Ithabeleng Qhasho
STANDARD Lesotho Bank (SLB), in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, has planted 2000 trees at Ha-Khojane in Mafeteng District as part of efforts to promote environmental conservation and biodiversity.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote sustainable environmental practices and combat environmental degradation.
SLB committed M750,000 over three years (from 2024) towards the country’s reforestation efforts.
The tree-planting exercise, held on Thursday, brought together representatives of the bank and the ministry, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the private sector and government in addressing environmental challenges.
Speaking at the event, Makeke Bereng of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry said trees played a vital role in maintaining environmental balance, regulating climatic conditions and improving air quality.
He emphasised the importance of tree planting in protecting the environment and ensuring a healthier ecosystem.
“Trees help regulate the environment and the atmosphere by maintaining a suitable microclimate for human survival. They provide shade, act as windbreaks by protecting our homes and communities from strong winds, and help prevent soil erosion,” Mr Bereng said.
SLB Head of Business and Commercial Banking, Keketso Makara, said the initiative formed part of the bank’s Blue Roots programme, which aims to plant one million trees across the African continent.
He said the programme was expected to contribute significantly to environmental conservation, promote biodiversity and encourage communities to take an active role in protecting their surroundings.
“We previously planted 54,000 trees in Mohale’s Hoek, and today we are planting another 2000.
“Our hope is that these trees will benefit us. I have learned that people who enjoy good mental and physical well-being are those who live in a healthy environment.
“Therefore, these trees will help us live in a clean and healthy environment,” Mr Makara said.
Ha-Khojane headwoman, ’Makhojane Khojane, said the initiative would help restore the area’s environment to its former state and create a habitat where different forms of biodiversity could thrive.
She said the restored environment was expected to attract small wildlife species that had not been seen in the area for some time.
She added that traditional medicinal plants used by Basotho were also expected to return as the environment recovered, making them accessible to future generations who might not even know that such plants grew in areas like Ha-Khojane.