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South African Arbor Week

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) in South Africa launched Arbor Week with the theme, “Our Forests – Our Future”. South Africa will be celebrating Arbor Week from 1-7 September to raise awareness about the importance and value of trees. Source: Timberbiz

Arbor Day was originally celebrated by South Africa in 1983. The South African Government extended the celebration of Arbor Day into National Arbor Week. This year, the campaign is taking place in line with International Year of the Forests as declared by the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF).

During National Arbor Week South Africans are encouraged to recognise the importance of trees in communities and awareness of the need to protect indigenous trees.

National Arbor Week supports the Government’s priority to protect and enhance environmental assets and natural resources.

Prizes will be awarded during the week to the winners of the Arbor City Award. The Arbor City Award is a competition that was introduced to promote the greening of cities and towns in South Africa.

Christian Des Closieres, Managing Director of Total South Africa, the corporate sponsor for Arbor Week, said they believe that the country’s natural heritage is one of its greatest assets, but also recognizes 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.