Standard Lesotho Bank Commemorates National Tree Planting Day Towards a Sustainable Environment
In Lesotho, a recent shift in the climate has led to increased river floods, expanded hill slopes, and rockslides due to extended heavy rainfalls aggravated by global warming. In addition, fierce winds and localised hailstorms have also caused severe damages, significantly impacting the agricultural sector and displacing communities. To help curb the damage from the environmental and climate shifts, Standard Lesotho Bank will on Friday 31 March officially commemorate the Annual National Tree Planting Day in Mafeteng, Thabana Morena, Ha Thakanyane.
The initiative is an annual and collective endeavor spearheaded by the Ministry of Forestry, Range and Soil Conservation with the financial support from Standard Lesotho Bank towards a vision to meaningfully contribute to national efforts on the sustainable conservation of the environment. The planting of trees also captures the Bank’s driving values in promoting environmental awareness and combating soil erosion.
Under the theme; Forests and Health, this year’s commemoration intends to highlight the benefits provided by forests towards human health through the provision of clean air, food, life-saving medicines and the critical role that forests play in the war against climate change, where trees help to trap carbon dioxide and other toxic gases to produce oxygen for the overall improvement of global ecosystems. During the event, communities will also be educated about the best practices for conserving the environment. The global celebrations follow the resolution of the United Nations (UN) in 2012 to observe the International Day of Forests.
The involvement of Standard Lesotho Bank in this initiative follows from the Memorandum of Understanding that the Bank signed with the Ministry of Forestry, Range and Soil Conservation in 2021, in which the bank committed to support tree planting initiatives to the tune of M600,000 over three years. The support of the Bank is a culmination of the Bank’s resolve to contribute to initiatives that combat environmental degradation. “In the recent past, more and more businesses, including the banking sector are realizing the impact of global warming and land degradation and how they affect the livelihood of mankind and the economy in general, and this has necessitated that the private sector does not sit back, but take an active role in efforts towards combating global warming and sustaining the environment. We believe that Basotho will take note of this contribution and join us in this noble initiative to preserve the future of the next generations.” Said Mr. Manyathela Kheleli, Manager for PR, Communications and Sponsorships at the Bank.
Formerly, this day was acknowledged in Lesotho as a national holiday to inspire communities to devote one day to plant a tree. For 2023, the following locations have been selected in all the ten(10) Lesotho districts: Butha Buthe - Qalo, Kotsonkoaneng, Leribe – Peka, Ha Mmusi, Berea – Malimong, Ha Lekoane, Maseru – Qeme, Hlalele High School, Mafeteng - Thabana Morena, Thakanyane, Mohale’s Hoek - Taung, Ha Khitsane Mahaleng, Quthing - Moyeni, Upper Moyeni, Qacha’s Nek - Qacha’s Nek, Mamosa Primary School, Thaba Tseka - Thaba Tseka, Matsaile, and Mokhotlong – Mokhotlong, Forestry Office. The Mafeteng event will be a national commemorative event, where cabinet ministers and senior government officials are anticipated to be in attendance. All Basotho, corporates, and development partners are encouraged to join in on the movement and plant trees for a healthy, green and sustainable future!
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