Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
A total of 100 trees, comprising indigenous, fruit, exotic and decorative species, were planted at 1 Infantry Brigade’s Khumalo Barracks in Bulawayo as uniformed forces intensified efforts to restore the country’s natural ecosystem and contribute to global conservation initiatives.
The tree-planting exercise, presided over by Commander 1 Infantry Brigade Brigadier-General Cephas Gurira, was held under the theme “Trees and Forests for Ecosystem Restoration and Improved Livelihoods.”
In his address, Brig-Gen Gurira said the theme was meant to galvanise the nation into planting and nurturing trees, while underscoring their importance in biodiversity conservation, food security and climate action.
“This year’s commemorative tree is the Umvebe/Mubvee, commonly known as the Sausage Tree (Kigelia africana). It is a distinctive tropical tree indigenous to Africa, recognised for its large sausage-shaped fruits,” he said.
Brig-Gen Gurira highlighted that various parts of the tree are used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including diabetes, high blood pressure, wounds and skin conditions. He noted that the tree is now widely cultivated worldwide, largely due to its medicinal value.
He emphasised the broader benefits of tree planting, particularly in an era where more than half of the world’s population resides in urban areas that are increasingly threatened by pollution and overheating.
“A mature tree can absorb an average of 15 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide per year, helping to make cities healthier and safer places to live,” said Brig-Gen Gurira.
He added that a single tree can support hundreds of species, ranging from fungi and insects to birds and mammals, while forests play a critical role in capturing rainwater and reducing the risk of natural disasters such as floods and landslides.
“Trees help to clean the air we breathe and provide habitat for about 80 percent of the world’s terrestrial animal, plant and insect species. Globally, forests provide livelihoods to more than 33 million people, while about 25 percent of all medicines are derived from trees,” said Brig-Gen Gurira.
He expressed gratitude to the Forestry Commission and Nyaradzo Life Assurance Company for donating the tree seedlings, urging other stakeholders to continue supporting environmental conservation initiatives.
Brig-Gen Gurira urged participants to embrace tree planting as an investment in the future.
“Plant a tree today and have shelter tomorrow. Plant a tree today and have food tomorrow. Plant a tree today and have a life tomorrow. Trees are not only for today; they are the future, and what we have done here will benefit and inspire generations to come,” he said.
