Tourism stakeholders in the Kilimanjaro Region have planted more than 200 trees as part of efforts to combat the effects of climate change, marking this year’s Earth Day with a strong call for environmental conservation.
The initiative, led by local tour company Mauly Tours, brought together community members, students, and environmental advocates in Moshi to restore degraded landscapes following prolonged dry conditions experienced last year.
Speaking during the tree-planting exercise, Mauly Tours Director Sharifa Mauly said the recent drought had significantly impacted the environment, including Mount Kilimanjaro, a vital ecological and economic resource for the region.
She stressed the need for collective action to reverse environmental damage caused by deforestation and climate change.
“We call on schools and communities to continue planting trees. Today we have planted 200 trees, including shade and fruit varieties, as part of efforts to restore vegetation and improve water availability in our areas,” she said.
Sharifa also commended the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for promoting nationwide tree-planting initiatives aimed at addressing environmental challenges.
At Uru Community Secondary School, where part of the exercise took place, Headmaster Gift Simle said the activity plays a key role in raising environmental awareness among students.
“Tree planting will help us access fruits, clean air, and improve our surroundings. If we look at the condition of Mount Kilimanjaro, we clearly see ongoing deforestation, which could eventually lead to the loss of its ice cover,” he said.
Students also took part in the exercise, with Form Two student Erick Lucas saying the event had helped them understand the importance of protecting the environment for future generations.
“We are happy to participate in tree planting because it gives us knowledge and motivation to care for the environment. Trees provide us with clean air and nutrition through fruits,” he said.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to promote environmental conservation and sustainable tourism in the Kilimanjaro Region, as stakeholders respond to the growing impact of climate change.
