22 Sep 2015

Residents of Natale village in the Tutume Sub-district have been urged to plant trees in order to protect the environment from persistent climate change and global warming.           

Speaking at the handing over of 150 trees to the community recently, Humana People to People project leader Ms Kesegofetse Gaolebe said the organization was compelled by the need to sensitise people about the importance of caring for their environment.   

Ms Gaolebe said it was important for people to understand that healthy food is sourced from the environment which must be protected and cared for in order for it to continue providing the healthy food needed by people to stay healthy.   

As an organization that believes in educating people about their health, with particular emphasis on HIV and AIDS, she said they asked for trees from Forestry Botswana to give them in turn to the community to plant in their respective yards.   

She noted that some people did not have trees at all in their yards and one of the reasons often given is that yards become dirty every time they shed leaves.   

The project leader explained that ever since they started the tree planting mission last year, they have received a positive response from recipients, including the communities of Palapye, Serowe, Gantsi and their surrounding villages.   

“Many people have started seeing the need to have their surroundings covered with vegetation,” she said, pointing out that some people fear to plant trees for fear of high water bills.   

Furthermore, Ms Gaolebe said as way of encouraging commitment, they often made follow ups to check progress and how the donated trees were doing with the idea of assisting further if need be.   

Kgosi Sheppard Natale of Natale village appreciated the gesture, noting that it was important to learn to take care of one’s environment. He said the encouragement from organisations such as Humana People to People would make a great difference in the community and their surroundings. Ends