The ManicaPost
Tanyaradzwa Mujati
Post Reporter
COMMUNITIES in Manicaland have a huge role to play in upholding environmentally friendly practices that prevent depletion of resources and destruction of ecosystems, Commander 3 Infantry Brigade – Brigadier General George Chitsva – has said.
Speaking during belated National Tree Planting Day commemorations held at the Herbert Chitepo Barracks in Mutare today, Brig-Gen Chitsva said planting trees is one of the sustainable ways of preventing environmental degradation.
The event was attended by representatives from Zimbabwe National Army, Forestry Commission, Environmental Management Agency, Nyaradzo Group, Doves Holdings, ZIMNAT, and Mutasa South legislator Cde Misheck Mugadza, among others.
“Trees contribute significantly to the quality of life in the ecosystem as they bring in natural elements into the environment. We should all, therefore, play our part in mitigating the effects of global warming by planting more trees.
“This also reduces land degradation and soil erosion from community up to global level. Trees are an essential and indisputable part of our lives as they perform a variety of functions such as providing us with oxygen, fruits and wood as well as shelter for animals,” said Brig-Gen Chitsva.
Brig-Gen Chitsva took time to plant a tree during the event.
He added: “Trees are a vital part of the environment and are essential in maintaining the balance in the ecological unit. As communities, we must desist from wantonly cutting down trees. National Tree Planting Day is a call to national action for all Zimbabweans to plant trees and protect the environment from degradation.”
The National Tree Planting Day is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of December since 1980 and aimed at raising awareness on planting and conserving tress.
The 2022 commemorations ran under the theme “Trees and Forests for Ecosystem Restoration and Improved Livelihoods”.
