We must plant for the future, urges Minister

RUNDU – Agriculture Minister Nickey Iyambo says the importance of trees in Namibia cannot be over-emphasised.

In a National Arbour Day speech here at the weekend, Iyambo said in rural areas where the majority of people live, trees provide poles for construction, firewood for cooking and shade and shelter for people and animals. Trees also control soil erosion and produce food for insects, birds, wildlife and people, he said.The Minister said it was vitally important to plant more trees and educate people about forestry management.He applauded the support in this regard the Namibian Government had received from development partners such as the governments of Finland, Germany and Denmark and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.Iyambo said trees and forests in Namibia held untapped potential and could contribute significantly towards food security, poverty alleviation and employment creation.Yet, this potential remained unexploited.The Minister instructed staff members in his ministry and partners to plant at least 1,5 million trees a year countrywide.He said the survival of planted trees was critical, adding that the nation had to ensure that trees were planted every day and were taken care of well.- NampaTrees also control soil erosion and produce food for insects, birds, wildlife and people, he said.The Minister said it was vitally important to plant more trees and educate people about forestry management.He applauded the support in this regard the Namibian Government had received from development partners such as the governments of Finland, Germany and Denmark and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.Iyambo said trees and forests in Namibia held untapped potential and could contribute significantly towards food security, poverty alleviation and employment creation.Yet, this potential remained unexploited.The Minister instructed staff members in his ministry and partners to plant at least 1,5 million trees a year countrywide.He said the survival of planted trees was critical, adding that the nation had to ensure that trees were planted every day and were taken care of well.- Nampa