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Caroline Mutsawu in Hwange

NYARADZO Funeral Assurance, one of Zimbabwe’s leading diversified insurance groups, has planted over 400 million trees since 2010 as part of its commitment to environmental conservation and combating climate change.

This milestone brings the organisation closer to its ambitious target of planting 500 million trees by 2026.

To achieve this goal, Nyaradzo formed the Friends of the Environment Trust (FOTE) in 2022- the tree-planting initiative started in 2010- tasked specifically with tree planting and forest conservation. On Saturday, FOTE organised a 15.5km walkathon in Hwange to commemorate National Tree Planting Day, which is observed annually on the first Saturday of December.

The walkathon, which began at Empumalanga terminus and ended at Coalfields Primary School, drew participation from residents and organisations alike, fostering a culture of tree planting. The event culminated in the planting of 50 fruit trees, including guava, lemon, and orange, at Coalfields Primary School, symbolising Nyaradzo’s dedication to corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Nyaradzo Hwange manager and FOTE administrator, Mr Kennedy Dube, emphasised the importance of nurturing the planted trees and called on all Zimbabweans to join the reforestation drive.

“To achieve the 500 million target, everyone in the country—individuals, companies, churches, and organisations—must unite in regenerating our vegetation. It is not just the responsibility of the Government and environmental organisations like FOTE, but a collective responsibility for all,” he said.

Mr Dube highlighted the multiple benefits of the initiative, including job creation, renewable energy production, food security, and combating desertification. FOTE has so far established 37 tree nurseries across various provinces, which not only provide seedlings but also firewood, reducing deforestation.

The event’s guest of honour, Zimbabwe Open University Regional Director for Matabeleland North, Dr Douglas Gasva, noted that tree planting aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 of becoming an Upper Middle-Income Society.

“Tree planting creates opportunities for wealth through forest-based enterprises such as fruit and nut production, honey, renewable energy, and sustainable materials for industries like tobacco,” Dr Gasva remarked.

District Conservationist, Mr Bulelani Ndlelambi, underscored the critical role forests play in biodiversity, food security, and climate change mitigation. “Preserving species such as mopane is essential to reducing carbon emissions and combating global warming,” he said.

Other stakeholders involved in the walkathon included the Forestry Commission, Hwange Colliery Company, the Environmental Management Agency, and the Zimbabwe National Army.

This year’s tree planting campaign is themed: “Trees and Forests for Ecosystem Restoration and Improved Livelihoods.”