28 Oct 2013

Planting of trees is beneficial to the world at large as it helps reduce the occurrence of natural disasters.

Taung councillor, Ms Botlhole Nawa said this during the South East District tree planting day at Taung. She urged all involved top take care of the trees that came from the department of forestry and range resources.

For his part, Mr Pogiso Botlhole a prominent farmer in Ramotswa said the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) had undertaken to mobilise the whole world to plant and increase the number of trees on earth.

“We are here to mobilise our communities and individuals to collectively sow trees so that our atmosphere is protected against climatic catastrophes”, Mr Botlhole said. He said the objective of tree planting was to increase public awareness and education on the importance of tree planting. Everybody needed trees for shade in times of heavy rains, natural disasters and protection from wild animals like lions, he said.

He called to the audience’s recollection the March 2000 Mozambique floods during which a woman gave birth atop a tree. Both woman and baby were later rescued.Then, when the Taung Rivers burst its banks, people climbed trees and were later rescued. He said trees also produce oxygen, which humans need to live.   
He also urged the public to teach their children to love trees. Mr Botlhole also encouraged residents to plant trees in every occasion such as celebrations, birthdays and other memorable events. ENDS