Conservation and urban forest development projects across South Africa spearheaded by local, nonprofit conservation organisations.
South Africa is a biodiversity hotspot, home to 10% of the world’s plant species and 7% of its reptile, bird and mammal species. Despite these incredible statistics, South Africa’s natural vegetation, like many other countries, is under threat from widespread urban development and migration.
Luckily, South Africa is also renowned for its relentless pursuit of conservation and ecological protection, a tradition being passed down to the next generation of young, eco-conscious South Africans. Mzanzi Organics, a local has partnered with local primary schools in Cape Town to plant new urban pocket forests around the city, transforming vulnerable urban spaces into thriving green space havens.
Using the Japanese Miyawaki afforestation technique, Mzanzi Organics has worked with school children to plant 800 indigenous South African trees and shrubs in 200 square metres of Langa, creating the area’s first ever forest and green space for children to enjoy.
The project began in January and Langalibalele Forest was completed in March, becoming one of five thriving urban forests transforming the cityscape into a cleaner, greener and more sustainable space, while teaching invaluable conservation skills to the next generation.
The children of Langa Primary School can now enjoy taking Natural Science classes outdoors, experiencing plants, forestry, and insect species up close and first hand, making the experience that much more exciting and enriching, inspiring young minds!
There are so many reasons for South Africans to be proud of the progress they have made, but this, in particular, resonates with all young, environmentally-conscious people in the country who want to build a better future for themselves and the planet.
https://lnkd.in/dgf3FW7Y
Ashoka Fellow and Senior Advisor at Center for International Forestry Research CIFOR - World Agroforestry ICRAF
2mo“necessary for the re-planting of native trees”. Excellent! Which ones? I know Mozambique has Miombo forest. It also has coastal forest. Which indigenous species jump out?