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Kudakwashe Chidziya Manicaland Correspondent
MANICALAND residents have been urged to partner Government on a massive reforestation drive that will seek to increase the rate at which new trees are planted as a way of conserving the environment which has been seriously affected by human activities.

In an interview, national tree ambassador Mr Never Bonde said Makoni and Mutasa districts were the main targets for the drive as they were the most affected areas in the province.

He said most people in rural areas relied on firewood as a source of energy which had, in turn, resulted in mass deforestation.

“It is sad that people are continuing to cut down trees. This will have an unbearable impact on our environment and even our climate.

‘‘To counter this deforestation, Government will soon donate trees and seedlings to local people as part of afforestation efforts, especially in Manicaland.

“We intend to restore the woodlands of Manicaland at the same time conserving our environment.

‘‘Apart from tree seedlings, we will also educate people on how to look after these trees so that we get an evergreen environment like before,” he said.

Mr Bonde said the exercise would start in Rusape and then move into Mutasa District.

“People in these areas will benefit from the scheme, which will also be part of collective citizen responsibility towards a better environment.

‘‘These trees can be exotic or indigenous but they will bring a big difference,” he said.

He added trees were important to the country’s agriculture sector as they had a major effect on climate change.