20 Mar 2023

Educating the public on the importance of forests is a critical step in fighting climate change and safeguarding natural resources for future generations. 

It is against this backdrop that Botswana will today join the rest of world to commemorate the 10th annual International Day of Forests celebrated under the theme: Forests and Health. About 300 people are expected to attend the commemoration to be held at Boatle Barrow pit in Taung. 

Minister of Environment and Tourism, Ms Phildah Kereng is expected to officiate at the commemoration, which will start with tree planting at the Barrow pit near the Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) plant from 6am to 7:30am. 

In an interview, Department of Forestry and Range Resources (DFRR) district coordinator, Mr Sindisa Major said the commemoration was aimed at educating the community about forests and their importance. 

“It is important to create awareness in order for the community to appreciate the need to take care of forests to reduce water logging and preserve the aesthetic part of the environment,” Mr Major said. 

He added that the event would also contribute to the fight against global warming and rehabilitation of degraded areas by planting trees. 

He said the International Forests Day was an annual event adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on November 28, 2012, with annual commemoration on March 21 in the Southern hemisphere due to weather conditions. 

“The adoption was aimed on reflecting strong international commitment to advance sustainable forest management, curb deforestation and enhance forest contributions to the achievement of the internationally agreed forest related global goals, as well as to mark the importance of forests,” he said. DFRR is expected to establish three fruit orchards in the district with 12 fruit trees, specifically at Mafitlhakgosi Clinic, Mokgosi Memorial School and Taung Junior Secondary School after the commemoration ENDS