An environmentalists group called ‘Lugari Sub County Foresters Association’ has launched a reforestation programme in schools and other public places within Lugari Sub County in an effort to conserve the environment as well as encourage and sensitize residents about the importance of trees.
Speaking at Sipande secondary school in Mautuma location when she led a team of officials, teachers, and students in a tree planting exercise, the organization’s treasurer Mrs. Alice Ingutya disclosed that the organization which was established by senior forest officers from Lugari Sub County has brought on board officers from other Counties with an aim of ensuring better environment.
Mrs. Ingutya reiterated the organization’s commitment to ensuring residents embrace reforestation to benefit them and the society as a whole thereby helping fulfill the government’s requirement to keep ten percent of all land under forest cover and thus help in fighting climatic challenges.
The officer restated the importance of environmental conservation, arguing that it was incumbent upon all to ensure its success by engaging in various projects that are environmental friendly.
She revealed that in order to ensure there are enough seedlings, the organization has established a tree nursery at Bahari in Mwamba sub location in Lugari and has been giving seedlings to farmers to plant in their farms.
Mrs. Ingutya said apart from tree planting the organization owns a consultancy firm that gives technical advice on environment conservation and waste management among others.
Her sentiments were echoed by the organization’s secretary Elphas Wesonga who disclosed they have a variety of tree spices in their nursery which can be planted in various parts of the farm.
He, however, insisted that indigenous trees must be planted in water catchment areas to protect them while also appealing to residents to seek advice from the organization with regards to trees which does not affect crops when grown together on the farm. “It was upon all of us as major stakeholders to ensure that we conserve the environment in our small ways to propel and help the government realize its goal of achieving 10% of forest cover,” Wesonga pointed out.
He advised farmers with farm holdings of an acre to plant at least 64 seedlings and those with half an acre to plant 32, adding that it will add to 10% of their holdings. “Besides ensuring environmental conservation, the trees will also provide stable incomes and reduce poverty levels,” he advised.
He said they decided to plant seedlings in schools and other public places because they trust it will be taken good care of and grow well. Sipande secondary school principal Mrs. Janet Sidela thanked the association for its effort in conserving environment and planting
tree in her school saying the area has witnessed strong winds that have caused disasters and the trees will help to control the situation.
The principal used the opportunity to encourage students to be good ambassadors of environment conservation. During the event, more than 1,300 seedlings of various species of trees were planted in the school.
