The Deputy Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Ms Maggie Sotyu will lead the launch of the National Arbor Month campaign in Port Elizabeth on Sunday, 1 September 2019.
National Arbor Month is an annual campaign coordinated by the national Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; and the Department of Environmental Affairs in partnership with Total South Africa.
This year’s campaign will be held under the theme: “Forests and Sustainable Cities”.
The Arbor Month campaign affords the department and other stakeholders the opportunity to undertake a major national awareness programme emphasise the value of trees and creating awareness of trees species that are threatened by extinction. The campaign promotes awareness for the need to plant and maintain indigenous trees throughout South Africa, especially for the many disadvantaged communities who often live in barren and water-stressed areas.
The Deputy Minister and other dignitaries will lead tree planting activities on the day of the launch in and around Port Elizabeth, including New Brighton, Walmer, and KwaZakhele communities.
The launch will culminate in the Arbor City Awards ceremony where cities and towns that have embraced greening initiatives in their programmes will be recognised and rewarded. The competition is sponsored by Total SA, and promotes the greening of cities and towns in South Africa. These awards are given to cities and towns that go the extra mile to green their areas of jurisdiction.
Follow the conversation on #ArborMonth and #SustainableCities.
