28 Nov 2021

Department of Forestry and Range Resources in Kgatleng has made a commitment to plant 15 000 trees annually through schools, government institutions, community projects, Green Habitat Botswana treasurer Ms Gofaone Mmotokara has said.

The project,  Ms Mmotokara said, at the annual district tree planting commemoration in Oliphant’s Drift on Thursday, was a response to a call from United Nations Environment programme on intensified tree planting. 

The day’s theme was Forest restoration, a path to recovery and well-being.

Regarding the  tree of the year; Mmilo (Vangueria Infausta), Ms Mmotokara said the it was chosen because of its food nutritive and medicinal value.

She added that the aim was to create public awareness on the importance of different tree species and their benefits to the environment. 

Oliphant’s Drift and surrounding communities, she said, had a significant role to play on sustainable management of the environment. 

“This year Oliphant’s Drift has registered 3 veld fires caused by unknown agents. 

Note that frequent fire outbreaks will lead to negative succession, emission of greenhouse gases, loss of biodiversity,” she said. 

She urged residents to control unplanned veld fires, practice proper livestock stocking rate and form trusts to manage natural resources, noting that sustainable environment was a key component pillar in Vision 2036 and NDP11. 

“Our range resources are not just habitat for living things, they also give life as they are source of fuel, fodder, medicine and construction materials just to mention a few. 

Kgatleng district was not exempted from these benefits as a total of 300 seasonal jobs were registered annually from harvesting and sale of firewood, grass, Mosukudu, Sengaparile and others, she said. ends