A gift that grows
We live in an era influenced by humans to the point that the Earth's systems are now altered. In addition, a majority of the world's population lives in cities. To meet the needs of people in a changing world, on Valentine’s Day, 14 February 2023, a Tree Planting event was carried out in a ceremony set up whereby Young Entrepreneurs Trust Zimbabwe (YETZ), Environmental Buddies Zimbabwe (EBZ), and other stakeholders took turns imparting knowledge to the community on various thematic areas on climate change and the roles they play. Mutukwa Primary School was gifted with 100 trees, and the young learners together with the local community were taught about the importance of planting trees, the disadvantages of cutting down trees, and its contributions to the climate change crisis being experienced. YETZ and EBZ wanted to ensure that the community leaders are aware of their rights and powers so that they can voice their concerns on the gaps in environmental protection as they are the custodians of that land, making community participation the most powerful tool for environmental conservation
Our aim was to ensure the community members realize how their actions had a direct impact on the environment. We also wanted them to know how something that seems simple like tree planting can have so many benefits like improved air quality as trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. By planting more trees, community members will be having a direct positive impact on the environment as this help to reduce air pollution in the community, which can have significant health benefits.
Trees help to prevent soil erosion and provide nutrients that can help to improve soil quality. By planting trees, community members would help to prevent soil erosion and improve the quality of soil in the community, which would inevitably have positive impacts on agricultural productivity which would benefit them by improving food security, health, and community development as a whole.
This event was to ensure that the community members realize the importance of doing their part in biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation and how these actions will go a long way in environmental protection which is aligned with national sustainable development goals.
