South Africa Launches Ambitious Tree Planting Initiative to Green the Nation

Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts oversees South Africa’s 10 million tree cover expansion project spanning five years from her office as Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment minister. South African staff members started “One Employee One Tree” in Pretoria during 2018 by planting 10 million trees throughout South Africa.

South Africa leverages its environmental goals by becoming part of the newly reactivated National Greening Program which works to plant one million trees during Arboriculture Month celebrations in September. Deputy Minister Swarts began the program by explaining that trees add charm to our surroundings and capture carbon as they naturally defend against climate issues that benefit every person on the land.

This planting strategy will focus on all areas of public space:

• Educational institutions and school grounds
• Healthcare facilities and hospital gardens
• Religious establishments and community centers
• Police stations and government facilities