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Leonard Ncube/Rosalla Mzacana, Victoria Falls Reporters
A GROUP of volunteer youths from Victoria Falls and their counterparts from Livingstone in Zambia embarked on a clean-up of the Victoria Falls Rainforest and Bridge in an effort to keep the resort destination in its pristine state.

The two countries share the Victoria Falls and bridge, both tourist attractions, with the now popular imagery that Zimbabwe is the front and Zambia the back of the beautiful Mighty Victoria Falls.

However, human activity in and around the area has led to significant pollution, which has even seen the Rainforest being invaded by the water hyacinth plant while visitors also throw litter around.

Green Line Africa working with the Zimbabwe Youth Environment Network of Victoria Falls and Zambia Youth Network organised the clean-up with 21 youths taking part last week.

Zimbabwe Youth Environment Network chairperson Mr Taffy Phiri said the exercise was part of the Global Action Month activities to inculcate a culture of cleanliness among youths and communities.

“Our aim here is to make sure we educate young people about the importance of safeguarding their environment and encouraging them to be involved and take action.

“Don’t treat the earth as if it was left to you by your ancestors but treat it as if it was lent to you by your children,” said Mr Phiri.

“As much as the Rainforest is the responsibility of the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, it is also our mandate as the youths to ensure that we assist in preserving the heritage site.”

His counterpart from Zambia Youth Network assistant field officer Miss Vanessa Chibale said the coming together of the youths was a way for them to learn from each other.

“We are here to engage one another to exchange notes in terms of taking care of the environment,” she said.

The Global Action Month runs under the theme “Promoting Children’s Environmental Rights: Act Now” and is dedicated to the engagement of young people to be active in taking care and preserving their environment. Terre Des Hommes of Germany is funding the programme.