IRINGA Regional Commissioner Peter Serukamba has commended residents who have planted trees and cared for the same for supporting the government’s environmental conservation efforts.

Serukamba expressed his gratitude here yesterday during a visit to farmers in Kilolo District who have been supporting tree planning campaigns in their localities.

The move is part of commemorating the World Environment Day (WED) which is being celebrated annually on June 5th and encourages awareness and action for protection of the environment.

Serukamba praised various environment stakeholders for being at the forefront of promoting sustainable agriculture which is environmentally friendly and providing education that helps conserve the environment and enrich the soil.

Dr Goliama Bahati, Iringa Regional Environment Advisor said that more than 31 million trees are planted annually in the region with the main goal of preserving the environment in the region.

Bahati thanked various stakeholders for joining the region in supporting environmental efforts, especially in tree planting and encouraged further investment in carbon trade to benefit residents and increase the region's revenue.

One of the environment stakeholders Dorcas Tinga said that more than 2.6 million seedlings have been distributed and planted in Iringa, Njombe, Mbeya and Songwe regions in this fiscal year.

Working with One Acre Fund Company, Tinga said that they have been providing incentives for a period of three years to farmers who properly maintain their trees.

"We wish for every citizen to plant trees because they have many benefits that may not be visible now but will be seen later on," she said.

The programme works with 2,000 farmers in Kilolo, Wanging'ombe, Mufindi and Iringa districts through a tree payment incentive programme whereby residents are encouraged to plant trees without cutting them down.