I have a dream for everyone to plant a tree
We may lose the falls as a consequence of climate change
Photo: ActionAid.
After 12 days of being on the road with the Caravan of Hope, there was nothing quite as memorable and relaxing as visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World - Victoria Falls!
The Victoria Falls are found on River Zambezi the fourth longest River in Africa after the Nile. The falls are located in the Livingstone district of Zambia and the other in Zimbabwe.
Before we left for the falls we had a welcoming ceremony at Mukuni Park through Victoria falls border. Here we were welcomed by the District commissioner of Livingstone Ms. Nkosilathi Jayane who said,
Livingstone city relays greatly on tourism as an economic activity, however we are not sure what will happen in the next 20 to 30 years for we may lose the falls as a consequence of climate change.
She therefore added her voice to the rest of the African people by signing a petition for climate justice.
As she clearly noted the need for action towards addressing both the mitigation and adaptation mechanisms to the climate.
We then proceeded with a tree planting exercise by each country coordinated by Arthur Sonvenbery. Arthur is a Dutch man who has lived in Zambia since 1992 and is incredibly passionate about Africa. He also shared his dream of having everyone in Africa plant a tree.
This time it was not any tree. It was specified indigenous trees. This he said was because maintenance of such s tree would not be hard as it is favored by the natural conditions in that area. But also for the ecological role these trees have.
Arthur also noted the need for interdependence from the smallest ant to human beings in maintaining and protecting our ecosystem. Some of the trees planted were Cobretum Mossambice (Bush Williow), Brdela Cathartica (Knobby Bridelia), and Terminalia.
Arthur then asked me to carry this message to COP17 in Durban:
Every person should plant a tree. Action first, talk later
This is precisely why I decided to join the Caravan of Hope.
We then headed for the falls. It was wonderful beautiful natural scenery. Mwangi over had me and my friends speak with a lot of excitement, but also wondering why we could only see a small bit of water fall. He told us it was way different from when they had last passed by on their way to South Africa for the World Cup in 2010. Then, the falls were full of water.
Indeed, it was evident that a bit of the falls were dry with the water in certain areas static. Surely there is no excuse for destroying such a great place because some people want to have it all.
It is our Africa, our climate, and our right to attain climate justice.