environmental stewardship arbor month

Celebrating Arbor Month: A Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

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Arbor Month, celebrated every September in South Africa, shines a spotlight on the vital role of trees and caring for our environment. This year, the Eastern Cape hosted a special event at the Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute, where Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts emphasized how trees help fight climate change and support our communities. With a theme celebrating 30 years of freedom, the campaign included planting 3,000 trees and giving fruit trees to local families, encouraging everyone to join in greening our land. The event reminded us that taking care of our forests is a shared responsibility, essential for a healthy future.

pshb urban forest

Rising to the Challenge: Cape Town’s Combat Against the Destructive Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer Beetle

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Cape Town is taking on the destructive Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer Beetle (PSHB) that threatens its urban forest. The city’s Invasive Species Unit is providing training sessions to help residents recognize infested trees, handle affected biomass, and impede the beetle’s spread. The program aims to empower individuals and businesses alike to protect their green spaces effectively and preserve the city’s ecological heritage. With the united efforts of its citizens, Cape Town is rising to the challenge of this formidable foe.

south africa environmental stewardship

South Africa’s Leap Forward in Environmental Stewardship: The Inception of Community Forestry Agreements

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South Africa has launched 19 Community Forestry Agreements (CFAs), marking a significant stride towards community empowerment and sustainable forestry practices. The agreements exemplify the government’s pledge to inclusive growth and efforts to deter plantation crimes such as timber theft. The government will provide continued support through a postsettlement support program to guarantee successful community ownership and management of the plantations. The CFAs lay the groundwork for new market opportunities while catering to the sector’s additional fiber requirements and are aligned with the Forestry Sector Masterplan.

plastic pollution turtle conservation Cape Town

The Voyage of Bokkie: A Story of Tenacity and Metamorphosis

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Bokkie is a green turtle who was found in a terrible condition due to plastic pollution in the ocean. She was rescued and cared for by the Turtle Conservation Centre, where her health improved. However, during her recovery, it was discovered that she had ingested a large amount of plastic waste, highlighting the urgent need for environmental protection. Bokkie’s story is a call to action for mindful waste management and preservation of marine ecosystems.

climate resilience environmental stewardship

“Cape Town: A Shining Example of Climate Resilience in Africa”

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Cape Town is leading the way in climate resilience in Africa, having been declared Africa’s premier city for climate action by the Carbon Disclosure Project. The city is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy and water security, with a policylevel goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Cape Town consistently earns an Alist ranking from the CDP, setting an example for other cities to follow in their efforts towards sustainability. Despite facing numerous climate challenges, Cape Town’s unwavering dedication to sustainability serves as a beacon of hope in the face of the climate change crisis.