By Pamenus Tuso

National Tree Planting Ambassador Never Bonde has called on Zimbabweans to prioritise tree planting and environmental conservation as the country braces for the effects of the anticipated Super El Niño which is expected to bring unusually high temperatures, prolonged dry spells and increased pressure on water resources.

With Zimbabwe forecast to experience warmer-than-normal temperatures and below-average rainfall during the 2026/27 agricultural season, Bonde says trees have an increasingly important role to play in protecting communities against the effects of climate change.

He said the excessive heat being experienced and anticipated in the country should serve as a wake-up call for communities, local authorities and businesses to take tree planting seriously rather than treating it as an occasional environmental activity.

“Trees are our natural shield against excessive heat. They provide shade, cool our surroundings, help conserve moisture and contribute to a healthier environment. At a time when our country is facing the threat of extreme temperatures and prolonged dry spells, we cannot afford to continue losing trees through indiscriminate cutting,” said Bonde in an interview.

He warned that deforestation, particularly in urban and rural communities could worsen the effects of rising temperatures, leaving communities increasingly exposed to harsh weather conditions.
The Tree Ambassador said the destruction of trees for firewood, construction and other purposes was undermining efforts to build climate-resilient communities, calling for a deliberate shift towards planting, protecting and nurturing trees.

He emphasised that tree planting should not simply be about putting seedlings into the ground but ensuring they survive and mature into trees capable of providing lasting environmental benefits.
“Planting a tree is one thing, but nurturing it until it matures is another. We must develop a culture of responsibility where every individual, household, school, church and institution takes ownership of the trees they plant. We need trees that will protect future generations, not just planting activities that look good on paper,” he said.

Bonde, who launched an ambitious campaign to plant 500 000 trees across Bulawayo by 2030, said the initiative was part of broader efforts to create greener and more climate-resilient communities.

He urged local authorities to integrate tree planting into urban planning, particularly along roads, in residential areas, schools, public institutions and recreational parks.

He also called on businesses, churches, community organisations and young people to support tree-planting programmes, saying environmental protection should be a collective responsibility.
“Climate change affects everyone, regardless of social or economic standing. We must therefore come together and take practical action. Let us plant indigenous and suitable tree species, protect existing trees and ensure that every community becomes part of the solution,” he said.

Bonde further appealed to authorities and communities to strengthen the protection of existing trees, warning that replacing mature trees with young seedlings does not immediately restore the environmental benefits lost through deforestation.

As Zimbabwe prepares for the challenges associated with El Niño, he said investing in trees was not merely an environmental undertaking but an investment in public health, community wellbeing and the country’s future.

Bonde’s call comes as climate projections point to a challenging 2026/27 season with warmer-than-normal conditions and below-average rainfall expected across much of the country, reinforcing the need for communities to strengthen environmental conservation and climate adaptation efforts.

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