Zambia Launches National Tree Planting Season in Monze
The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment has officially launched the 2025/2026 National Tree Planting Season at the historic Samu Lya Moomba Heritage Site in Monze District, reaffirming Zambia’s commitment to environmental restoration and cultural preservation.
Held under the theme “Trees for Life: Restoring Nature, Empowering Communities,” the launch underscored the close link between Zambia’s natural ecosystems and its cultural heritage. Samu Lya Moomba, a site of deep historical and spiritual significance, was deliberately chosen to symbolise this connection.
The event honoured the legacy of the iconic Ficus wakefieldii tree, once central to the site’s cultural identity. To restore both ecological balance and symbolism, a new ficus tree was planted alongside indigenous species such as Kigelia africana and Adansonia digitata (baobab).
Speaking at the ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Dr Douty Chibamba, said the location of the launch carried powerful meaning.
“By planting trees here, we are not merely restoring nature — we are reaffirming the inseparable link between our cultural heritage and environmental stewardship,” Dr Chibamba said.
He noted that Zambia’s forests, which cover nearly 60 per cent of the country, are critical to livelihoods, biodiversity and key sectors including timber, honey production, tourism and energy. However, the country continues to lose an estimated 172,000 hectares of forest annually due to unsustainable practices.
“Protecting forests is not only an environmental responsibility; it is a cultural duty and a moral obligation to future generations,” he added.
Dr Chibamba said that under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, Government is intensifying efforts to restore degraded landscapes through the National Forestry Policy of 2025, the Eighth National Development Plan and the Green Economy Agenda.
These efforts include mapping degraded areas using GIS and remote sensing technologies, establishing community woodlots, promoting assisted natural regeneration and empowering more than 409 community forest groups managing 11.1 million hectares of forest land nationwide.
He revealed that Zambia aims to plant three million trees during the 2025/2026 season, including one million indigenous species, and called on traditional leaders, schools, farmers, civil society and the private sector to take ownership of tree planting initiatives.
“Tree planting must go beyond ceremony — it is a generational responsibility,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Choongo welcomed the Ministry’s decision to launch the national tree planting season in his chiefdom, describing Samu Lya Moomba as a site of immense historical importance.
“This place is not ordinary. It played a significant role in Zambia’s liberation journey. The first Cabinet was formed here and key meetings were held here. We are honoured that this site has been chosen to celebrate both our heritage and environmental restoration,” Chief Choongo said.
During the event, the Bank of Zambia and the National Heritage Conservation Commission jointly donated 1,500 tree seedlings, while WWF Zambia contributed 1,500 indigenous fruit trees.
The launch was witnessed by His Royal Highness Senior Chief Monze, His Royal Highness Chief Mwaanza, His Royal Highness Chief Ufwenuka, Bank of Zambia Deputy Governor (Administration) Ms Rekha Mhango, as well as officials from the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment and WWF Zambia.
The Ministry said the national tree planting season will play a key role in strengthening climate resilience, restoring ecosystems and empowering communities across the country.
