Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Deputy Minister Makhotso Sotyu is set to launch National Arbor Month and announce winners of the Arbor City Awards on Friday, 1 September 2023, in Polokwane, Limpopo.
National Arbor Month, which is commemorated in September annually, is aimed at raising awareness and sensitising South Africans about the need to conserve, protect, and plant trees for environmental and human-related benefits.
This year, Arbor Month is celebrated under the ‘Forests and Health as adopted by the United Nations Collaborative Partnerships on Forests’ theme.
“The 2023 theme aims to highlight how forestry and tree planting play key roles in creating sustainable healthy communities through health benefits derived in forests through nutritious foods, medicine, fresh air, clean water, and places for recreation.”
To mark the official launch of the 2023 National Arbor Month campaign, Sotyu will visit among others, the Green Project Low-Cost Housing, Seshego Healthcare Clinic and the Matongoni Recycling Facility.
She will also lead tree planting as well as officiate the National Arbor City Awards (NACA) ceremony.
“The awards are presented to deserving municipalities who have excelled in contributing to the Ten Million Trees Programme and embraced greening initiatives in their programmes.
“Schools who have initiated and implemented greening projects will also be rewarded on the night,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
