31 Oct 2016

Residents of Semboyo village in the North West District have been urged to be acquainted with the importance of trees in their lives and surroundings.

Speaking at the District Tree Planting Day, Khoemacau Copper Mining environmental community coordinator Mr Johnny Marundi said Department of Forestry and Range Resources has made a commitment to plant trees annually through schools, government institutions, private sectors and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Mr Marundi stated that more than 80 per cent of people living in rural areas derive their livelihoods from trees such as food, fuel, medicine, construction, materials, crafts and other uses.

He told attendants that Maerua Angolensis which is Moreketi in Tswana name and also dubbed tree of the year was chosen for its medicinal, fodder and aesthetic purposes.

Mr Marundi stated that the indigenous tree’s distribution can be found in the eastern parts of the country and to some parts of Southern Africa including Mozambique, South Africa, Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Furthermore, he said that despite all the priceless benefits derived from trees, there is still mismanagement of forests which led to negative impact of climate change and desertification.

“It is therefore imperative that this trend is slowed down and reversed by planting trees for sustainable environmental conservation”, he said.

Marundi continued that forests and water were the most diverse ecosystems on earth, saying that they were home to more than 90 percent of terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects.

In addition, he said he was concerned about wild fires which continued to be a challenge in the North West District and urged residents to demonstrate sound management of wild land fires.

North West District coordinator at the Department of Forestry and Range Resources, Mr Peter Olekantse told attendants that tree planting was initiated by the former and second president, Sir Ketumile Masire in 1985.

Mr Olekantse informed residents that trees acted as wind-breakers and also prevented corrosion of land and played a major role in hydrological cycle which provided precipitation for livelihoods improvement.

He said Batswana were reluctant to plant trees on their own and that trees were only recognised for ailments and safety measures.

He informed attendants that the significance of trees gave birth to the commemoration of tree planting to create public awareness on trees and forests and their benefit to the environment.

Welcoming the attendants, Kgosi Baemedi Lelatlhego of Semboyo village appreciated the Department of Forestry and Range Resources for seeing it fit to educate them on the importance of trees and forests.

Kgosi Lelatlhego advised residents to preserve trees for they were responsible for fresh air that people breathed.

However, he said he was disappointed by the low turnout at the commemoration. ENDS