…plant 5000 trees to combat climate change 

Moroke Sekoboto 

In a concerted effort to address climate change, the Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL), in partnership with the Rotary Club of Mantsopa, have embarked on a nationwide tree-planting initiative. 

This environmental conservation effort saw 5000 trees planted last Friday in Liphookoaneng, Berea. 

The tree-planting campaign, which is supervised by the Department of Forestry, is part of RSL’s broader mission to plant 21 000 trees across Lesotho. The initiative was first launched last year as part of RSL’s 20th anniversary celebrations and has since become an annual event. 

Speaking on behalf of the RSL’s Commissioner General, the RSL’s Bahlakoana Shelile highlighted the significance of the initiative as a testament to the organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship, especially in the face of climate change. 

“In 2023, RSL successfully planted 20 000 trees to mark our 20th anniversary. Building on that success, we aim to plant 21 000 trees in 2024, with plans to increase the number by 1000 each year,” Mr Shelile said. 

He also emphasized the importance of trees in combating climate change and urged the community to protect and nurture the trees for the benefit of both the environment and future generations. 

“We are grateful to the Rotary Club of Mantsopa for partnering with us in this vital initiative. Trees play a crucial role in our ecosystem, and we appeal to the community to safeguard them,” Shelile added. 

Mantsopa Rotary Club’s Director of Environment, Makhetha Motšoari, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of sustainability and the power of collaboration in driving environmental progress. 

“We are committed to creating a greener future for Basotho. By joining forces with RSL, we have taken proactive steps towards environmental preservation. Planting these trees is not just an act of conservation but a symbol of hope, sustainability, and a greener future,” Mr Motšoari said. 

Liphookoaneng Chief,?Mopeli Hlajoane,?expressed his gratitude for the initiative and called on the community to protect the newly planted trees. 

“These trees will clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They will also provide habitat for wildlife, support terrestrial biodiversity, and help prevent soil erosion, all while contributing to the well-being of our community by offering oxygen, shade, and aesthetic value,” Chief Hlajoane said.