South Unguja RC urges information officers to champion tree planting

ZANZIBAR: THE South Unguja Regional Commissioner (RC), Ayoub Mohammed Mahmoud, has called on Government Information Officers to become ambassadors of environmental conservation by promoting tree planting in their respective communities as a key strategy to mitigate climate change effects.

Speaking in Muyuni Village, South Unguja, during a special tree-planting initiative, Mr Mahmoud addressed participants of the 20th Government Information, Communication, Public Relations, and Protocol Officers’ Working Session.

He noted that the government’s efforts to engage various community groups in raising awareness about the importance of restoring the country’s green cover.

“It’s important for media professionals to support the government by helping convey this message and encouraging environmental stewardship,” said Mr Mahmoud.

“South Unguja will continue leading in tree planting initiatives to establish itself as a model green region.”

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He highlighted that although South Unguja is Zanzibar’s largest region by land area, its low population offers an opportunity for large-scale reforestation due to its expansive forested land.

He urged residents to leverage this potential for environmental and economic benefits. Mr Gerson Msigwa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports of Tanzania mainland, echoed the call, emphasising the critical role of tree planting in environmental preservation.

He encouraged all stakeholders to unite in this national effort. Information Officers present at the event pledged to promote environmental awareness and spearhead reforestation campaigns within their jurisdictions.

As part of the initiative, 2,000 trees were planted on April 5 in Muyuni Village. The programme also featured educational visits to Jozani National Forest Reserve and the Tiki Beach area in Bwejuu.

The tree-planting campaign was a key highlight of the 2025 annual Government Information Officers’ Working Session, which brought together participants from government institutions across mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.