…as Absa, MMG Khoemacau plant 2000 trees in Toteng and Legothwana
The tree planting initiative by Absa and MMG Khoemacau Copper Mining is a call to action for other sectors of the economy in the North West District to make the region green, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Professor Joseph Mbaiwa of the Okavango Research Institute (ORI) made these remarks when MMG Khoemacau Copper Mining in partnership with Absa continued with their Annual Tree Planting initiative at the mine’s residential camp in Toteng village and Legothwana over the weekend.
He stressed the need to make the environment green and create a more sustainable greener future for generations to come. Mbaiwa decried that the image of Maun remains an eyesore to tourists visiting the tourism capital which is also a gateway to the most sought after Okavango Delta.
He stated that planting trees is one of the mitigation and adaptation measures that people need to come up with as strategies to deal with issues of rapid climate change. Appreciating the initiative by Absa and MMG Khoemacau, Mbaiwa highlighted that the benefits associated with planting trees is enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem, environmental resilience and community empowerment among others.
Through their partnership, Absa and MMG Khoemacau are committed to planting 2000 trees every year in an effort to mitigate against human activities that are impacting negatively on climate patterns.
“This input is our small way to assist the world to combat that impact of human activities through agriculture, industries and mining that results in climate change,” MMG Khoemacau Copper Mining General Manager, Logic Sebopeng explained.
For her part, Absa corporate director, Tebogo Giddie said they continue annually to make sure that the partnership symbolises and reflect on their shared commitment to a sustainable and greener future.
“Both Absa and Khoemacau share a vision of how businesses can drive positive change through environmental stewardship. This initiative is a primary example of how we as corporate citizens contribute to Botswana’s sustainability agenda as part of our corporate social responsibility efforts. We understand the importance of aligning our operations with the preservation of natural resources.”
She emphasised that trees are more than just part of natural landscape but also help purify the air and fights global warming. Giddie highlighted that the 2000 trees planted over the weekend will serve as a legacy for future generations providing shade, shelter for wildlife and improving quality of life for the communities.
This year’s indigenous tree that was being planted was the ‘saltbush’ with Giddie noting that their team has been very mindful of sustainability therefore recommending tree species that are best suited to thrive in the environment.
