iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority in partnership with Wild Trust and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) visited schools within and adjacent to iSimangaliso with an aim of planting trees as part of commemorating the Arbor Week under the theme “My Tree, My Oxygen Plant Yours Today”. This initiative aims to educate learners about the significance of planting trees, the vital role trees contribute to sustaining human lives, and the responsibility of taking care of trees for current and future generations to come.
iSimangaliso has set a target of planting 1000 trees by 24 September 2025. Amongst the 1000 trees, 60% will be fruit trees for food security and community livelihoods, and 40% will be indigenous trees for biodiversity & ecosystem resilience. The focus areas are schools, clinics, traditional Authority area, as this will leave a legacy such as Building green, resilient communities for future generations. iSimangaliso has selected 20 schools per section that are close to the park and at least 3 trees to be planted in each school (both primary and high schools). The areas where trees will be planted include Sokhulu, Mtubatuba, Hluhluwe, Mkhuze, Sodwana and Kosi Bay. Similarly, Local clinics and traditional authority areas are earmarked for the proposed tree planting programme within the same communities where these schools are located.
Learners actively participated in tree planting activities, gaining practical knowledge and a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship. Through such engagements, iSimangaliso continues to inspire communities to embrace conservation practices that ensure a greener and healthier environment.
Statement issued by iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Authority Media enquires: MLO: Mr. Bheki Manzini
Call/WhatsApp: 060 533 2082 Email: bhekimanzini@isimangaliso.com
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