Mpumalanga Privince Celebrates Arbor Week

It is that time of the year when the province will celebrate one of its important days in its calendar. The Department of Agriculture and Land Administration in partnership with the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and Total S.A will celebrate Arbor Week throughout the province in early September. As always the authorities will embark on tree planting activities in various parts of the province to mark the celebration.

The two departments have will join hands with the three districts in the province to roll out the activities:

The planting of trees is crucial in the country to improve the living conditions of those people who rely on wood for their daily cooking, to stop the rapid soil erosion, which removes tons of topsoil annually, to beautify the treeless urban township.

This year's event will be celebrated under the slogan “Plant a tree – Grow our Future”.

Issues to be communicated and highlighted throughout the campaign are the following:

•  The importance of trees and its key role towards sustaining our livelihoods both now and for future generation.

•  Ensuring the maintenance of our forests in order that all trees are protected.

•  Ensure the long-term sustainability of our forest resources.

•  Empowering communities, especially women in managing and improving their living conditions and etc.

Historically, South Africa has not had the culture of tree planting and it was until the 1970's that a real need to promote tree planting was recognised. In 1996, the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry thus emphasised its importance in South Africa extended Arbor week from one day to a week. The campaign has evolved into a major event that receives major publicity and public participation throughout the country and abroad.

Issued by the Communications Directorate

Department of Agriculture and Land Administration