​As the continent observed Indigenous Tree Day today, 15 April 2025, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) joined other African nations in championing a greener, more sustainable future for all.

Indigenous Tree Day is a continental call to action, urging communities across Africa to plant indigenous trees in their local environments. Now in its second year, this growing movement has brought together conservationists, environmental advocates, and communities in a united effort to combat climate change through tree planting.


The campaign underscores the need for shared environmental responsibility and investment. By working together, African nations can contribute to cleaner air, healthier ecosystems, and long-term climate resilience.

Trees are natural purifiers of the atmosphere. They absorb harmful gases such as carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, playing a vital role in mitigating climate change. Planting indigenous trees also helps prevent biodiversity loss and rebuilds the continent's natural canopy for generations to come.

In recent months, JCPZ planted approximately 6,352 indigenous trees across all seven regions of the City. In honour of Indigenous Tree Day, the entity planted an additional 30 trees at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens today, reaffirming its role as the custodian of urban greening in the City of Johannesburg.

This year's theme, “Building a Global Movement for Native Tree Conservation", highlights the cultural and environmental importance of indigenous trees within African communities. It also reflects the continent's commitment to restoring its natural heritage and confronting climate change through collective action.

Although Johannesburg is recognised as the world's largest man-made urban forest, with over 3.2 million trees, City Parks and Zoo continues to battle the illegal felling of healthy street trees. Residents are reminded that all street trees are the property of the City and should not be removed without authorisation. Dead or diseased trees should be reported to JCPZ via 011 712 6600/6617 or through the entity's official social media platforms.

Together, we can grow a forest—one tree at a time. Let's be part of the change for a greener, more resilient African continent. As the continent prepares to celebrate Indigenous Tree Day, which is observed on 15 April 2025, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo joined other African countries in a drive to prioritise greening for its people.

Indigenous Tree Day is a call to action to nations across the African continent to plant indigenous trees in their communities. This movement, in its second year, brings together scores of conservationists and communities in a bid to combat the effects of climate change through a collective tree-planting initiative.

The need for collaborative interest, investment in the environment, and shared responsibility will have far-reaching success stories for ensuring that the air we breathe is clean.

15/04/2025

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