By Golden Kang’oma

Salima, February 26, Mana: Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule, has called for collaborative efforts by different stakeholders in making sure that trees planted during the National Forestry Season survive and conservation initiatives put in place.

Kamtukule made the call on Monday during a tree planting exercise at Maganga Tourism Public Beach and Integrated Resort in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Maganga in Salima.

She said authorities should not plant trees just to tick a box but to make sure that all the planted trees are taken care of and its purpose fulfilled.

“Mostly when trees are planted we divert our attention to some other things instead of the planted trees. What we want is to take responsibility of ensuring that all trees planted survive,” said Kamtukule.

Kamtukule disclosed that her ministry plans to plant 10,000 trees at the resort which requires support from different stakeholders.

“The ministry alone cannot achieve this without stakeholders. It is my plea that we should all take charge and full responsibility of the trees we are planting,” she said.

District Commissioner for Salima, James Mwenda, said the tree planting exercise will change the landscape of the resort as well as help in climate smart initiatives.

“As a district council, we are excited with the initiative as it will go a long way in conserving the environment and marking the territories of the resort,” he said.

Mwenda said it is exciting that youth are actively involved in the exercise which highlights sustainability and a good succession plan.

TA Maganga said she will ensure that the planted trees are well taken care of, and more are planted.