ZANZIBAR: IN a celebration that blended environmental consciousness with birthday festivities, President Samia Suluhu Hassan marked her 64th birthday by spearheading a tree-planting campaign in Zanzibar on Saturday.
The event took place in the Donge Muwanda area, where President Samia emphasised the critical role of nurturing trees for the well-being of the environment.
“Let’s continue to plant trees, but the most crucial thing is taking care of them,” President Samia remarked during the celebration. The President expressed her commitment to environmental conservation, citing the severe environmental damage in the country, particularly in Zanzibar.
The tree planting initiative was initially launched in 2022 in Dodoma Region, focusing on areas near water sources. Despite the slow pace of growth, the campaign has gained momentum, with the President emphasising its importance in mitigating environmental challenges.
As part of the birthday celebration, President Samia cut a cake adorned with a green theme, symbolising the commitment to the tree-planting exercise.
She extended her gratitude to the Regional Commissioners of Arusha, Manyara, and Njombe regions for their support. In Njombe Region, the climax of the six –day campaign on combating malnutrition on children complemented the tree-planting efforts.
President Samia highlighted the urgent need to address environmental concerns, especially the rising sea levels that threaten both the islands and mainland areas. “Planting trees, including mangroves, emerged as a strategic measure to restore the natural balance of the sea and reduce land erosion.”
Encouraging citizens to participate in the initiative, President Samia urged them to continue planting trees, particularly in coastal areas, to revive mangrove ecosystems.
She also shed light on the business potential associated with tree planting, mentioning the carbon credit industry, where individuals can be compensated for growing and maintaining trees.
In total, President Samia Suluhu Hassan joined various citizen groups to plant a staggering 4,720 trees, including 120 fruit trees, in the Donge Muwanda area, covering 35.7 acres. The initiative was not only aimed to celebrate the President’s birthday but also to address the environmental challenges facing Tanzania.
During the event, President Samia directed the Office of the First Vice-President of Zanzibar to curb arbitrary sand mining and instead issue mining permits only to citizens residing in high areas.
Additionally, she reached out to the Njombe Regional Commissioner, Antony Mtaka, urging continued efforts to educate the public on the importance of children’s nutrition for their healthy development.
President Samia’s commitment to environmental conservation and community well-being echoed throughout the celebration, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s efforts towards sustainable practices and a greener future.
Dr Samia, born on January 27, 1960, in the town of Makunduchi in Zanzibar, has etched her name in history as the first woman to ascend to the presidency in the East African nation.
In honouring President Samia on her birthday, Tanzanians not only celebrate the woman who has made history but also acknowledge the strides made towards a more diverse and inclusive leadership.
