Rotary impresses Forestry Commission

BY STEVE EPHRAEM

THE Forestry Commission is thrilled with the Rotary Club of Chipinge’s dedication to combating climate change through tree planting. On November 19, 2024, the club planted trees along the Chipinge-Birchenough Highway, with District Governor for Rotary District 9210, Tom Kamwendo from Zambia as the guest of honor.

Speaking during the tree planting exercise, Forestry Commission’s District Forestry Extension Officer for Chipinge, Patience C. Chiparange expressed gratitude on climate action activities.

“We are happy to see District Governor Tom Kamwendo coming all the way from Zambia to plant a mahogany tree in Chipinge in a bid to fight climate change. I want to thank him and urge other stakeholders and other nations to come and support our tree planting activities so that we can fight climate change together. Let’s plant trees. Trees are life,” she said.

This effort is part of the Rotary Club of Chipinge’s ongoing tree-planting program, which began in 2022 with mahogany trees from Makandi Estate. The club aims to expand its program to areas along the Chipinge-Mt Selinda road and has already gained support from Chipinge Town Council, Chipinge Rural District Council, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help School.

Rotary International has a history of promoting environmental initiatives, including tree planting. In 2017, Rotary President Ian H.S. Riseley challenged every Rotarian to plant a tree by Earth Day 2018, resulting in the planting of 1.2 million trees worldwide. This initiative demonstrates the power of community-led projects in addressing global issues like climate change.

The benefits of tree planting extend beyond environmental benefits, promoting economic and community development, peace, and disease prevention. By working together, organizations like the Rotary Club of Chipinge and the Forestry Commission can make a significant impact on the environment and their community.