Forestry Commission targets 30 million trees

THE Forestry Commission says it is on track to plant at least 30 million trees this year as it intensifies efforts to restore the country’s forests and strengthen conservation programmes across the country.

Director-general George Manyumwa said the commission had already planted 27.1 million trees by the end of 2025 and was confident of exceeding its annual target.

“Tree planting registered a record 27.1 million trees planted by the end of 2025, but with more months of the tree planting season ahead. This offers confidence that the annually-set target of 30 million trees planted will be achieved and surpassed,” Manyumwa said in a report.

Manyumwa said the achievement marked a significant improvement from the previous season’s 19 million trees and signalled renewed momentum within the organisation.

“This achievement, by far surpasses the 19 million trees planted the previous season, and reflects the renewed energy within the Commission as we refocus on our core mandate of sustainable forest management,” he said.

Manyumwa said the commission was also investing in innovation and technology to improve productivity and value addition.

“The commissioning of a tissue culture facility and wood kiln machine will boost propagation and add value to timber products. This is clear evidence that the Commission is aligning with global trends in innovation towards sustainable development,” he said.

The director-general said cost-containment and revenue-generation strategies had already begun to yield results.

“We have introduced centralised payments, integrated bank accounts and leveraged partnerships in gazetted forests. In just a few months, we generated over US$3 million through new contracts and conservation support commitment.

“Stakeholders have also demonstrated confidence in the Commission’s new direction by committing over 30 vehicles and implements to bolster field operations,” he said.

Manyumwa said staff welfare had also improved following the clearing of salary backlogs and introduction of new support measures.

“Salary backlogs that had weighed heavily on employees were cleared, restoring morale and stability. A medical aid facility was introduced and more than 300 employees were provided with uniforms.

“Through a combination of revenue generation and cost-saving measures, the Forestry Commission recorded net gains of US$3.06 million, marking a new era of accountability and resilience,” he said.

Despite the progress, Manyumwa acknowledged that challenges remained.

“Vehicle shortages, low remuneration and mandate-related challenges such as illegal settlements in gazetted forests continue to test the commission’s resilience.

“Solid waste and environmental pressures require technical expertise and resources, and we are continuously engaging the Treasury and stakeholders for financial and material support,” he said.