By Jenifer Gilla
Dar es Salaam. Climate Voice of Tanzania (CVT), in partnership with students of Songoro Mnyonge Secondary School in Wazo Ward, Kinondoni Municipality, has planted more than 150 trees in support of the national tree-planting campaign spearheaded by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
President Samia marked her birthday on January 27 through a nationwide tree-planting exercise, calling on public institutions, private organisations and citizens to actively participate in environmental conservation efforts aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Environmental experts say tree planting remains critical for Tanzania as the country continues to experience rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, destructive floods and rapid loss of forest cover. Trees play a vital role in protecting water sources, reducing soil erosion, improving air quality and supporting livelihoods, particularly for communities dependent on agriculture and natural resources.
Speaking after the exercise, Wazo Ward Councillor Grace Mkumbo described the initiative as timely, noting that the area faces persistent soil erosion challenges.
“Beyond celebrating the President’s birthday, this activity reflects our responsibility to the community. We have planted fruit and shade trees that will benefit students and residents for many years,” she said.
CVT Chairperson Joyce Shebe said Tanzania is increasingly feeling the effects of climate change, making collective environmental action more urgent than ever.
“We fully support President Samia’s efforts. Trees are essential for environmental protection and human well-being. Through this campaign, we are encouraging communities not only to plant trees but also to protect and nurture them,” she said.
Kilimahewa Juu Sub-Ward Chairperson Kibwana Abdallah welcomed the initiative, saying several areas in the locality are facing similar environmental challenges.
“This is meaningful support to our community. Apart from Songoro Mnyonge Secondary School, Benaco and Kilimahewa schools are also affected by soil erosion. We urge more stakeholders to support such initiatives,” he said.
Earlier, the Headteacher of Songoro Mnyonge Secondary School, Radina Kimaro, thanked CVT on behalf of the school community, noting that the trees will enhance the learning environment by providing shade, improving air quality and producing fruit.
Form Three student Nasra Zaid said the activity had increased students’ awareness of environmental conservation.
“Trees will give us shade, clean air and fruits. We have learned their importance, and we will make sure they are well protected,” she said.
Climate Voice of Tanzania (CVT) is an organisation working to promote climate change awareness and environmental protection through collaboration with various stakeholders. The Songoro Mnyonge exercise forms part of its broader tree-planting campaign being implemented in communities across the country.