By Vanessa Gonye

The nursery is a joint initiative between FOTE, Tobacco insurance company, THI Insurance and a local farmer, Francis Dzanya who provided space for the benefit of farmers around Karoi and Hurungwe areas.

A total of 75 000 seedlings were commissioned and are set to be distributed around the community. Over 250 000 trees are targeted to be planted by year end, with a million plants set to be grown by the nursery in 2019.

Environment, Water and Climate minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri commended the partnership for its efforts in promoting awareness and activity as far as safeguarding the environment was concerned.

“This project will undoubtedly provide a long term sustainable venture, taking steps to reduce rampant deforestation while contributing to the socio-economic development of our communities,” she said in a speech read on her behalf by Jim Kadziya, director of provincial affairs in Minister of State for Mashonaland West’s office.

Muchinguri-Kashiri urged increased awareness on reforestation and conservation of natural resources saying partnerships were a sure way of ensuring that the environment is a safe place.

“We need to insure our valuable and increasingly fragile natural resources. Forests are depleting faster than nature can replenish them … projects like these will go some way in preserving our wonderful environment for future generations.”

Speaking at the same occasion, THI Insurance chairman, David Birch said companies should take part in projects to safeguard the environment.

“Finding ways in looking after and nurturing our environment is something all Zimbabwean companies must embrace and engage in,” he said.

Pitlochry Estate representative, Francis Dzanya said the initiative was part of a corporate social responsibility effort to help assist new tobacco farmers. At least 7 500 tobacco farmers and close to 500 villagers surrounding the farm are set to benefit from the reforestation programme.