Forestry Commission Says Zimbabwe Loses 330,000 Hectares Of Land, Annually, Through Deforestation

Bulawayo Cowdray Park Resident Recognised As National Tree Planting Ambassador

THE Government has appointed a Cowdray Park resident as the national tree planting ambassador in recognition of his role in fighting deforestation through planting indigenous trees. In a letter dated June 27, the Minister of Environment, Water and Climate Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri tasked Mr Never Bonde to lead an initiative to plant trees in schools, churches among other places.

“It is my pleasure to appoint you to be the tree planting ambassador effective on the receipt of this letter. I have appointed you to be our ambassador on tree planting in recognition of your work, enthusiasm and dedication to tree planting initiatives within the community,” read Muchinguri-Kashiri’s letter.

Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Martin Moyo last Friday congratulated Mr Bonde. “He is a local Cowdray Park resident who has a keen interest in nature conservation. His keenness on conservation and tree planting hasn’t gone unnoticed. He has been recognised  by Minister Muchinguri as the tree planting ambassador for the ministry in the whole country,” said Clr Moyo.

He said expansion of cities as well as tobacco farming has led to deforestation. “He has informed me that his target is to produce five million seedlings and would need assistance in areas of polythene bags used to plant seeds. Those willing to assist Mr Bonde can get in touch with him on 0772842639 or the nearest Forestry Commission or Environmental Management Agency office,” said Clr Moyo.

An elated Mr Bonde expressed gratitude to Muchinguri-Kashiri for recognising his efforts in fighting deforestation. He said he has planted nearly 4,000 trees in schools among other public institutions countrywide and has a target to ensure that five million trees are planted by December.

Mr Bonde said he has 300,000 seedlings but is appealing for polythene bags. According to Forestry Commission statistics the country loses about 330,000 hectares of land through deforestation yearly, a development Mr Bonde says need to be addressed.

“I call on every Zimbabwean to be part of the tree plantation process. I’ve been working with several institutions whom I supply indigenous trees with. I’ve supplied Bulawayo City Council run schools with the trees, police stations among other willing partners,” he said. by Nqobile Tshili. Source – chronicle