EThekwini Municipality’s planned Arbour Week celebrations on Tuesday, 1 September 2015, to Monday, 7 September 2015 provides an ideal opportunity for all residents to recommit themselves to caring for the environment, particularly the conservation of trees.
Arbour Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness of urban and rural greening initiatives while promoting a better understanding of trees, particularly indigenous trees and fruit trees.
It also highlights the important role trees play in sustainable development and the livelihoods of people and their environment.
There are a number of events lined up to throughout the week to create awareness of conservation amongst residents, who are encouraged to attend.
The Municipality will be greening 100 homes in KwaMakhutha by planting three trees, one indigenous and two fruit trees. The residents will be trained on how to properly care for the trees.
Members of the public and schools are encouraged to contact the Parks Department head office on 031 322 4000 if they want to assistance to green their homes by planting trees. The Parks Department will first do an assessment and if approved, a maximum of five trees will be donated for planting. The resident will receive training on how to adequately care for the tree.
Other events residents’ are encouraged to attend include the launch of the Forest of Remembrance at Adams Mission. The venue will have hiking trials and will be promoted as a tourist destination.
The Durban Forest Publication will also be launched during Arbour Week.
Durban will also be hosting the prestigious World Forestry Congress from Monday, 7 September 2015 to Friday, 11 September 2015.
The official launch of Arbour Week will be held at Botanical Gardens on Tuesday, 1 September 2015 hosted by the National Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
The event will be broadcast live on SABC 2 breakfast show, Morning Live.
A number of National Ministers, MECs and invited guests involved in greening initiatives will be in attendance.
The delegation will visit a number of greening projects in eThekwini before formalities start.
The winner of the 2015 Arbour City Award will also be announced at the event. EThekwini has won the prestigious award twice previously in 2013 and 2014.
