Zimpapers embarks on tree-planting campaign

ZIMBABWE’S largest integrated media house, Zimpapers, has embarked on a tree-planting campaign as part of its sustainable corporate social responsibility programme aimed at reducing the effects of climate change.

The campaign, which is running under the theme, “Every Child a Tree”, is being undertaken in partnership with conservation group, Forest Lovers, the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe and Unifreight Zimbabwe (Swift).

On Friday, representatives from the media house planted 25 indigenous trees at Greenwood Park in Harare.

Speaking during the event, Editor of The Sunday Mail, Victoria Ruzvidzo, said: “As Zimbabwe newspapers, one of our major functions is newspaper production and we all know that newsprint comes from trees. It is in this regard that we have launched the tree-planting campaign as our way of replenishing the trees we cut down.”

“We are so excited about this initiative. I have always loved young children because they are so innocent and responsible. They don’t want to see litter all over the place and they don’t want to see us cutting down trees.

“Therefore, we are marrying this tree-planting campaign with our Zimpapers Junior Media Club through the ‘Catch them young’ strategy.”

As part of the campaign, the media house has invited junior writers to write on environmental issues.

Forestry Lovers founder Mr Bob Mavende urged corporates to participate in initiatives that promote sustainable conservation of the environment.

“I just want to thank you for supporting the kids because the programme is all about the kids; it is not about us,” he said.

“This is a movement that we are starting and I hope we are going to take it far.”

Unifreight marketing manager Ms Lee Gibson said the logistics company was committed to securing a greener future.

“Your vision of planting 10 000 trees per province under the ‘Every Child a Tree’ campaign is helping us all look forward to a greener future.

“At the same time, incorporating our nation’s children in realising the importance of re-afforestation is something we at Swift truly commend and admire.”

The campaign is being run in fulfilment of Sustainable Development Goals 15, which seeks to promote the protection of the environment.