By JOHN CHOLA
Avery Phillip once noted that creating worldwide change is not done with just one person; it has to involve everyone. In order to involve more people in the efforts to help the environment, it is important to get younger generations involved in the effort. By fostering early concern for the environment and sustainable habits, parents and schools can raise children who will be more aware and responsible. Although schools will teach about sustainability, the real work starts much earlier, even at home. Recently, students from Sentinel Kalumbila, Frontier Nkisu and Trident Prep schools had an exciting day getting their hands dirty as they raised trees to be planted for the 2021/2022 mine rehabilitation season. JOHN CHOLA reports…
The Trident mine environmental tree seedling nursery hosts various indigenous trees; among them the acacias, mukwa and red mahogany.
The tree nursery was established to cultivate trees used for progressive mine rehabilitation and restoration of disturbed areas within the mine footprint.
The young students participated in top soil gathering, sieving of soil to remove debris, pot filling/seeding and weeding already propagated plants.
Frackson Sikita, Environmental Superintendent in charge of Mine Rehabilitation agrees that it is important for the children to learn about trees and how they help mitigate climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air.
First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Environmental Manager Kachiwala Sapalo says the organization’s target is to plant at least 40,000 seedlings during the 2021/2022 planting season, hence promoting land restoration at locations that are exposed to allow for quick vegetation cover.
“We want children to learn about the environment and understand how the mine is protecting the environment through rehabilitation,” says Sapalo. His department plans to introduce environmental clubs in the schools surrounding the mine.
“This will also help the children understand their role in environmental management and how they can lead the way to protect it.”
