By CHILA NAMAIKO –

MORE than 80,000 tree species have been planted in Choma District under the national tree planting project which was recently launched by Vice-President Guy Scott.
Dr Scott, last year launched the countrywide tree planting project aimed at reducing deforestation and mitigating the impact of climate change across the country.
In an interview yesterday, Choma District Forestry officer John Mulomba said that 80,000 trees had so far been planted in Singani and Mapanza chiefdoms.
Mr Mulomba said the trees were planted by youths who had also been empowered with resources through the United Nations Development Project (UNDP).
He said three youth groups were taking part in the planting project and were given K30,000 each to venture into business activities to help prevent illegal cutting of trees and environmental degradation.
“80,000 trees were planted last season and three youth groups namely Mbole, Gamela and Siakatambo were given some money to venture into income generating activities to keep them away from engaging in business ventures that promote deforestation,” he said.
Mr Mulomba said the youth groups had ventured into gardening, poultry farming, tailoring and other empowerment projects.
Mr Milambo said the department had intensified patrols to curb any exports of timber, as was witnessed in some parts of the country where timber was exported illegally.
He said the department was carrying out patrols to ensure the country’s forests were protected against massive abuse.