by Gift Mashoko
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said he would lead in the tree planting campaign and urged leadership to demonstrate this environmental stewardship for the nation to appreciate trees and forests.
“I will personally lead in this campaign by planting a tree to commemorate this occasion and I urge leadership in all sectors of society to demonstrate this environmental stewardship so that the whole nation appreciates the value and the need to conserve trees and forests,” said President Mnangagwa.
Addressing delegates at the State House yesterday, President Mnangagwa highlighted Government’s commitment on recognising the 1st Saturday of December every year as the National Tree Planting Day and he said trees and forests were an integral part of people’s lives.
“I wish to reaffirm the commitment by my Government to recognise the 1st Saturday of December every year, as National Tree Planting Day. Trees and forestry remain a vital component of our daily lives and with many communities, entails rural areas and industries, currently driving their livelihoods from trees. Forests and Forest based products and ecosystem services is critical for the country to recognise the importance and collectively work to conserve this natural resource,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said that the Government was aware of the developmental projects that have had negative impacts on the forest resource and policies can be applied.
“My Government realises that many developmental projects in the country have negatively impacted on the forest resource and while policy measures can be applied to address the challenge, tree planting, tree care as well as management of existing woodlands remain the primary solutions that everyone can participate in and make a difference,” he said.
