Chronicle Editor
Fortunes Matutu, Analysis
The Government has initiated a green initiative for the beautification of towns and cities countrywide through urban reafforestation. In the wake of climate change, urban forestry can provide opportunities for implementing nature-based solutions into cities and towns.
The programme dubbed, “Beautification of Cities and Towns – green movement initiative”, is a national programme set to be launched soon and is being rolled out in all urban areas across the country.
The Forestry Commission, working with various stakeholders and local authorities, will spearhead the project with the main objective of decorating Zimbabwe, reducing the urban carbon footprint and enhancing ecosystem services.
The Zimbabwe Smart Sustainable Cities Initiative will be boosted by this reafforestation program. This smart city initiative lists a healthy environment, access to clean water and the beautification of the city as some of its objectives to create smart cities.
Trees contribute to smart cities by beautifying the cities, providing ecosystem services and many other material products that alleviate the inherent problems of urban areas like pollution, flash flooding and heat waves.
Population growth in urban areas has resulted in increased urbanisation due to demand for space for houses and infrastructure, resulting in increased tree cutting.
The loss and degradation of urban forests or green spaces adversely affects the ecosystem and consequently human lives. Deforestation associated with urban sprawl results in loss of biodiversity and degradation of watersheds, which leads to lower water quality and more floods.
Urbanisation has a huge ecological footprint because of high population densities and high resource consumption.
As the country moves towards sustainable smart cities, trees in urban areas and green spaces need to be improved in quantity and quality in order to maximise ecosystem goods and services for urban populations.
In many urban areas, the well-being of communities is at risk due to environmental degradation, increased demand for water, food, energy, unemployment, and lack of high-quality public spaces for socialising and recreation.
Every year, millions of people die from outdoor pollution worldwide – more than ever before. Many more people are suffering from respiratory problems because of the dirty air they breathe and dirty water they drink.
Houses and infrastructure are at increased risk from natural disasters caused by whirl winds, floods and heat waves. In failing to understand how trees in urban areas support society, we are rapidly compromising the environment’s ability to sustain life.
This can all be solved by having green spaces in cities and planting trees along pathways and homesteads. However, most people lack a clear understanding of why trees should be planted in urban areas, viewing parks and green spaces as wastelands. Yet, if a community and leaders are foresighted and interested enough, trees can be protected and new ones can be planted
Resilient urban landscapes need to be designed, constructed and managed with trees as an important part of the plan and management. In any smart city concept, eco-friendly practices, green spaces, and supporting technology are used to reduce carbon emissions, enhance air quality, and protect natural resources.
A successful urban tree planting design process begins with identifying suitable spaces and species. It is important to understand the environment, infrastructure, social issues, and characteristics of the site before developing a healthy urban forest.
Planting trees in urban areas is generally governed by the “3-30-300” rule, which identifies the minimum requirement for tree planting.
The rule stipulates that in an urban environment, each resident should be able to see at least three trees from their homes; each neighbourhood should have 30% tree canopy coverage, and the distance from a high-quality public green space should not exceed 300 meters.
A variety of methods can be used to increase green infrastructure in urban settings, including the conservation of natural forest patches (parks and wetlands), the planting of street trees using native and exotic ornamental trees, beautification plantings at home, institutions like schools, churches, shopping malls, and sacred sites like cemeteries.
In addition to beautifying urban areas, planting trees for beautification reduces air pollution, improves water storage, reduces noise, enhances aesthetics, creates recreation areas, and cools urban areas.
The impact of all this is improved human and animal well-being of urban communities.
Below are some benefits of having trees in urban areas.
Trees sequestrate carbon and stores it.
Trees produce oxygen that is important for the survival of human beings.
Trees clean our air by removing and filtering air pollutants.
Trees protect us from flooding by filtering storm runoff water.
Keeping cooler local climates through evapotranspiration, trees release water vapour into the atmosphere and provide shade.
Trees are good for our mental health and wellbeing.
Trees offer a cooling canopy of shade, pleasant fragrances, and a serene background.
Trees provide habitats for biodiversity.
Fortunes Matutu is a forester with the Forestry Commission and has a special interest in social forestry.
Online Reporter