Cape Town Promotes Sustainability with Over 3,000 Trees Planted

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Celebrating Arbor Month with Green Initiatives

As Cape Town’s Arbor Month comes to an end, the city’s Recreation and Parks Department has been actively involved in planting, distributing, and fostering tree growth throughout the region. The department has spearheaded multiple tree planting and greening projects aimed at improving Cape Town’s urban landscape. Since the beginning of the year, more than 3,000 trees have been planted or handed out to communities, demonstrating the city’s dedication to a more sustainable future.

This year’s Arbor Month theme, “Forests and Health,” highlights the essential link between forests and human welfare. Trees not only purify the air, but they also enhance the attractiveness of our surroundings and recreational areas. They provide serenity and a connection to nature, which are vital for mental and emotional well-being. Councillor Patricia Van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, states that the city’s efforts to support tree growth continue all year round, extending beyond the Arbor Month festivities.

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Community Collaboration for Arbor Month Activities

The following Arbor Month activities saw the city joining forces with local communities:

  • On August 30, six large Cocos plumosa (Queen palms) trees were planted at Van Niekerk Park in Bellville. This project necessitated the use of heavy machinery and the expertise of landscape professionals.
  • A significant event for National Arbor Month took place at the Langa Civic Hall on September 20, concluding the Langa Centenary 100 Trees Project. This notable initiative honored the 100th anniversary of Langa by planting 100 trees throughout the community. These trees symbolize growth, resilience, and a pledge to a sustainable future. They serve as a living testament to the community’s legacy and a means of enhancing the local environment.
  • On September 20, 10 Tarchonanthus (Camphor bushes) trees were planted on Rohm Street, Goodwood, in collaboration with Goodwood Park Primary School. This partnership aimed to educate young people about trees while fostering a sense of pride in contributing to a greener city.
  • The Cape Green Day Expo allowed the Department to showcase its services and distribute awareness materials related to the City’s green spaces.
  • Various City offices hosted a week-long bonsai exhibition, celebrating the beauty and skill involved in nurturing these miniature trees.
  • The National Department of Fisheries, Forestry, and Environment (DFFE) presented the Arbor City Partnership Award to the “TreeKeepers” in recognition of their exceptional contribution to the preservation and growth of Cape Town’s urban forests.
  • The City Council adopted the Urban Forest Policy, a vital step toward a greener and more sustainable future. This policy details strategies for tree planting, conservation, and maintenance throughout Cape Town.

A Greener Cape Town for the Future

Councillor Van der Ross emphasized that these activities display the richness of Cape Town’s natural heritage and the City’s commitment to planting diverse tree species to encourage biodiversity and climate resilience. As National Arbor Month concludes, the city reasserts its dedication to nurturing and expanding its vital green spaces. Residents are urged to participate in this journey by planting a tree, learning about local flora, and contributing to a greener and more sustainable Cape Town.

Kagiso Petersen is a Cape Town journalist who reports on the city’s evolving food culture—tracking everything from township braai innovators to Sea Point bistros signed up to the Ocean Wise pledge. Raised in Bo-Kaap and now cycling daily along the Atlantic Seaboard, he brings a palpable love for the city’s layered flavours and even more layered stories to every assignment.

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