"Sustainability is at the heart of Cathay Pacific's operations. We strive to find ways to reduce our carbon footprint in our operations and also encourage staff and passengers to make donations to offset their carbon emissions when we fly. We are honoured to be part of the Arbor Month tree planting activities in South Africa in partnership with FTFA," comments Frosti Lau, Country Manager at Cathay Pacific.
FTFA's Trees for All programme offers the opportunity for climate change adaptation and response, as well as CSI projects that use company resources to benefit and uplift communities such as Katlehong. FTFA highlights the community's needs, the links between the environment and poverty, and the management of resources that they need and assists where possible.
The two schools in Katlehong that will benefit from this tree planting are Kwanele and Veleshowe Primary Schools.
Despite being surrounded by an industrial area, there is a high level of unemployment in Katlehong. In addition it is one of the most poorly served areas in Gauteng in terms of community development. Therefore, initiatives such as these are essential to the improvement of lives in the area.
"These communities have very little access to green spaces such as parks and gardens. Trees play a vital role in rural and urban populations. They are needed to enrich and anchor soil, maximise water supplies, beautify these areas and provide shade and shelter. Thanks to Cathay Pacific, we will be able to provide a healthier environment in these schools," says Chantel Louw, Manager of the Trees for All programme.
FTFA will be planting more than 18,000 trees this Arbor Month. These trees will form part of FTFA's Trees for Africa Arbor Challenge. For more information: www.trees.co.za
