First Lady appointed environment patron

FIRST LADY Auxilia Mnangagwa was last week appointed an environmental patron and awarded an environmental certificate by Water, Environment and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri in recognition of her sterling work.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said despite the importance of the environment, it was under siege from mankind and needed a saviour.

She was awarded the certificate at Chidembo Secondary School in Shamva.

“Noting your passion and will in environmental management, we invite you Amai Mnangagwa to be our environmental patron. The country is currently bedevilled with challenges including wetlands degradation, veld fires, poaching, land degradation deforestation air and water pollution as well as poor solid waste management,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.

“Help us make Zimbabwe a better place so that we attract the much needed investment. Women are the best environmental managers and with your motherly nature we trust that we will go far.”

The First Lady thanked Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri for making her their environmental patron and promised to assist in the environment work.

“My heart desires are known and recognised by you, thank you for making me your patron. I promise to work and assist you,” said the First Lady.

“Demand for environment resources is increasing worldwide so is the population and income is also increasing. The United Nations is pushing for long term sustainable goals for the post 2015 agenda. We understand that tobacco farming generates income, but farmers are cutting down trees to cure their tobacco.

“The Ministry of Agriculture should come up with better ways on how farmers can cure their tobacco. Wetlands are important and help in mitigating floods. Here you have a history of floods and there is need to preserve wetlands.

“Wetlands also help in water purification. Don’t build your houses on wetlands. The climate is changing and I encourage you to protect your environment. As a nation if we don’t have biodiversity we cannot see the rewards of environmental agendas.

“We are lucky as Zimbabwe that we have minerals and wildlife, let us protect our environment. In rural areas, we now have few trees and grass. Plant trees and complement Government’s efforts,” she said.

The First Lady planted an orange tree in the school orchard at Chidembo Secondary School.