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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, sukulwenkosi.dube@chronicle.co.zw
TREE planting is gaining momentum in Matabeleland South, with over 3 700 trees planted across 50 schools in the province so far.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to establish orchards at schools and other community spaces thereby promoting environmental conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
In an interview, Matabeleland South Forestry Commission provincial manager, Mr Bekezela Tshuma, said the programme aims to create “green schools” by planting fruit and ornamental trees.
While some schools already had orchards, new ones have been established, and the ultimate goal is to ensure every school has an orchard.
In addition to schools, trees are being planted in community gardens, mines, chiefs’ homesteads and individual homes.
Mr Tshuma said most of the trees they are planting are fruit trees which can serve as a reliable source of income. He said ornamental trees are also being planted to enhance the beauty of schools.
“We are working with various partners across the province on this programme,” he said.
Environmental clubs have been set up at some schools to monitor and take care of the orchards, ensuring the trees survive even during school holidays.
Mr Tshuma said there is a need to revive tree-growing and care competitions in schools to encourage sustainability.
Zimbabwe observes National Tree-Planting Day on the first Saturday of December each year. The day aims to motivate the nation to plant and conserve trees, raise awareness about the importance of forests, and mitigate the impact of climate change. This year’s theme is “Trees and Forests for Ecosystem Restoration and Improved Livelihoods.”
Zimbabwe loses 262 349 hectares of forest land annually due to deforestation driven by agriculture, settlement expansion, mining and illegal logging.
To reverse this trend, Zimbabwe needs to plant at least 25 million trees annually, while promoting sustainable forest management and natural regeneration.
“It has been said that until you dig a hole, plant a tree, water it and make it live, you have not understood the true meaning of life,” said Mr Tshuma.
He urged all stakeholders to participate in reforestation and afforestation efforts. — @DubeMatutu
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