UNISA alleviates impact of academic conference on environment

Using these funds, 312 trees will be planted this Arbor Month to promote environmental awareness in Gauteng. "UNISA is working with South Africa's greening leaders, Food & Trees for Africa to not only raise awareness about tree planting and environmental education, but to highlight the importance of reducing the effects of greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change," explains Jeminah Mkhize, FTFA Ecopreneur.

Environmentalists have long explained the benefits of trees in urban landscapes. Trees reduce air and water pollution, stem storm water runoff, beautify neighbourhoods and represent a crucial part of the ecosystem. In recent times, planting trees has been highlighted as a low-tech, cost-effective strategy for mitigating many problems.

"While it is accepted that academic conferences are an integral part of sharing practices and research findings, we don't always consider the environmental impacts of hosting and attending these conferences. UNISA is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact and we have committed ourselves to support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges and undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility," says Paul Prinsloo, UNISA.

Recognising that increasing environmental awareness at schools is essential to explain the benefits of trees, the link to climate change and decreasing carbon emissions and global environmental issues, UNISA will plant their Arbor trees at nine schools in Mamelodi.

"Through this small way we wanted to ensure that the 2013 HELTASA conference leaves a green legacy," says UNISA's representative, Paul Prinsloo.

For more info, please contact FTFA on 011 656 9802 or e-mail az.gro.seert@ofni.