JOHANNESBURG, March 18 (Xinhua) -- South Africa has designated Sept. 24, 2025, as a national tree planting day, aiming to "plant 1 million trees in a single day" to help combat climate change, said a senior South African official on Tuesday.
Bernice Swarts, deputy minister of forestry, fisheries and environmental affairs, announced on Tuesday at the second African Forum on Urban Forests in Johannesburg, the largest city and economic hub of South Africa. The event was co-hosted by the City of Johannesburg and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
"As we prepare to celebrate the International Day of Forests on March 21, 2025, I am pleased to announce that South Africa has designated Sept. 24, 2025 as a national tree planting day," said Swarts. "Today, we aim to mobilize all government entities across all three spheres of government, community-based organizations, non-government organizations, the corporate sector, and citizens to plant 1 million trees in a single day. This ambitious initiative will contribute to creating sustainable settlements and mitigating the impact of climate change."
She explained that South Africa draws its inspiration from Wangari Maathai, who planted more than 51 million trees across Kenya through her Green Belt Movement and won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Ahmadu Babagana, the FAO representative to South Africa, said in his speech at the forum that Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, faces rapid urbanization, climate change, and increasing socio-economic disparities.
He pointed out the "immense potential" of urban forests and green spaces in transforming cities into "healthier, more resilient, and more inclusive places for all."
"Urban forests play a vital role in enhancing the well-being of our urban communities. The presence of trees and green spaces in cities improves air quality, mitigates the urban heat island effect, and contributes to mental and physical health," Babagana said.
He added that the FAO is committed to working with governments and other stakeholders to ensure that green spaces contribute to ecological sustainability and food production through urban agro-forestry and community gardens.
