By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU
-Revenue Services Lesotho’s (RSL) and Mantsopa Rotary Club tree planting initiative at Liphookoaneng, Berea is a symbol of hope in the fight against climate change and soil erosion. RSL continuously make a significant contribution to environmental conservation by planting thousands of trees in the region, providing much-needed carbon sequestration, habitat for wildlife, and air purification benefits to the local community.
Planting trees is seen as a powerful strategy in the fight against climate change and in the effort to bring back biodiversity. Inadequately planned reforestation and afforestation initiatives lead to higher carbon emissions and damage ecosystems.
As trees mature, they combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, storing carbon, and releasing oxygen. Trees offer numerous advantages to us on a daily basis. They provide shade, shield from winter winds, draw in birds and wildlife, filter air, stop soil erosion, and enhance the elegance and attractiveness of communities.
Soil stabilization by trees help to prevent soil erosion by holding the soil in place with their roots. Soil erosion have devastating effects on the environment, reducing the fertility of soil, harming plant growth, and leading to flash floods and landslides. Trees play a critical role in preventing soil erosion by stabilizing the soil with their extensive root systems, which can penetrate deep into the ground and hold the soil in place.
Tree roots act like anchors in the soil, resisting wind and water erosion. As the roots grow and spread, they create a network that helps bind soil particles together, increasing the soil’s stability.
Public Relation Manager RSL, Mrs. Ts’epang Mncina, emphasizes on their commitment to combating global warming by engaging in initiatives that support environmental sustainability.
“I am excited to be part of this project! It is wonderful to work together with RSL team and other community members in tree planting. It is unusual to be part of something that will be beneficial and meaningful to all generations. We are grateful for this initiative and making our community better.” Says Mrs. Mathabo Molise when expressing her gratitude.
Additional, Molise says that she knows that this trees will help to improve the air quality, medicine and shelter to animal. It is wonderful to see RSL and its partner taking such strong stance on sustainability and taking action to improve our environment though our land is limited for their trees that are aimed to be planted.
Mr. Bahlakoana Shelile highlights the background of RSL that in 2003, it was established as an independent institution responsible for collecting taxes and promoting fiscal transparency in Lesotho.
On its 20th anniversary, RSL last year during their celebration they planted of 20,000 trees, which is an inspiring act of environmental stewardship that shows their commitment to sustainability and a greener future for Lesotho.
RSL and Mantsopa Rotary Club’s initial plan in Liphookoaneng is to plant 5,000 trees ambitiously. However, due to limited space, they decide to plant less than 5000 trees instead. This decision reflects their determination to make a significant contribution to environmental conservation, regardless of challenges. They have the determination to increase their tree planting efforts to 21,000 trees this year is a testament to their dedication to combatting global warming.
The fact that RSL is already planning to add 1,000 trees to their tree planting project next year demonstrates their long-term commitment to sustainability and the environment.
Environmental preservation is an ongoing effort. Planting trees this year is just the beginning of our commitment to a greener Lesotho. They recognizes the urgency of taking action and is stepping up its environmental initiatives to protect Lesotho’s natural resources and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Mr. Mohale Monaheng from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry states that their efforts to educate people about combating global warming and soil erosion are commendable. They are taking the initiative to raise awareness and encourage action on environmental issues. The ministry is actively educating people about the effects of climate change and how they can contribute to the preservation of Lesotho’s natural resources.
While the government faces limitations in its tree planting efforts due to budget constraints, RSL decision to focus its tree planting initiative in Berea led to a noticeable difference in the region’s environment. This underscores the importance of strategic, localized efforts in combating global warming and soil erosion, as well as the potential for private organizations to make a positive impact.
Trees are effective air purifiers, as they not only release oxygen through photosynthesis but also absorb harmful pollutants like ozone, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide. This process of filtering pollutants from the air, known as “phytoremediation,” improves air quality and has positive implications for human health.
Trees are an essential component of many ecosystems, providing habitat and food for a wide range of wildlife species. They also contribute to biodiversity, the variety of life in an ecosystem, by creating diverse habitats and providing resources for a diverse range of species. Trees provide shelter for either animals or people during summer.