Joburg City Parks launces One Tree at a Time on the eve of Arbor Week 2007
Media Statement
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
No embargo
Joburg City Parks launches ‘One Tree at a Time’ on the eve of Arbor Week 2007
Johannesburg City Parks the custodians of greening in the City of Joburg has launched the ‘One Tree at a Time’ campaign in the build-up to National Arbor Week 2007. The campaign is an appeal to individuals and business to partner the City, in building a healthier and greener Johannesburg by planting 100 000, indigenous, 80-100mm, 1.5-2mt high, street trees in the next three years, in new and developing suburbs.
Johannesburg City Parks will run a parallel process of planting an additional 9 500 street trees during Arbor Month to complement the 21 523 street trees planted by City Parks, and the 11 000 trees-for-homes to be distributed by Food and Trees for Africa in Soweto.
“Greening the city ‘One Tree at a Time’ seeks to resolve greening backlogs which have been compounded by the affects of growing urbanisation,” stated the MMC for Environment in the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Prema Naidoo, adding that “there is a collective need to accelerate greening programmes to enhance the quality of life of every resident, through the initiative.”
The campaign is valued in excess of R44million. “This is a huge investment in greening and beautifying our city, and Corporate SA has an opportunity to demonstrate it’s commitment to the environment and to simultaneously earn carbon credits in lieu of carbon emissions, by joining the campaign,” stated the ODA Executive of Equity Aviation, Mr Johnny Masinga who has committed 1000 trees to the campaign.
Residents are reminded that we have a collective responsibility to nurture our greenery as trees improve air quality, offer protection from damaging UV rays, reduces the need for air conditioning, provides a habitat for wildlife, reduces storm water run-off, has the potential to increase property values, diffuses oncoming vehicular light, acts as buffer during accidents, is a catalyst for economic growth, absorbs dust particles and air pollutants, offers privacy by acting as screens, acts as windbreakers, softens the texture of concrete landscapes, acts as a coolant along motorways, absorbs carbon emissions and builds community ownership and civic pride.
Arbor Week activities hosted by Johannesburg City Parks in association with greening partners include:
Saturday, 1 September at Dorothy Nyembe Park at 11:30. 650 representatives from the community, Food and Trees for Africa, Radio 702, City of Joburg and media are expected. Jody Scheckter- SAs only Formula One Champion is set to announce the donation of 11 000 fruit trees to be distributed as part of the trees for homes
Tuesday, 4 September at River Park in Alexandra at 10:00. 500 representatives from the community are expected to join the city and media to receive 1000 trees donated by EquityAviation.
Thursday, 6 September along the June 16th Route in Soweto. Johannesburg City Parks in partnership with Airports Company SA (ACSA) will be planting in excess of 300 street trees as part of a donation of R650K.
Thursday, 13 September at Makhorane Primary at 10:00. Johannesburg City Parks and Total SA will handover three new parks developed in schools as part of the ‘My Dream Parks’ annual schools poster competition and also announce the winners of the prize money totaling R500K for the 2007 competition.
Saturday, 15 September at 10:00 – 13:00. Johannesburg City Parks in partnership with Ferndale residents will be conducting a clean-up along the riverine.
Thursday, 20 September along Mphuti Street in close proximity to the Hector Pieterson Memorial. In excess of 225 street trees will be planted as part of a R450K donation from Sappi.
Monday, 3 -30 September 2007. 9 500 street will be planted by Johannesburg City Parks in the north, east and south of Johannesburg to commemorate Arbor Month. This will be complemented with the unveiling of various completed road island beautification initiatives.
Environmental benefits of tree planting:
On average, an acre of trees can store 2.6 tons of carbon (pollution) annually and generate enough oxygen daily for 18 people. A mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year.
In city areas without tree cover, streets and parking lots can raise air temperatures to 35 degrees celsius. Such "heat islands" can cause cities to be five to nine degrees warmer than surrounding areas.
“Trees, with their health, economic and environmental benefits, are the lifelines of our city, Arbor Month gives us an opportunity to reflect on the importance of one of the most valuable natural assets the city is blessed with,” stated the Managing Director of Johannesburg City Parks, Mr Luther Williamson.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of Councillor Prema Naidoo
MMC for Environment in the City of Johannesburg
Media Enquiries
Jenny Moodley
Spokesperson: Johannesburg City parks
Tel: (011) 712-6615 or 082 8030 748
Fax: (011) 339-2692
Email: jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com
Website: www.jhbcityparks.com
