Staff Writer
Harare — Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) National Chairman Shepherd Shalvar Chikomba joined the United Nations Zimbabwe and Good Deeds Day Zimbabwe in commemorating Tree Planting Day at Vainona High School in Harare on Tuesday.
Chikomba participated in the tree-planting exercise as part of efforts to promote environmental protection, sustainable community development and the preservation of Zimbabwe’s natural heritage.
The event was attended by government officials, United Nations representatives, diplomats, school pupils and other invited guests. The guest of honour was Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, alongside Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Charles Tavengwa.
During the event, Chikomba planted a tree with the assistance of Ian, a pupil at Vainona High School, who committed to caring for and nurturing it within the school grounds.
The tree was named “ZNOART” in recognition of residents across Zimbabwe who continue to advocate for improved service delivery, better living conditions and sustainable community development.
The initiative symbolises the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that communities have access to essential services, including clean water, reliable electricity, proper sanitation and a safe environment.
It is also intended to remind pupils and future generations of the importance of environmental stewardship and the role citizens play in shaping the development of their communities.
Speaking during the event, Chikomba urged residents to take an active role in environmental conservation by planting trees, protecting wetlands and keeping their communities clean.
“As residents, we have a responsibility to protect our environment and preserve our natural resources for future generations. Every tree planted today is an investment in a greener, healthier and more sustainable Zimbabwe,” he said.
He encouraged communities to move beyond participating in commemorative events by adopting sustainable practices at household and community levels.
These include planting and nurturing trees, preventing illegal dumping, protecting wetlands and supporting responsible waste management.
ZNOART said it continued to champion environmental protection, sustainable waste management, wetland preservation and access to clean water through its advocacy programmes.
The organisation emphasised that tree planting should become a continuous, community-driven activity rather than remain confined to commemorative occasions.
It called on residents, schools, community leaders, local authorities and other stakeholders to work together to plant trees, conserve water and protect the environment for future generations.
Under its environmental campaign, ZNOART promotes the message: “A Tree Today, A Forest Tomorrow — ZNOART Builds for Future Generations.”
The organisation said the tree planted at Vainona High School represented unity, hope and the collective determination of residents to build cleaner, greener and better-serviced communities.
Ian’s commitment to caring for the tree is expected to encourage other pupils and residents to embrace environmental responsibility and participate in community development.
ZNOART operates under the slogan: “Citizen-Centric Service Delivery, Residents at the Centre of Development.”