The planet we all call home is out of balance, floods in Malawi, Mozambique and in some parts of my country of Zimbabwe. Everyone is doing everything, the whole world has realised that sustainable Global management of the forests, networking using new technology will help us to deliver our commitment, a Greener Tomorrow, a deforestation Free Future. Now, Tetrad Tree Foundation, Zimbabwe Defence Forces, JCI, Green Fuel and the Climate Smart Alliance are planting trees throughout Zimbabwe, Haitian Students Breathe New Life into Depleted rain forests, Kenyan Defence Forces are planting Trees and UNEP is celebrating 21 March as International Day of Forests and Trees. This is a day I am surely not to miss.

"As we deliberate on the post-2015 development agenda, let us acknowledge the vital role of forests and pledge to work together to protect and sustainably manage these vital ecosystems." Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

This global celebration of forests provides a platform to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests and of trees outside forests. Forests cover one third of the Earth's land mass,
performing vital functions around the world. Around 1.6 billion people - including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures - depend on forests for their livelihood. In Zimbabwe more than 330 000 ha of trees are cut annually and the Climate Smart Alliance has planted 370 000 trees since December 2011.

Forests are the most biologically-diverse ecosystems on land, home to more than 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects. Forests also provide food shelter, jobs and security for forest-dependent communities.

They play a key role in our battle in adapting to and mitigating climate change. Forests contribute to the balance of oxygen, carbon dioxide and humidity in the air. They protect wetlands, water sources which supply 75% of freshwater worldwide. Yet despite all of these priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits, we are destroying the very forests we need to survive. Global deforestation continues at an alarming rate -13 million hectares of forest are destroyed annually.

Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. On 21 March the above mentioned organisers will be hosting an event in Bulawayo at J M Nkomo airport mark the International Day of the forests and Trees.

Activities expected to take place on the 2015 International Day include tree-planting and other community-level events, and national celebrations including drama as well as social media.

The event will be honoured to have ZNA commander 1 Brigade as Guest of Honour. The theme of the event is Celebrating Forests for Sustainable Development, and will include reading of solidarity messages on ?Women as agents of change for forests and sustainable development? with inspiring speakers from forest commission, EMA,SME, Green Fuel,JCI, Junior Parliamentarians and communities. The event will conclude with everyone attending renewing their pledge to continue mitigating climate change through tree planting and to help us establish pristine food forests.