With efforts to restore land and empower communities, Lesotho commemorated International Day of Forests in Mohale’s Hoek district by planting forestry and fruit trees.
This initiative is said to strengthen the environment by combating soil erosion, enhancing food security, and building climate resilience. It also reflects a commitment to sustainable growth and community wellbeing, demonstrating how collective action can create a greener, stronger, and more resilient Lesotho.
The event was meant to highlight forests’ role in livelihoods, biodiversity, and climate resilience, as well as underscoring the nation’s push for restoration and climate action. Speaking at this event, His Majesty King Letsie III emphasized that planting trees is essential to protecting the environment, boosting nutrition, addressing the negative impacts of climate change, and improving health.
He commended the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, together with partners, for distributing trees, ensuring that Basotho participate significantly in tree planting to protect the environment, livelihoods, and the economy of Lesotho. He further stated that on this tree-planting day, it is important not only to plant forest trees but also fruit trees, indicating that fruits not only strengthen the body but also boost mental health and reduce the rate of disease.
The Prime Minister of Lesotho, Honorable Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, stressed that planting trees unites Basotho in protecting their environment and building a green future for generations to come. He also said planting trees is much like building a nation, noting that a seed planted today requires patience, care, and cooperation before it grows into a tree that provides shade and life to others.
He added: “In the same way, the progress of Lesotho is built gradually through the actions we take today for the benefit of the Basotho.” He urged Basotho to continue with this important tradition, remembering that every tree planted is a promise, a promise to protect their land, strengthen their nation, and build a better future for the Kingdom of Lesotho.
On the same note, the Director of Forestry in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Mr Mokete Bereng, stated that they are committed to training the public on meteorological (weather) issues so they can make well-informed decisions when planting trees and understand exactly why they are planting them. Mr. Bereng noted that Lesotho is in dire need of trees, and it is crucial for the public to plant them, not just on National Tree Planting Day, but also as part of the Green Recovery Initiative. Furthermore, he emphasized that they are training the community to focus on growing trees rather than just planting them, since the two concepts differ.
He said:"Growing them means that after planting, we ensure that they are watered, and the next thing we need to ensure is that they remain healthy until they yield the expected results.” Under the global theme Forests and Economies, the event underscored the vital link between ecological health and national prosperity and successfully planted 54,000 trees across the country. These seedlings are said to represent more than just greenery; they are symbols of growth, resilience, and a commitment to a sustainable future for Lesotho.
Proclaimed in 2012, International Day of Forests falls on 21 March each year to celebrate and raise awareness of all forest types. Countries mark the day with local, national, and international activities, tree-planting campaigns among them, to highlight the value of forests.
