Tree planting campaign marks Pinda’s 78th birthday
DODOMA: A TREE-PLANTING campaign held at Njedengwa in Dodoma City, this week formed part of activities commemorating the 78th birthday of former Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda.
During the tree-planting campaign on Wednesday, which coincided with Mr Pinda’s 78th birthday, the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), in partnership with Habari Conservation Organisation (HCO), planted more than 2,000 trees. The former prime minister is also HCO’s patron.
The tree-planting exercise was also part of a wider campaign targeting 20,000 trees across 25 acres to establish a major urban forest in the capital.
HCO Deputy Patron, Engineer Athuman Mfutakamba, said the initiative went beyond celebrating the former prime minister’s birthday, turning the occasion into an opportunity to create lasting environmental benefits.
He said the campaign aims to increase tree cover, conserve Tanzania’s native tree species and seeds, and contribute to efforts to address climate change and environmental degradation.
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“A tree planted today is a gift to our children, grandchildren and generations yet to come,” Eng Mfutakamba said.
He commended TPA for supporting environmental conservation in Njedengwa and other areas, saying protecting the environment requires joint efforts by government institutions, civil society, the private sector and individual citizens.
The initiative forms part of the Green Dodoma (Kijanisha Dodoma) campaign, launched by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during her tenure as Vice-President to promote a greener and climate-resilient capital.
Speaking during another tree-planting exercise at Njedengwa last month, Mr Pinda urged Tanzanians to make environmental conservation a shared responsibility.
He said expanding urban forests was increasingly important as cities grow, helping address climate change while improving residents’ quality of life.
He also called for greater public participation in tree-planting initiatives and proper care of newly planted trees to ensure their survival and long-term environmental benefits.
