The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE commemorates the National Tree Planting Day on Saturday, with schools playing a pivotal role in pushing the climate change agenda.
Friends of the Environment (FOTE) has identified schools as a critical stakeholder in pushing the climate change agenda by using their existing structures for tree propagation, planting and survival.
More than 38 million trees have been planted over the past decade.
FOTE has become the major producer of tree seedlings in the country.
The 85 percent tree survival rate has been attributed to the organisational structure found in schools.
FOTE person Mr Tendayi Gwatiringa said: “FOTE has held 12 walkathons between 2010 and 2021, covering 2 075 kilometres on foot, which have been successfully executed.
“We are grateful for the unwavering support of sponsors, schools and the communities.
“The walkathons, as one of the three pillars of FOTE, are an integral activity that has significantly raised awareness on the importance of tree planting and the conservation of forests to mitigate global warming and climate change.”
He added that for this year’s walkathon from Masvingo City Centre to Nyika Growth Point, more than 86 000 trees will be planted and a further 120 000 thereafter, bringing the target to over 200 000 trees for Masvingo only.
Mr Gwatiringa said more than 75 percent of the trees will be planted at schools in the seven districts of Masvingo, namely: Bikita, Chiredzi, Chivi, Gutu, Masvingo, Mwenezi and Zaka.
The 105km walkathon, leading to the National Tree Planting Day on Saturday, will culminate in the commissioning of a tree seedling nursery at Gwindingwi High School in Bikita.
