300 Trees Planted to Challenge Apostolic Deforestation Stereotypes

Wilma Mavhengere

Over 300 trees has planted by Masowe for Economic Development (Masowe4ED), in partnership with the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe and the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Climate, aimed at dispel long held stereotypes linking apostolic worship sites to deforestation.

The programme, timed to coincide with National Tree Planting Day during the rainy season, marks a decisive shift in the role of apostolic churches in ecosystem restoration.

Speaking during the launch on behalf of the Environment, Climate and Wildlife deputy minister, John Paradza, Ministry Chief Accountant Ms Tarupuwa Moyo said environmental stewardship is not the responsibility of the Government alone.

“It is a shared national obligation consistent with the spirit of “nyika inovakwa nevene wayo”.

“This initiative resonates directly with Zimbabwe’s Vision2030 which seeks to transform our country into an Upper-Middle class society,” said Paradza.

He emphasised sustainable utilisation of resources, urging the initiative to expand across all apostolic sites.

“National Development Strategy 2 recognises that sustainable development must be people-centred and locally driven.

“In this regard, the tree initiative launched today embodies the national mantra and communities taking ownership of their environment,” he said.

ZANU- PF DCC Glen Norah District chairperson Juhtin Pachiti said that reforestation is vital to stop the nation from turning into a desert.

“A tree should get cut down while one possesses two more trees to plant.”

“The use of axe should be less unless you have another two trees to plant,” said Pachiti.

He expressed gratitude to Masowe4ED for bringing together leaders from different provinces to strengthen climate resilience and align with the President’s vision.

“I thank Masowe4ED to engage leaders from different provinces to learn the importance of climate resilience.

“Together with the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe, supportfor the President’s vision is clear and well into action,” he said.

Masowe4ED chairperson Onwell Vengesa said the organisation is admitting to being perpetrators of deforestation.

“We use firewoods everytime we get together, we clear land to have a place to worship

“Today, we have said no more, and we collaborated with the Forestry Commission to set an example for other Zanu Pf affiliates and apostolic churches as a broad,” he said.

He emphasised a target of reafforestation of one million trees in 246 masowe sites across all provinces.

“We have invited Masowe4ED leaders from all ten provinces to learn and lead the initiative across the country.

“We are following the President’s declaration of the National Day of Planting and ensuring no place is left behind.”