By Rangarirai Shanyurai
The Disability Amalgamation Community Trust (DACT), an organization of people with disabilities based in Masvingo, recently joined the nation on National Tree Planting Day and planted 53 beefwood trees in Mushandike Village 13 on the first Saturday of December, the annual national tree planting day.
The trees were donated by the Forestry Commission in its quest to promote afforestation to mitigate climate change and serve other purposes.
National Tree Planting Day is the Forestry Commission’s flagship campaign and is set aside to motivate the nation to plant and conserve trees, enlighten the nation on the importance of forest and woodland resources, enhance biodiversity, household food security, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Speaking at the event, DACT Director Henry Chivhanga said the Forestry Commission recognized them as an Organization for PwDs and gave them trees.
He said they would be champions of tree planting and each member of the organization was going to plant at least three trees at his or her homestead.
“This gesture from the Forestry Commission acknowledges our request for trees to plant on National Tree Planting Day. The organization has made it a requirement for individuals to graduate with a Master Farmer certificate. Everyone is expected to plant at least three trees at their homes.
“As 17 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), each of you will receive three beefwood trees as a step toward mitigating climate change. We want these trees to serve as carbon sinks in our community as we contribute to the national effort in addressing climate change,” he said.
He said initially they wanted fruit trees but they had run out in the commission’s stocks and opted for the beefwood trees, but the commission had promised to provide the fruit trees once they stock the nursery.
“We initially wanted fruit trees but the Forestry Commission was unable to provide them. However, the manager assured us that he would supply them. He also emphasized that we are now interconnected and pledged that DACT would be involved in every National Planting Day,” said Chivhanga.
Speaking at the same event, Nyengeterai Chirume from the Forestry Commission emphasized the importance of tree planting for climate change mitigation and promoting the Quinine tree as the tree of the year.
“We are providing beefwood trees to you as Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to plant as a way to mitigate climate change in the coming years. A tree planted today can become a forest tomorrow. Tree planting is not solely the responsibility of the Forestry Commission; it is a collective duty. We must ensure that individuals are planting their own trees every month because these trees provide us with oxygen.
“As we can see, many trees are being cut down, leaving us vulnerable to rainfall issues. Deforestation also causes soil erosion, but if we had more trees, everything would be better managed,” said Chirume.
This year’s tree planting day was running under the theme, “Trees and Forests for Ecosystem Restoration and Improved Livelihoods,” and the tree of the year was the Quinine tree (Mukashu), which is valued for its medicinal benefits.
