting the planting of more than 15 million trees this year as part of its national climate-change mitigation and environmental sustainability programmes.
