NEMC Northern Zone targets planting 5,000 trees to mark 40th anniversary
ARUSHA: THE Northern Zone office of the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) has launched a major tree-planting campaign targeting 5,000 trees across Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Manyara regions as part of celebrations marking the institution’s 40th anniversary.
The programme was officially launched over the weekend at the College of African Wildlife Management Mweka (CAWM-Mweka) in Kilimanjaro Region.
Speaking during the launch, NEMC Northern Zone Manager Benjamin Dotto said the exercise forms part of a nationwide initiative to plant 40,000 trees to commemorate the council’s four decades of environmental conservation efforts.
“NEMC is celebrating its Ruby Jubilee this year since its establishment. To mark the milestone, we have projected to plant 40,000 trees countrywide, while the Northern Zone regions are expected to plant a total of 5,000 trees,” he said.
Mr Dotto said the targeted regions under the Northern Zone include Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Manyara. He noted that NEMC, in collaboration with Kilimanjaro Environmental Preservation (KEP), had already planted 800 trees within the Mweka college grounds during the launch event.
According to him, the remaining trees will be planted in primary and secondary schools, higher learning institutions, government offices, public spaces and private institutions across the three regions.
“NEMC, as the custodian of the country’s environment, remains committed to restoring natural vegetation through tree planting and other environmental conservation activities aimed at protecting the nation’s ecosystem,” he said.
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Mr Dotto also praised the growing number of environmental clubs in schools and colleges, saying they provide hope for sustainable environmental protection and climate change mitigation efforts in future generations.
“We are encouraged by the presence of environmental clubs in educational institutions because they help children and youth understand the importance of conserving the environment from an early age,” he added.
Representing CAWMMweka, Dr Rehema Shoo thanked NEMC for involving the college in the campaign, saying the exercise reflects the institution’s commitment to environmental conservation and climate change mitigation.
She said tree planting has become an important tradition at the college, helping to restore ecosystems and protect the surrounding environment.
Dr Shoo also revealed that the college introduced a Bachelor Degree programme in Environmental and Waste Management during the 2025/2026 academic year to strengthen environmental conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, KEP Director Nestory Mushi commended NEMC for the initiative, urging other institutions to use anniversaries and celebrations to promote environmental conservation activities.
