NATIONAL Arbor Week serves to promote awareness for the need to plant and maintain trees throughout South Africa, especially for the many disadvantaged communities who often live in barren areas.
The message was passed on during the special Arbor Week event held at the Aquadene Secondary School in Richards Bay on Friday.
Wildlands Conservation Trust, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, uMhlathuze Municipality and the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs joined forces to promote a better understanding of trees, highlighting the important role they play in sustainable development and the livelihoods of people.
Ward 26 councillor Ahmed Dawood encourage communities to participate in various greening activities within their own surroundings raising awareness of South Africa’s urban greening initiatives.
‘We must always carry this information and remember the role trees play in our lives, not only during Arbor Week, but throughout the year. It is important that we educate our children and each other on these matter,’ said Dawood during his address.
Municipality members, Aquadene Secondary educators and pupils, councillors and other community members planted indigenous trees to support the campaign.