New Indigenous trees rooted in sustainability at Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
To observe Indigenous Tree Day, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo planted 30 new indigenous trees at the Gardens.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) joined other African countries in a drive to prioritise greening for its people as they celebrated Indigenous Tree Day on April 15.
On the day, the entity planted 30 trees at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens., having already planted about 6 352 indigenous trees across all seven regions for quarter three.
Read more: Community concerns Prompt JCPZ to tackle dangerous trees
Indigenous Tree Day is described as a call to action to nations across the continent to plant indigenous trees in their communities. This movement, in its second year, brings together scores of conservationists and communities in a bid to combat the effects of climate change through a collective tree-planting initiative.
This year’s theme, Building a Global Movement for Native Tree Conservation, emphasises the vital role of trees in African communities, their traditional value, and how we, as Africans, can turn the tide against climate change by restoring our natural environment.
Also read: JCPZ launches campaign to combat cemetery vandalism and disrespect.
The need for collaborative interest, investment in the environment, and shared responsibility will have far-reaching success stories for ensuring that the air we breathe is clean.
Trees are incredible purifiers of the atmosphere. They absorb poisonous gases such as carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases, among others. Planting indigenous trees combat biodiversity loss and restore the continent’s natural canopy for years to come.
Although Joburg is considered the largest human-made forest in the world, with an estimated 3.2 million trees, JCPZ is dealing with the ongoing illegal felling of these precious trees. Residents are urged to refrain from removing healthy street trees as these are the property of the City of Joburg. Dead or infected trees should be reported to City Parks and Zoo on 011 712 6600/6617 or by using our social media platform.
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Related article: JCPZ addresses community concerns over tree safety.
