International day for biological diversity celebrated with environmental action
The symbolic planting of indigenous trees in Jansen Park highlighted biodiversity conservation, environmental awareness and South Africa’s One Billion Trees campaign.
Gauteng MEC for Environment Ewan Botha assists with planting a tree at Jansen Park during the ceremony.
Dignitaries from the United Nations, national, provincial and local government, traditional leadership and local communities gathered in Jansen Park, Boksburg, recnetly to commemorate the International Day for Biological Diversity through a symbolic indigenous tree-planting ceremony.
The event formed part of South Africa’s ‘One Billion Trees’ campaign and highlighted this year’s theme, ‘Acting locally for global impact’.
King Wentzel Katjara, a traditional leader and representative of Khoisan communities in South Africa, speaks to attendees about the medicinal and traditional benefits of indigenous trees planted during the ceremony.
White Stinkwood (also known as Celtis Africana) and Wild Olive trees were planted to promote biodiversity conservation, improve air quality and encourage environmental awareness.
Ward 22 councillor Madelaine Muller, Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts and UN Convention on Biological Diversity Executive Secretary Astrid Schomaker at the tree-planting event.
South Africa also hosted the first flagship International Day for Biological Diversity event for 2026 at the Birchwood Hotel, showcasing the country’s biodiversity efforts and commitment to advancing the global biodiversity agenda.
Community leaders and dignitaries add soil to one of the newly planted trees in Jansen Park.
Among those attending were Deputy Ministers Narend Singh and Bernice Swarts, Gauteng MEC for Environment Ewan Botha, Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Services Councillor Siyabonga Moloi, UN Convention on Biological Diversity Executive Secretary Astrid Schomaker, King Wentzel Katjara, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Director-General Nomfundo Tshabalala, City of Ekurhuleni representative Precious Mahlangu, and Ward 22 Clr Madelaine Muller.
The full story will follow on our website and in print.
Participants help with planting trees during the International Day for Biological Diversity event in Boksburg.Deputy Ministers Bernice Swarts and Narend Singh, together with Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Services Councillor Siyabonga Moloi, seated during a briefing at the tree-planting site.Dignitaries and community members take part in the indigenous tree-planting initiative in Boksburg.Ward 22 councillor Madelaine Muller participates in the tree-planting ceremony in Jansen Park.Ward 22 councillor Madelaine Muller, Deputy Minister Narend Singh, City of Ekurhuleni representative Precious Mahlangu and Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Services Councillor Siyabonga Moloi pose next to one of the newly planted indigenous trees.Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Director-General Nomfundo Tshabalala assists with planting a tree at the park.Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts participates in the symbolic tree-planting activity during the event.Attendees who participated in the symbolic tree-planting ceremony in Jansen Park as part of the International Day for Biological Diversity commemorations.A guest waters one of the newly planted indigenous trees during the symbolic ceremony in Jansen Park.Attendees take part in the tree-planting ceremony aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.Dignitaries, officials and stakeholders participate in the symbolic planting of indigenous trees during the biodiversity awareness event.Attendees take part in planting and watering the during the symbolic planting ceremony.Officials and stakeholders participate in the symbolic planting of indigenous trees during the biodiversity awareness event.Deputy Minister Narend Singh plants a tree in Jansen Park as part of the International Day for Biological Diversity commemorations.Attendees take part in the tree-planting ceremony aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.Participants water the newly planted trees as part of the International Day for Biological Diversity commemorations in Boksburg.Attendees take part in the tree-planting ceremony aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Services Councillor Siyabonga Moloi assists with planting trees at the event.Dignitaries, officials and stakeholders participate in the symbolic planting of indigenous trees during the biodiversity awareness event.Attendees take part in the tree-planting ceremony aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.Some of the leaders who attended the tree-planting ceremony in Jansen Park, Boksburg.
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Fanie joined Boksburg Advertiser over 14 years ago – covering a wide range of issues under the sun. He rose up the ranks from mid-level to senior journalist & became a news-editor. He studied journalism at Damelin & went on to complete his Diploma in Media Practices course at BMH – focusing on print and online media. He loves acting as the eyes and ears of the public.
