‘Preserve environment to combat climate change’

Wallace Ruzvidzo in Bulawayo

Zimbabweans must take collective action to preserve the environment and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, President Mnangagwa has said.

Leading a tree planting exercise, alongside First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, on the sidelines of the 21st ZANU PF National People’s Conference here yesterday, the President underscored the importance of tree planting in promoting sustainable development and restoring the environment.

The event ran under the theme “Trees and Forests for Ecosystem Restoration and Improved Livelihoods”.

Speaking to journalists after the event, President Mnangagwa underlined the significance of environmental conservation.

Secretary for Environment and Tourism in the Politburo First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa waters Mukweshangoma/ Impaca/ Tree wisteria she planted while President Mnangagwa, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and Mrs Chiwenga look on at the 21st ZANU PF National People’s Conference in Bulawayo yesterday. − Pictures: Presidential Photographer John Manzongo

He said the initiative was not only about planting trees but also about inspiring younger generations to embrace eco-friendly practices.

“Trees are life and the oxygen that we breathe comes from trees,” he said.

“So when we are planting them like we have just done here, we are showing the younger generation that trees should be preserved because they are life.

“In the coming years, there will be a big tree and shade where we have just planted today and the younger generation will enjoy not knowing that years back the President and First Lady were the ones who planted these trees.”

On her part, First Lady Amai Mnangagwa reaffirmed her commitment to promoting tree planting across the country.

“Today is my day as the Environment Patron and the whole country has seen that I have led this tree planting exercise, especially now that the rains are upon us,” she said.

“I am imploring people to get ready and plant trees and where I have been travelling all the trees have been planted.

“We are actually now getting into the forests to plant trees, because that is where the deforestation is happening the most.”

The First Lady also encouraged citizens to actively participate in environmental initiatives.

“People should know that trees are everyone’s life, for both those who are living today and those who will be born tomorrow,” she said.

“I also hope that when people hear that I have travelled to a certain place they will follow as we champion the betterment of people’s livelihoods.”

Several high-ranking officials participated in the exercise, including Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi.

Other attendees included ZANU PF Chairperson and Minister of Defence Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri; the party’s Secretary-General, Dr Obert Mpofu; Acting Minister of Environment Barbara Rwodzi; and Bulawayo Minister for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube.

Following the tree planting exercise, President Mnangagwa toured exhibition stands at the 21st National People’s Conference, where he expressed satisfaction
with the nation’s growing spirit of innovation.

“Each year, you discover that our people become more and more innovative,” he said.

“More and more new products come onto the stage, which means that we continue to have new ideas and translating these ideas into products and services.

“And this is what it ought to be.

“I am so happy that our people are very innovative.”