KNP donates trees as part of Arbor Week
Trees and grass planting at the Living Waters Church formed part of the day’s programme.
SKUKUZA – The Kruger National Park (KNP) handed over 200 indigenous plants to various faith-based structures as part of Arbor Week celebrations.
KNP managing executive Mr Abe Sibiya donated the flora on behalf of the park at the Living Waters Church in Mkhuhlu on Monday.
“We saw it fit to engage the religious structures, among others, that are adjacent to the park in greening our communities. This is as another way of promoting community-based conservation initiatives among our stakeholders so that they can also play a meaningful role in environmental conservation;” Sibiya explained.
Trees and grass planting at the Living Waters Church formed part of the day’s programme.
The trees are not only meant to provide shade, soil protection, wind reduction and fresh air, but to also encourage churches that during their gatherings, pastors can also preach about the value of environment to the congregations.
“There is a tremendous opportunity for these structures to assist in getting the conservation message out there to society during their regular worship gatherings,” Sibiya concluded.
Skukuza Nursery, which has a wide selection of indigenous trees, donated about 600 tree species, suitable for the weather conditions in the engaged regions, to the churches.
The celebrations in the KNP will continue throughout the week, with the planting of more trees at various churches in different communities bordering the park.
On an annual basis, KNP together with other national parks, participate in Arbor Week celebrations.
The park engages with community forums and other relevant committees to build capacity and assist local communities to come up with ideas, develop and implement sustainable greening projects in their communities.
