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Caroline Mutsawu in Hwange
FRIENDS of the Environment Trust (Fote), an initiative by Nyaradzo Funeral Assurance has planted over 400 million trees since 2022.
This is against a target of reaching 500 million by 2026. Fote, formed by the leading diversified insurance group, held a 15,5km walkathon on Saturday in Hwange where residents and various organisations participated in an effort to promote a culture of tree planting.
The event was meant to mark the National Tree Planting Day, which is observed annually on the first Saturday of December.
The walkathon started from Empumalanga terminus to Coalfields Primary School where speeches were made amid calls for everyone to plant at least a tree each year.
Nyaradzo Group’s Hwange manager, Mr Kennedy Dube, who is Fote administrator said it was important to conserve the environment and to regularly monitor and maintain the planted trees so that the ambitious target of 500 million trees is achieved by 2026.
Speaking at the event, Mr Dube said neglecting to track the condition and maintenance of planted trees including adequate watering hinder progress and jeopardise the success of this initiative.
“To achieve the 500 million target, everyone in the country, from individuals, companies, churches, and all organisations must come together for the same cause of regenerating our vegetation,” he said. “There has to be a change of mindset through which all of us have to realise that our forests are vanishing and it is not the responsibility of the Government and environmental organisations like Fote alone but it is everyone’s responsibility.”
The Fote administrator said the project has brought a number of benefits to society such as creation of employment, contribution to renewable energy and reduction of desertification.
“People have been employed in Fote nurseries that were set in various provinces. To date Fote has established 37 nurseries in various provinces,” he said.
“It has contributed to renewable energy such as firewood and reduced desertification through replacement of trees that are being cut for various uses.
“Benefits also include the reduction of hunger as various fruit trees have been planted supplying our markets with fresh fruits this also contributes to good health.”
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Open University regional director for Matabeleland North, Dr Douglas Gasva, who was guest of honour, noted that tree planting activities align perfectly with Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society by 2030.
“This vision seems to take Zimbabwe forward as we strive for prosperous lives through empowerment as we approach the year 2030. This vision is being supported fully by the National Development Strategy 1 economic blueprint, which began in January 2021 and will be implemented until December 2025.
“Tree planting and conservation opens opportunities in creating wealth through forest-based enterprises such as fruits, plantations, honey, nut-based products and provision of renewable energy for our tobacco industry,” said Mr Gasva.
District conservationist, Mr Bulelani Ndlelambi highlighted the walkathon as a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving trees, particularly reserved species.
“The preservation of reserved species such as mopane is crucial in mitigating the effects of global warming and reducing carbon emissions,” said Mr Ndlelambi. “Just as God instructed humanity to reserve the tree of life in the Garden of Eden, we too must protect our forestry reserves to safeguard the environment.”
Forests are a cornerstone of human well-being and biodiversity, offering a range of benefits, from construction materials and food to medicine and wildlife habitats.
Other stakeholders that took part included Forestry Commission, Hwange Colliery Company, Environmental Management Agency and Zimbabwe National Army.
This year’s tree planting campaign is centred on the theme: “Trees and forests for ecosystem restoration and improved livelihoods.”
As a highlight of the event, Nyaradzo made a meaningful contribution to environmental conservation by planting 50 fruit trees such as guava, lemon and orange trees at Coalfields Primary School, demonstrating the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.
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