As the world commemorates the International Day for Biological Diversity today, dignitaries from the United Nations, national and provincial governments, traditional leadership, and local communities gathered in Boksburg to plant indigenous trees.

This was done in a symbolic commitment to protecting biodiversity and improving environmental sustainability.

The symbolic tree-planting ceremony took place at the corner of Sydney Road and Vickers Street in Jansen Park, where leaders and officials planted five indigenous trees as part of the national call to plant one billion trees across the country.

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White Stinkwood (Celtis africana) trees and three Wild Olive (Olea africana) trees were planted during the ceremony.

The City of Ekurhuleni also hosted the first global flagship event for International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 at the Birchwood Hotel on May 22, positioning South Africa at the centre of global biodiversity implementation efforts.

The celebration followed a series of biodiversity-related engagements hosted by the city, including the Biodiversity Government Lekgotla on May 19 and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) consultative conference from May 20 to 21.

Observed annually on May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity was proclaimed by the United Nations to raise awareness about the importance of conserving and sustainably using biological resources.

This year’s theme, ‘Acting locally for global impact’, highlights the role of communities and local initiatives in achieving the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to safeguard biodiversity and protect ecosystems that support human well-being and livelihoods.

Symbolic tree planting

Among the attendees of the symbolic tree-planting ceremony in Jansen Park were Narend Singh (deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment), Bernice Swarts (deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment), Ewan Botha (Gauteng MEC for Environment), Siyabonga Moloi (Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Services), Astrid Schomaker (executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity), and several traditional leaders, senior government officials, Ward 22 Clr Madelaine Muller, community members and other stakeholders.

Singh planted the first White Stinkwood tree, while Botha planted the second. Moloi planted the first Wild Olive tree, followed by Schomaker. The third Wild Olive tree became a ‘tree of unity, with traditional leaders, dignitaries, community members, and officials all participating in the planting under the slogan: ‘My Tree, My Oxygen’.

Leaders call for community action

Speakers at the event stressed the importance of protecting biological resources and encouraged communities to play an active role in reversing biodiversity loss.

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Moloi said the city was honoured to host the global event.

“This is an important day for us as a city, and we thank the department for choosing Ekurhuleni. We want to continue working together to improve air quality through tree planting because trees are important for our environment,” said Moloi.

“Our province has become increasingly congested with new developments that often result in the cutting down of trees. We therefore have a responsibility to educate our communities about the importance of protecting trees.”

Moloi noted that many residents in informal settlements depend on trees for firewood, making environmental education even more important.

“We are a densely populated city, but we encourage everyone to play their part by planting trees so that we can protect the environment and ensure clean air for our communities,” he added.

Jansen Park urged to protect newly planted trees

Swarts urged residents who visit the park in Jansen Park to protect their newly planted trees and promote environmental awareness.

“These trees we are planting today must be looked after. People visiting parks should also have access to information explaining the importance of trees,” said Swarts.

“When we wake up every morning and thank God for life, we should also thank trees for the oxygen they provide. If we take care of our trees, many health and social challenges can be reduced.”

warts described tree planting as more than a ceremonial gesture.

“Today we gather not just to perform a symbolic act, but to plant the literal pillars of community survival, health and economic well-being. There is no action more local, grounding and impactful than putting our hands into the soil and planting a tree.”

One billion trees vision

The tree-planting initiative forms part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s national call to plant one billion trees across South Africa.

Swarts revealed that the government exceeded its previous target of planting one million trees last year through partnerships and donations.

“Last year we surpassed our target and planted 1.3 million trees in one year alone,” she said.

“This year, the resident has challenged us to plant one billion trees. Since May 11, we have changed our slogan from ‘One Million Trees’ to ‘One Billion Trees’.”

According to Swarts, provinces have each been given a target of one million trees, while municipalities are expected to contribute significantly. Ekurhuleni alone has been tasked with planting 95,000 trees.

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The campaign will focus on planting trees at schools, early childhood development centres, churches, clinics, hospitals and correctional facilities, with scientists guiding the selection of suitable tree species for different regions.

Councillor Muller also welcomed the initiative, noting that some trees were strategically planted in areas affected by air pollution from aircraft activity.

“These trees were planted along the aeroplane flight path, and once fully grown they will help improve air quality and reduce the environmental impact caused by aircraft,” said Muller.

SA at the centre of global biodiversity efforts

As a member state of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, South Africa was selected to host the first flagship International Day for Biological Diversity event for 2026.

The global gathering at Birchwood Hotel showcased South Africa’s biodiversity implementation efforts, highlighted community-led conservation initiatives, and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to advancing the global biodiversity agenda.