Environment protection activist urges Zambians to protect environment

Environment protection activist urges Zambians to protect environment

Lusaka, February 27, ZANIS—- National Chairperson of the Zambezi Gwembe Valley Awareness Tree Planting Expedition Walk Kalaluka Mulyokela has expressed sadness at the rate at which trees were being cut for charcoal production purposes.

Speaking when he featured on Zambia News and Information Services radio programme today in Lusaka, Mr. Mulyokela said the excessive cutting down of trees for charcoal production has contributed to deforestation in most parts of the country.

He described the situation as alarming and called on government to ensure that interventions are put in place to safeguard the remaining forests before the trees are depleted.

Mr. Mulyokela explained that the Zambezi Gwembe Valley Awareness Tree Planting Expedition Walk has been instituted so as to help raise awareness on the importance of preserving trees.

He pointed out that Siavonga district was one of the districts that have been hit most by deforestation thereby threatening the Zambezi River.

Mr. Mulyokela disclosed during the interview that the expedition walk will cover Siavonga, Chilanga and Lusaka districts respectively.

He further disclosed that one million trees will be planted during the expedition walk which will be undertaken in March this year.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mulyokela has saluted government for spearheading the tree planting exercise currently being undertaken in various parts of the country.

He said the commitment shown by government to replenish forests was overwhelming as the development will help to restore forests.

Mr. Mulyokela has since called on all Zambians to actively participate in the tree planting exercise and not to leave the exercise to government alone.

He urged the general public to preserve trees so as to save the environment from degradation.