Airtel launches nationwide tree-planting initiative

Airtel Zambia has launched a nationwide tree-planting […]

Airtel Zambia has launched a nationwide tree-planting initiative, planting trees in schools across the country as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability and strengthen climate resilience.

Airtel Managing Director Hussam Baday said the company was planting 500 trees in schools across each of Zambia’s nine other provinces, alongside the exercise held at Kaunda Square Secondary School in Lusaka.

Baday said climate change is already affecting Zambia through droughts, unpredictable rainfall and extreme temperatures, with consequences for agriculture, water security, livelihoods and the economy.

“Environmental stewardship can no longer be viewed as somebody else’s responsibility. It is a responsibility that belongs to all of us,” Baday said.

He urged learners to take responsibility for caring for the trees, saying “their true value will be realised only if they survive and thrive.”

He also donated gardening tools to assist the school management in caring for the trees.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Director of Forestry Dr Freddie Siangulube, who delivered a speech on behalf of Permanent Secretary Dr Douty Chibamba, said more than two million hectares of land in Zambia are degraded.

Dr Chibamba said Government was preparing to launch the National Tree Planting Strategy, which will guide restoration programmes across the country.

He said Zambia needed to do more to address land degradation, warning that “this is not the country that we would want to leave to our children for the future.”

Dr Chibamba said climate change was already affecting communities and the economy, with droughts impacting agriculture, forestry, water and energy generation.

He urged other companies to emulate Airtel and partner with Government and communities in restoring the environment.

“Government alone cannot achieve these ambitions. Partnerships with the private sector and communities remain critical,” Dr Chibamba said.

He also urged learners to take ownership of the trees, saying: “We are talking about growing trees more than planting trees. Water them whenever it is necessary, protect them from damage, monitor their growth, and every tree must count.”

Article by Karen Ngulube