Staff Reporter
STANDARD Lesotho Bank (SLB) has injected M750 000 towards the national tree planting initiative. This will secure?82 000 trees which will be distributed across the country for planting, towards mitigating the detrimental impact of global warming and soil erosion.
The first batch of 10 000 trees were planted in Ha T?iu, Thaba Tseka, with the event being led by His Majesty King Letsie III and Prime Minister Sam Matekane at the inaugural National Tree Planting Day on Wednesday.
According to the bank’s statement issued the same day, the contribution demonstrated SLB’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation.
“Standard Lesotho Bank solidified its commitment to environmental sustainability by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in 2021, pledging an investment of M600 000 to aid the ministry in procuring trees for widespread planting initiatives,” part of the statement read.
“Renewing its dedication this year, the bank has extended the MOU and increased its investment to a total of 750000, ensuring continued support for national tree planting efforts until 2026.”
The event was also graced by the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Letsema Adont?i, and various stakeholders including World Vision Lesotho and Vodacom Lesotho.
SLB’s Brand and Marketing Manager-Communications and Sponsorship, Manyathela Kheleli, emphasized the bank’s commitment to environmental conservation.
“At Standard Lesotho Bank, we say that Lesotho is our home, and we drive her growth. This simply means that the Kingdom of Lesotho is our home, and we strive to see it grow. Today, we have taken an active role to address some of the many hurdles faced by Lesotho and the world globally, regarding the safeguarding of the natural environment with tree planting.
“Global warming resulting in severe droughts, storms, and unusually high temperatures and the resultant damage to crops underscores the urgent need for arresting the challenges of the ozone layer, that can only be arrested by tree planting. Standard Lesotho Bank is dedicated to understanding and addressing this issue comprehensively. Our involvement in the tree planting initiative spans three years, during which we have demonstrated unwavering support,” Mr Kheleli said.
In his closing remarks, His Majesty expressed gratitude to all participants for their continued support of the initiative. He urged the community to nurture the planted trees and called upon the Ministry of Forestry and Environment to ensure proper follow-up on the nationwide planting efforts, allowing donors to witness the tangible impact of their contributions.