Media Statement
Monday, 2 September 2024
For Immediate Release
Changing the landscape by planting Oak trees this Arbor Month
As Arbor Month approaches this September, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) urges all citizens of Joburg to heed the call to transform our landscape through responsible tree planting, specifically focusing on the planting of oak trees. This initiative comes at a crucial time when illegal tree felling threatens our urban forests and the environmental balance of our city.
With Spring here and nature awakening, there is no better moment to roll up your sleeves, tilling your soil, and selecting indigenous or fruit-bearing trees, in preparation for Arbor Month. Each tree planted not only beautifies our environment but also contributes significantly to combating climate change.
This year’s theme, “Oak Trees: Superheroes of the Forest” is apt as oak trees are considered iconic symbols of strength, longevity, and resilience. These majestic trees provide crucial habitats for wildlife, enhance air quality, and add to the aesthetic charm of our urban spaces. By focusing our efforts on planting oak trees and indigenous trees, we can make a considerable impact on our fight against climate change.
Oaks act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thus playing a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Recent reports show a grim picture of drastic changes in climate patterns, including soaring summer temperatures, severe flooding, crippling droughts, and unpredictable cold spells. These erratic weather events not only harm our ecosystem but also degrade air quality, reduce biodiversity, and the loss of human life. By expanding our urban forest and focusing on tree preservation, we can help cool our city, lower energy consumption, and foster a sustainable and resilient community.
Joburg is one of the most densely populated cities, with an influx of job seekers, a spike in student accommodation, high-rise residential areas, and infrastructural development, the presence of trees cannot be compromised.
JCPZ teams will be abuzz in all regions as the Arbor tree-planting campaigns commence. Communities in the city can look forward to trees being planted in the various regions from today until the end of September, with the distribution of fruit trees
We encourage all residents to participate actively in these initiatives, ensuring that we collectively address the challenges posed by illegal tree felling while nurturing our environment.
To kick off Arbor Month, JCPZ will plant 100 trees on Thursday, 5 September 2024 in Lombardy East, Region E. In addition, JCPZ and City of Johannesburg have partnered with the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD) and World Resources Institute (WRI) on the Scaling Urban Nature-based Solutions for Climate Adaptation in sub-Saharan Africa (SUNCASA) project, which amongst other things, aims to enhance gender-responsive urban forestry initiatives in Johannesburg.
Johannesburg Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia will be spruced up for the coming summer months. The much-loved Rose Garden will receive a generous donation of roses from the Ludwig’s Roses and Goldreef Rose Society on Tuesday, 3 September 2024 at 10h00.
Join us this Arbor Month in making a meaningful contribution to our urban landscape. The presence of trees in any setting brings about a sense of calm and connectedness to nature. Together, let’s plant more trees and safeguard our city’s green future.
Follow our social media platforms for more information or visit our website at www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com for tree-planting activities in your region.
Ends
Issued on behalf of
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Media inquiries can be directed to: Noeleen Mattera, Media Relations 079 994 6345 WhatsApp only – 084 885 9981; E: nmattera@jhbcityparks.com, www.jhbcityparks.com. Follow us on Twitter @JoburgParksZoo or Facebook.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo is wholly owned by the City of Johannesburg and is responsible for managing, maintaining, and preserving parks, open spaces, cemeteries, nature reserves, street trees, and the Johannesburg Zoo.
Through their work, JCPZ strives to enhance the quality of life and promote a healthy, active lifestyle for the well-being of all residents.
