Plant a tree to save lives………

Since time immemorial trees have been demanded by men in his day to day activities. History tells us of trees being used for firewood, construction, baking bricks, fencing, medicines and for rituals. As we have adopted a more modernised way of life, the uses of trees continue to increase.

Trees are being cut down to produce poles for electricity and telephones, the furniture industry continues to grow, and firewood remains a major source of energy for both rural and urban dwellers. The implication has been more deforestation with no or little afforestation efforts from everyone. It is in this light that Environmental Buddies Zimbabwe Trust has made it their mandate to save the environment for us and for future generations. Planting several indigenous trees in various schools, their most recent tree planting was at Goromonzi High School, an occasion that commemorated the life of the late heroin, Mbuya Maud Muzenda who was a renowned Environmentalist.

Gracing the occasion was the Muzenda family , Senator and Deputy Minister of Energy, Honourable Tsitsi Muzenda Guest of Honour (A former Goromonzi High Student) and Goromonzi alumni . Other notable appearances came from Ambassador E. Kawonza, Dr. Hebert Murerwa (former Goromonzi High student), Honorary Consul of the Sultanate of Oman, His Excellency Kamal Khalfan, Permanent Secretary of Education

The soul aim was planting trees to save lives. This saw the planting of hundred (100) indigenous trees to restore lost indigenous woodlots. Senator Tsitsi Muzenda commended the work being done by Environmental Buddies Zimbabwe Trust.

His Excellence Kamal Khalfan said planting of trees is very important in any given country. “I come from the Sultanate of Oman. The Northern part of my county is all desert. No trees, no water. Sustainable environmental management is something that is important and needs to be encouraged. We have to encourage the planting of trees so that there is a future for everybody. There are so many tree cutters and you rarely see any tree planter and that has to change.”

Headman William Yafele extended his gratitude to Environmental Buddies Zimbabwe Trust for their efforts in restoring lost forests in his area. “We used to have forests but they have since degenerated into nothing now. We are glad we could be part of this re-afforestation programme especially planting our own Zimbabwean trees and we are proud,” said Yafele.”The growing of the economy of a country is important but not at the expense of the environment, ” he added.