Swarts kicks off Arbor Month by making planting a fashionable trend

The Deputy Minister of  Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts says her department wants to go the extra mile and surpass the President’s target of planting 10 million trees in South Africa.

She says they want to make the planting of trees a fashionable trend. Swarts launched National Arbor Month in Pretoria.

The Deputy Minister participates in the planting of trees to mark the start of National Arbor Month. Some of the trees planted have many benefits, including being used for medicinal purposes.

“The types of trees that we planted today are indigenous trees in nature that do not need a lot of water. These trees can also be used for medicinal purposes. With the trees that we planted today if a person is having flu or coughing, they can use them. I have to say though that you can’t use the roots of the trees but you must use the leaves and you have to boil them and drink that water.”

Besides turning the environment green and colourful, trees contribute to and add value to food security.

“60% of the trees that we plant must be fruit trees because that is also part of the food security programme. And what I want to say is that we do not want to plant trees for the sake of planting trees. But we want to plant trees that will add value to the transition programme.”

The last stop for today’s #ArborMonth launch activities is the planting of indigenous trees @Freedomparksa at the site earmarked for the Forest of Freedom in honour of the heroes and heroines who contributed to South Africa’s liberation struggle. #TreesForTomorrow pic.twitter.com/qqckJ3RHy4

— Environmentza (@environmentza) September 8, 2024

Gauteng Environment MEC Sheila Mary Peters believes community involvement is of paramount importance to achieve the goals of the department. She has called on communities to participate.

“We actually have to plant a million trees a day. I know very well that is so major. it is a tough task and there are a lot of trees there. we will have to involve community members and work hand in hand with them in order to be able to plant such a number of trees.”

The theme of this year’s Arbor Month is “Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom: Promoting Environmental Conservation and Sustainable Forest Management”.

Deputy Minister Swarts added that Arbor Month is important as it celebrates and creates awareness of the vital role that trees play in the fight against deforestation and climate change. #TreesForTomorrow pic.twitter.com/FIMdWmU5iH

— Environmentza (@environmentza) September 8, 2024