In celebration of the National Tree Planting Day, Minister of Education and Training Professor Ntoi Rapapa has led the tree planting activity at Bela-bela, Tuke where 3000 forest trees were planted.The event was marked under a theme, “Let’s continue to nurture our planet and build a greener healthier future”.In his remarks, the minister  said trees play a crucial role in people's lives and environment at large, hence the importance of taking environmental protection issues  seriously.

Prof Rapapa said they are overwhelmed to see participation of St. Theresa Primary pupils and their parents respectively, adding that is a clear indication that they will feel the sense of ownership of such trees and advocate for environmental protection. The Minister of Education further said he is aware that pupils have many talents, therefore he encouraged them to study hard so that in the future they can be an inspiration and become the leaders of the country.

Sharing the same sentiments, Department of Environment and Forestry, District Coordinator Mr. Mohale Monaheng said Lesotho forms part of the global countries and they saw a need to mark the National Tree Planting Day.Mr. Monaheng said this is the climate change era  and as a result trees play a vital role of providing oxygen and improving the air quality and reducing the carbon emission in the atmosphere.He further said they also reduce land degradation, therefore they call for collective responsibility in conservation of such trees in a need to nurture our planet.

A member of Parliament for Bela-bela Mr. Teboho Malataliana said trees contribute much in social activities such as funerals and other issues, hence the importance of planting them regularly.However, he urged the government to identify arable places and reconsider the distribution of fruits trees as part of food diversification through food processing and production of dried fruits in order to boost the local economies.On behalf of the Tuke community, Area Chief Bafokeng Mahasa said for  a long time deforestation has been their major concern, they have been trying to plant trees through the engagement of other social groups, but their efforts were fruitless.

Chief Mahasa further raised awareness to the community that places where trees are planted are regarded  to be the project side, therefore tough legal measures will be taken against intruders who will try to vandalize  it with livestock and they will also be impounded.The event was sponsored by Standard Lesotho Bank in partnership with World Vision Lesotho.