Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development staff planted more than 200 trees in the expansive 15 acre compound of the Centre. The exercise was in line with environment protection and took place last Friday during a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiated by the management.

Officiating at the event, Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza, the Director General of RCMRD, said, “The task of environment protection is the responsibility of all. I think it is extremely important for all of us here to not only take a keen interest in the cause of environmental protection, but also ‘walk the talk’, for example, by planting new trees. In this way, we will be making an important gesture in demonstrating our concern to the world and at the same time making our own little but significant contribution to the cause.”

RCMRD DG, Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza leads the tree planting exercise.

RCMRD protocol and transport officer Mr. Albert Mukabi said the Centre had purchased 230 trees that included 35 fruit trees (mangoes and oranges) and 195 Nandi flame; Wabugia; Olea Africana; Casulina; Makamia lukea; Croton; Pondo; Sysygium; Bottle brush; Jakaranda; Cassia and Acacia.

According to Mr. Ken Kasera the User Engagement Lead and the MC for the event and who planted a mango tree said, “by planting new trees, we are making an important gesture in demonstrating our concern to the world and at the same time making our own little but significant contribution to the cause of environmental protection and combatting land degradation.

Dalpheen Moraa an Intern at RCMRD said, “Deforestation has a devastating effect on water catchments. “For instance, forest areas guarantee Kenya’s essential water supplies, and are vital in regulating rainfall and stream flow. I am planting trees to leave a mark on environmental protection.”

Dr. Nkurunziza emphasized that it was extremely important to plant new trees and protect the ones already growing around us. “The task of environment protection is a universal responsibility of all of us,” he concluded.

RCMRD staff busy greening the environment during the tree planting exercise.

RCMRD Principal Human Resource and Administration Officer Mr. Mitchum P. Galafa plants his tree.