Arbor Week launched by Kimberley tree planting

This year's Arbor Week theme is, "Our Forests - Our Future", and about 2000 fruit trees are being planted and distributed. A communal vegetable garden, aimed at alleviating poverty and ensuring food security in the impoverished community of Platfontein was established. Two hundred households were also assisted with vegetable seed packs and seedlings.

The MEC for Land Reform and Rural Development, Norman Shushu, unveiled a memorial plaque at the Galeshewe Stadium on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Tina Joemat-Pettersson, and planted olive trees to commemorate all people who dedicated their lives to the liberation, nation building and community upliftment in the Northern Cape.

"These fruit trees will complement the gardens on food security, whereas the indigenous shade trees will be used for greening and to promote environmental conservation, development and biodiversity in this area," Shushu said.

Beautiful spaces and diverse species under threat

Christian Des Closieres, MD of Total South Africa, the corporate sponsor for Arbor Week, said that they believe that the country's natural heritage is one of its greatest assets, but also recognises that many of Africa's beautiful spaces and diverse species are under threat.

"Our environmental focus area provides a vehicle through which the company carries out its commitment to preserving the natural environment for future generations. Our focus on environmental conservation includes the preservation of marine and land-based biodiversity and natural habitats, and a range of urban-greening projects that aim to beautify the areas in which our communities live," said Des Closieres.

South Africa will be celebrating Arbor Week from 1 to 7 September to raise awareness about the importance and value of trees in our lives.