What You Need to Know
His Majesty King Letsie III highlighted the significance of fruits in promoting health and good eating habits during a tree planting event at Meeling Primary School. He praised the Ministry of Environment and Forestry for their efforts in planting trees and urged local authorities to ensure their care. The event also featured remarks from Prime Minister Samuel Matekane and representatives from the
Africa-Press – Lesotho. His Majesty King Letsie III says fruits play a vital role in maintaining healthy minds and bodies, while also promoting good eating habits within communities.
The King made the remarks during a tree planting initiative led by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry at Meeling Primary School in Taung, Ha-Serobele. He commended the Ministry for planting thousands of forest and fruit trees, noting that people who regularly consume fruits tend to have fewer visits to health centres due to improved overall wellbeing.
His Majesty also expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s efforts in tree planting, saying the initiative addresses his long-standing concern about planting trees without proper care. He urged local authorities to take responsibility for nurturing the trees, warning that he would conduct unannounced visits to ensure they are well maintained.
Prime Minister Samuel Matekane also thanked the Ministry for selecting Taung as the host of the event. He assured residents that the gravel road in the area would soon be rehabilitated, following a request by Member of Parliament for Taung Constituency No. 59, ‘Matiisetso Matsie.
Speaking at the same event, Matsie welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit but raised concerns about the safety of the planted trees. She highlighted that the absence of fencing at the school allows animals to roam freely, damaging crops in school gardens.
She appealed to the community to take care of the trees by watering and nurturing them, expressing hope that in the coming years the Prime Minister would be able to harvest fruits from the same trees.
Meanwhile, Mr. Keketso Makara, representing Standard Bank, said the institution is committed not only to financial services but also to environmental sustainability. He noted that the bank has entered into a three-year partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to support tree planting initiatives.
Makara further revealed that the bank has set aside about M750,000 to assist with tree planting activities and urged communities to protect the trees, citing their benefits such as preventing land degradation.
The event was attended by several dignitaries including Speaker of the National Assembly Tlohang Sekhamane, UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Jacquiline Olweya, Government Secretary ‘Malisema ‘Mokela, and other senior government officials.
This year’s International Day of Forests is commemorated under the theme “Forests and Economies.” The Ministry of Environment and Forestry reports that approximately 1.5 million trees have been planted to date.
Lesotho has a rich tradition of agriculture, with fruits playing a crucial role in the diet of its people. The government has increasingly recognized the importance of sustainable practices, such as tree planting, to combat environmental degradation and promote health. Initiatives like these not only enhance food security but also contribute to the overall wellbeing of communities. The recent emphasis on tree planting aligns with global efforts to address climate change and promote environmental sustainability.
