Chembe steps-up tree planting

Chembe steps-up tree planting

Chembe, February 25, 2014, ZANIS ——— The Forestry department

in Chembe District of Luapula Province has set aside 700 seedlings of

different species for the tree planting exercise.

Disclosing the development in Chembe today, Forestry Department Senior

Technician Anthony Musonda says preservation of trees has significantly benefited the

environment the world over.

Mr. Musonda who was speaking during the District Tree Planting

exercise at Chembe Secondary School said the exercise was

a national programme that is aimed at increasing forestation.

ZANIS reports that Mr Musonda has since appealed to Heads of schools

in the district, through the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS)

to revamp clubs like Chongololo where pupils are educated and

enlightened on matters affecting the environment.

And Chembe District Commissioner Simon Lwando has observed that the

forest resource in the district is under intense pressure due to the

growing demand for forest products and other causes of deforestation.

Mr Lwando sited wild fires, charcoal production, unsustainable harvesting methods

caterpillars and bad farming practices like the chitemene.

Mr Lwando has cautioned members of the public against deforestation if

they were to enjoy the benefits of preserving forests in future generations.

The District Commissioner said this in a speech read for him by the

District Administrative Officer (DAO) Godwin Katakwe.

He said the new government policy on forestation is aimed at

increasing the country’s forest cover and simultaneously meet the

growing local needs for both wood and non-wood forestry products.

Meanwhile, Chembe  District Education Board Secretary Martin

Chituma has pointed out that trees represent a vast reservoir of

genetic resources and bio-diversity while providing habitation for

wildlife.

In a speech ready for him by Education Standard Officer Godfrey

Chungu, Mr Chituma advised school authorities that had received the plants to

look after them and ensure that the surroundings are conducive for the

growth of the plants.

Chembe district has 18 schools out of which 13 attended the

tree planting exercise where each school was given over 30

seedlings to plant in their respective schools.