Government must increase the number of trees planted per year

Government says it is targeting to plant 20 million trees between this year and the end of next year as it seeks to ensure that the country’s natural resources remain intact.

The target is an increase from 10 million trees set last year and has been revealed at a time the country is preparing for the National Tree Planting Day which falls on the first Saturday of December every year.

The Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Management, Cde Francis Nhema said the focus of this year’s National Tree Planting Day is the impact of climate change and the need to realise that the salvation of the country from these effects lie in the way in which natural resources are conserved.

“We are looking at the drought situation and we are taking cognisance of that our natural resources have a bearing on what we do in terms of our everyday lives,” said Cde Nhema.

Minister Nhema said government will ensure that natural resources are kept intact through planting of trees which reduce risks of floods, mudslides and desertification.

He added that each province is required to double the number of trees it planted last year in order to meet this year’s target.

The National Tree Planting Day, which will be held at Nyamandlovu in Umguza District, is expected to be officiated by the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, President Robert Mugabe.

This year’s event will be running under the theme, “Grow and Conserve Trees-Sustain Livelihoods,” and the tree of the year is Red Mahogany whose botanical name is Khaya Anthotheca.