One element of the SPAR Zimbabwe sustainability strategy is a focus on planting trees. As part of Roydon Secondary School’s reforestation goals, 13,000 trees were planted in January. A collaboration between My Trees Trust, the Forestry Commission, suppliers, together with SPAR and the school, led to the tree planting on 24 January 2024.

Reforestation of schools

The extensive tree planting builds on the same project carried out at the school in 2022 when 10,000 trees were planted. The goal is to contribute towards global reforestation, restoring lost forests, repairing damaged ecosystems and mitigating climate change. This aligns with the President’s Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

SPAR Zimbabwe General Manager Cypren Borerwe said “We have built good relations with both Royden Primary and Secondary school. It is a great honour to return in 2024 to plant 13,000 trees. After planting 10,000 trees in 2022, I am glad to say a total of 23,000 trees have been planted between the Primary and Secondary School. We encourage all students to champion the planting of more trees and look after the trees planted today as they are vital to our survival.”

Protecting indigenous habitats

The trees are maintained by My Tree Trust, which began looking after the initially planted trees in 2023. The Trust continues to make significant inroads into restoring and protecting indigenous woodland habitats across Zimbabwe.

SPAR Zimbabwe has worked with the Forestry Commission for several years and the partnership is bearing fruit. The Commission protects, restores and promotes sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. My Trees, through its nurseries across the country, provide vital support to companies assisting the forestation drive.

SPAR Zimbabwe was awarded an Environmental Champion of the Year Award by ESG Network Zimbabwe, in recognition of their tireless environmental and clean-up campaigns at SPAR stores all over the country.

Source: SPAR Zimbabwe.

Read more about SPAR Zimbabwe.

About SPAR Zimbabwe

In 1967, Zimbabwe joined the SPAR network after a licence was granted to a local organisation by SPAR International. In 2015, an independent retailer took over the licence for the SPAR Brand in the market. SPAR Zimbabwe remains actively involved in the local community, helping to make a difference.