ZIMBABWEANS have been challenged to continue planting trees even at household level and desist from activities that cause deforestation.
The destruction of forests and woodlands is on the increase, with deforestation being cited as one of the major contributors to climate change.
It is against this background that the Zimbabwe Defence Forces is making efforts to inculcate a culture of environmental stewardship.
Officiating at a tree planting event at the Mechanised Brigade Headquarters just outside Harare, Zimbabwe National Army Mechanised Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Temba Mlambo said they are committed to environmental conservation as a mitigation measure against climate change.
“Our forests are being threatened by increased human activities such as veld fires, cutting down of trees for tobacco curing and other domestic uses. The indiscriminate destruction of forest leads to uncontrolled soil erosion among others and the long- term effects are drought and floods,” said Brigadier General Mlambo
Mashonaland West Provincial Forestry Manager, Lewis Padzire noted that tree planting is a sustainable way of creating a habitable ecosystem.
“We always encourage the planting of trees in communities and enhance our flora for the benefit of present and future generations,” Padzire said.
The National Tree-Planting Day is commemorated on the first Saturday of December, with the message of environmental stewardship taking centre stage.
However, the ZNA has gone beyond just planting trees on a day having dedicated the early part of the year to the exercise.
