Cape Town Nominated for National Arbor City Award

by
1 min read
u r

Cape Town, known for its exceptional urban greening initiatives, has been shortlisted for the highly coveted 2023 National Arbor City Award. This prestigious accolade is awarded to cities that exhibit unwavering commitment to urban forestry, the promotion of sustainable environments, and the flourishing of green spaces within their city limits. The city has previously won the award in 2016 and 2021, demonstrating its ongoing dedication to environmental preservation.

The National Arbor City Award

The National Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) administers the National Arbor City Award. The award recognizes municipalities that demonstrate extraordinary efforts in conserving and planting trees, as well as cultivating awareness and education surrounding environmental conservation. Should Cape Town win the award again, the city will receive acknowledgment for its green spaces, tree-planting initiatives, and educational environmental programs. It will also receive a financial contribution to further enhance its urban forestry endeavors.

Councillor Patricia van der Ross’ Statement

Councillor Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, expressed her excitement for Cape Town’s nomination. She stated that Cape Town has already proven itself as a sustainability leader and an exemplary model for other cities. She emphasized the importance of tree care in urban environments, highlighting it as an investment in a prosperous and healthy future environment.

Adjudication Process

To assess the award, an adjudication panel, made up of officials from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, TotalEnergies, the Institute for Environment and Recreation Management (IERM), and the South African National Botanical Institute (SANBI), visited various green spaces, projects, and programs throughout the city. They toured locations such as Langa, Mitchell’s Plain, and Newlands, chosen for their representation of diverse segments of the metropolis and community, to gain a comprehensive view of Cape Town’s environmental efforts.

Announcement of the Winning City

The winning city will be announced in September, designated as National Arbor Month. As Cape Town competes for its third victory in the esteemed National Arbor City Awards, its unwavering dedication to urban greening and sustainable environments remains steadfast. The city’s preservation and enhancement of its urban landscape inspire municipalities worldwide, setting a high bar for environmental stewardship in the 21st century.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

rugby springboks
Previous Story

The Unfortunate Absence of Jaden Hendrikse in Springboks’ Rugby World Cup Warm-up

angus cloud euphoria actor Cape Town
Next Story

Angus Cloud: Remembering A Life of Tenderness and Struggles

Latest from Blog

early childhood education toy libraries

Cape Town’s Transformative Toy Libraries: Revolutionizing Early Childhood Development

Cape Town’s toy libraries are changing how young children learn by creating fun and exciting places to play and grow. With 24 vibrant libraries, kids can explore new stories and play with educational toys that help them develop important skills. Educators also benefit, gaining access to helpful resources that enhance teaching methods. This initiative not only supports children’s growth but also encourages a love for learning that can last a lifetime. As these libraries thrive, they inspire communities everywhere to embrace the joy of learning through play.

wastewater management urban sustainability

Innovative Urban Water Management: Embracing Wastewater Package Plants

Wastewater package plants are small, smart facilities that help cities manage dirty water in a cleaner way. They are easy to install and can be placed where big treatment plants can’t go, making them super useful for crowded urban areas. Recently, a workshop brought together many people to learn how to set up and run these plants, highlighting their importance for public health and the environment. By using these innovative systems, cities can boost their economies while making sure they take care of our precious water resources.

illegal mining south africa

Confronting Illegal Mining in South Africa: A Complex Battle

South Africa is fighting against illegal mining with a strong team of police, soldiers, and private security. They’ve recently targeted a large group of about 6,500 illegal miners in Ekurhuleni, where hidden tunnels and makeshift homes showed the extent of this underground world. While these operations can push miners away temporarily, true solutions need to address the economic struggles that drive people to these risky jobs. The goal is to create lasting change that not only protects the environment but also offers communities new opportunities for a better life.

fireworks policy public safety

Balancing Tradition and Safety: Cape Town’s Fireworks Policy

Cape Town is getting ready for exciting celebrations like Diwali and Guy Fawkes Night, but there are important rules about fireworks! To keep everyone safe, people must get permission from the police and have their event checked by the Fire and Rescue Service. While many love the colorful displays, some worry about noise and the danger to pets and wildlife. As the city balances fun traditions with safety, it’s clear that thoughtful celebrations can light up the sky without causing chaos below.