Precila Takabvirakare
Gutu-based Utsinda Christian College goes green as they join the rest of the world in celebrating International Day of forestry this week under the theme ‘Forests and sustainable production and consumption’.
International day of Forestry was proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 2012 to raise awareness and celebrate the importance of all types of forests.
It encourages people from all walks of life to get involved in commemorative events that promote sustainable management of forests.
Speaking at the event, the District Forestry Extension Officer Wellington Moyo encouraged people to take good care of the forests because if they are destroyed, livelihoods are also destroyed.
“I encourage you to take good care of the forests that we have in our communities and stop deforestation. If we destroy forests we destroy livelihoods. There are a lot of species that are in these forests so let us keep them safe by planting more trees,” said Moyo.
He also added that people should keep the forests safe because humanity cannot live without them, a nation without trees is almost helpless.
Gutu District Schools Inspector (DSI) Ronald Muganhu also appreciated the move by the school saying trees need to be preserved well because people get a lot from them.
“I would like to thank the school and community for this event. Trees need to be preserved well because we get a lot from them. We get timber, food and even medicine from them, if you remove one tree you have to replace it by planting another. Animals rely on these trees, if are cut down they will not be able to survive,” he said.
He also challenged village heads to help in observing safety of trees by punishing those found guilty of cutting down the trees so that everyone understands their importance.
Around a total of 30 trees were planted at the school.
