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Nearly three million trees out of a target of 10 million over five years have been planted through a government programme.
- September marks Arbor Month, which this year focuses on the links between forests and human health.
- So far, nearly three million trees out of a target of 10 million over five years have been planted through a government programme.
- Among the areas being “greened” are healthcare facilities, schools and low-income settlements – for the benefit of both human and environmental health.
- For climate change news and analysis, go to News24 Climate Future.
As South Africa marks Arbor Month in September, two government departments are joining forces to “green” healthcare facilities – part of a larger effort to plant 10 million trees over five years.
The focus in 2023 is how forests are linked to human health.
To reach the 10 million target, about two million trees should ideally be planted annually – with the help of partnerships with businesses, civil society and nongovernmental organisations.
In the three years this initiative has been under way, just under 3 million (2 813 409) indigenous and fruit trees have been planted.
The healthcare facility greening project is a collaboration between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment and the Department of Health.
Cleaner air, healthier people
To date, both fruit – such as apples, citrus and pears – and ornamental shade trees – such as acacias – have been planted at primary and high schools, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Makhotso Sotyu said in a statement.
The planting project also includes programmes to replace and supplement vegetation and trees that have been removed during construction. The shade from trees creates a “micro-climate”, which cools down urban heat created by concrete structures and also helps offset the carbon footprint (this is carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere from human activity like burning fossil fuels or driving vehicles powered by petrol or diesel).
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“It is important to ensure that previously disadvantaged communities like townships, rural communities and peri-urban zones benefit from our greening projects to protect humanity and actively restore the natural environment,” said Sotyu.
“… Tree planting plays key roles in creating sustainable healthy communities through the benefits obtained from trees – such as nutritious foods and medicines. Trees, and more specifically, forests, support the health of humanity in ways that may not be obvious by providing clean water and fresh air,” Sotyu added.
The trees have been planted with the participation of other stakeholders.
South Africa has recognised and celebrated Arbor Day since 1983 – it is now a month-long event.
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