Roseline Mutare
Masvingo Province is making remarkable strides in environmental conservation, as the Forestry Commission earnestly pursues its ambitious goal of planting over 600,000 trees.
Under the dedicated stewardship of Provincial Manager, Edwin Machokoto, this initiative aims to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change while fostering sustainable land management practices.
Recent statistics shared by Machokoto during an interview with The Midweek Watch showcase the initiative’s impressive progress. From the beginning of the year through June 2025, 17,485 trees have been planted across a sprawling 95.18 hectares of land. The diverse assortment includes 6,332 indigenous trees, 5,341 exotic varieties, and 5,812 additional species, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the local ecosystem.
Machokoto passionately urges local communities to engage in tree planting endeavours, particularly in regions battered by rampant deforestation, such as the scenic but vulnerable districts of Bikita, Mwenezi, and Chiredzi. The Forestry Commission is fostering a spirit of collaboration, working closely with schools and community groups to galvanise collective action towards their ambitious target.
He stresses the critical role that tree planting plays in safeguarding food security and enhancing environmental health. “Trees are life,” Machokoto declares, underlining the imperative for communities to prioritize the planting and nurturing of trees as a cornerstone of their environmental stewardship.
This bold initiative aligns seamlessly with Zimbabwe’s national vision of restoring degraded land and advancing afforestation practices. The goal of increasing forest cover by 10% by 2025 echoes throughout the province, and the concerted efforts in Masvingo stand as a beacon of hope and determination in achieving this vital objective.
