By FLAVIOR CHISHALA –
LUSAKA Mayor George Nyendwa has cautioned the public against forest degradation because it has a grave impact on humans as evidenced by the current effects of climate change.
Mr Nyendwa said there was need for people to take keen interest in environmental protection because climate change was rapidly becoming a global crisis.
The Lusaka Mayor said this yesterday after receiving 2,000 trees and plants from the Chinese Culture and Environment Protection Organisation (CCEPO).
The organisation gave out trees and plants for distribution as its Christmas gift to Zambians.
Mr Nyendwa said climate change affected the country economically and socially, hence the need to take proactive measures such as planting trees and taking care of the existing ones.
“I wish to appeal to you to start planting trees in your backyards, especially fruit trees. Trees are closely linked with the weather pattern,” he said.
“Take keen interest in environmental protection. Get involved in ensuring that our trees and environment are protected and well-kept because your very lives depend on the same environment,” he said.
CCEPO chairperson Zhang Jian said the idea of giving trees and plants to Zambians emanated from an old Chinese saying which stated that ‘One generation plants the trees in whose shade, another generation rests’,”  he said.
Mr Zhang urged Zambians to plant more trees that would build a beautiful and better Zambia.
“We will make this activity an annual event. I wish more people could exert their effort to planting trees and protect the environment,” he said.
Scores of Lusaka residents received six free assorted plants each, among them, mango and orange trees and rose flowers.
Eric Mwanza, a recipient said although the house was rented he would still plant the flowers.
“I am a happy person because I understand the value of plants and I am confident that I will help others to take tree-planting seriously,” he said.