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Government plans to plant 30 million trees next year to combat rapid deforestation plaguing the country, Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu has said.
In recent commemorations to mark this year’s National Tree Planting Day held at Mabvazuva Secondary School in Epworth, Harare, Minister Ndlovu said planting trees could help mitigate the effects of climate change.
“We have been cutting trees for firewood and developmental purposes, where people are expanding their settlements and roads being created,” he said.
“The 2020 target is 30 million trees and beyond which we are looking at and we believe that if we meet this target, and we do it on an annual basis, we will happily take back our environment.”
Trees play are critical role in the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing life-supporting oxygen. Every citizen, Minister Ndlovu added, had to play their part by supporting reforestation efforts.
“So we have got a responsibility; in fact, we have a duty to reafforest. Where we cut one (tree), we need to plant 10 at least . . .”
There was also need to switch to alternative sources of energy such as solar that are environmentally friendly, he said.
Online Reporter