South Africa has launched National Tree Month, established to highlight the need to conserve, protect and plant trees for the benefit of the environment and humans.

This year’s Tree Month is celebrated under the theme “Forests and Health” adopted by the UN Forum on Forests.

As explained by the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, the 2023 theme is designed to emphasise that forestry and tree planting play a key role in creating healthy and sustainable communities.

It also leads to better public health through nutritious food, medicine, fresh air, clean water and recreational facilities.

In the first week of the month, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment,Makhotso Sotyu, visited a social housing project, a new health clinic and a waste treatment facility in the northern Limpopo province.

She also led the tree planting and spoke at the Arbor City National Awards Ceremony, which recognises deserving municipalities that have distinguished themselves through their contributions to the Ten Million Trees programme and have introduced green initiatives into their programmes.

Schools that initiated and implemented green projects were also awarded, as reported by Prensa Latina, a partner of TV BRICS.

Photo: istockphoto.com