MMC plants over 3,000 trees to mark world forest day

KILIMANJARO: THE Moshi Municipal Council (MMC) in Kilimanjaro Region has facilitated the planting of more than 3,000 trees across various areas within the municipality, to mark this year’s World Forest Day and National Tree Planting Day.

This was revealed over the weekend by Moshi Municipal Environment Officer, Mr Stanley Jeremiah, during a tree-planting exercise conducted in different parts of the municipality as part of the commemorations.

“We launched this exercise on March 16th, this year, in collaboration with various stakeholders. So far, we have planted fruit trees and other types of trees in schools, health centres and along roadsides within Moshi Municipality,” he said.

He added that the initiative aims to support government efforts to restore natural vegetation and improve the environment in response to climate change.

Mr Jeremiah named key stakeholders involved in the exercise as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), ELCT-ND Saccos, Pangani Basin Water Board (PBWB), Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) and Yas Mobile Company.

Speaking during the event, Yas Public Relations Manager, Ms Rukia Mtingwa said the company is partnering with other stakeholders to improve the environment due to its importance in mitigating health risks, including pollution-related diseases.

“Through this campaign, we have already planted more than 100,000 trees across Kilimanjaro Region, covering a total of 69 hectares,” she said, adding that the company plans to expand the initiative to other parts of the country.

ELCT-ND Saccos Project and Marketing Manager, Mr Jeremiah Chaki, said their participation is aimed at improving the environment and contributing to sustainable economic growth, while also addressing climate change impacts such as floods and droughts.

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“In addition to tree planting, we are supporting efforts to combat climate change by providing loans to enable citizens to purchase clean energy stoves. This will reduce reliance on firewood, help prevent deforestation and improve environmental conservation,” he said.

Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) representative, Mr Kevin Lubao, said the institution has set a target of planting 600,000 trees across Kilimanjaro Region in collaboration with various stakeholders.

“Besides conserving forests, TFS is actively involved in tree planting initiatives to improve the environment, working closely with other stakeholders,” he said.

WWF Simba Project Manager, Mr Emanuel Kivuyo, noted that the organisation has made significant progress in environmental conservation through partnerships, including with Yas Limited.

“These efforts have contributed to restoring natural vegetation, strengthening protected area systems, safeguarding wildlife habitats and improving air quality,” he said.

Pangani Basin Water Board (PBWB) representative, Mr Ramadhan Bingwa said the institution is actively engaged in tree planting due to its role in protecting water sources.

“So far, PBWB has identified 814 water sources in Kilimanjaro Region, with 301 located in Moshi Urban. This highlights the importance of environmental conservation in safeguarding these vital resources for both humans and ecosystems,” he said.