Today marks a significant day across the continent: Indigenous Tree Day. This important day, launched in 2023 by Dr. Victor Nsereko Wantate and the African Tree Seeds Group, emphasizes the need to conserve, restore, and celebrate indigenous trees. These trees are not only vital for our ecosystems but are also deeply rooted in Africa's cultural and economic heritage.
The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is leading the charge in recognizing this day and its significance. This year, in partnership with several organizations, SANBI is planting 30 indigenous tree species across the National Botanical and Zoological Gardens as part of a broader mission to support biodiversity, promote sustainability, and work toward the ambitious goal of planting one million trees by 2025.
In an interview with a SANBI representative, Nontsikelelo Mpula, we learned about the importance of indigenous trees and how SANBI is using Indigenous Tree Day to raise awareness and encourage community involvement.
Why Indigenous Trees MatterIndigenous trees are essential for the health and balance of local ecosystems. Unlike non-native trees, indigenous species are uniquely adapted to their local environment, which makes them more resilient to the challenges posed by climate change. These trees play a key role in supporting local wildlife, as they provide food and shelter for birds, insects, and other animals. They are also integral to the water cycle, help reduce soil erosion, and contribute to the overall stability of our ecosystems.
According to Nontsikelelo, “Indigenous trees are resilient, they are adapted to the South African context. And so they are hardy enough to withstand the impacts of climate change, which are, in fact, one of the biggest challenges that we face as a country and as a global community.”
By focusing on indigenous trees, SANBI aims to raise awareness about the importance of conserving and restoring the native flora that supports South Africa’s biodiversity.
SANBI’s Role in Indigenous Tree Day
As an organization dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity, SANBI plays a central role in protecting the South Africa’s natural heritage. The institute works closely with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment to monitor ecosystems and report on the state of biological diversity. SANBI also educates the public about how to conserve biodiversity through various programs and initiatives, such as Indigenous Tree Day.
This year, SANBI is planting 30 different species of indigenous trees across the National Botanical and Zoological Gardens. These trees will be planted in gardens such as Kirstenbosch and Pretoria, with at least five trees per garden. In addition to being a celebration of biodiversity, this tree planting initiative also serves as an opportunity to educate the public on the importance of indigenous trees. SANBI is not just planting trees; they’re inviting local communities, schools, and visitors to learn about these species and how they can contribute to their conservation.
Nontsikelelo explains, “We want to create awareness about our gardens and the national efforts to maintain ecosystems and educate people about biodiversity. And also invite people to come to the national botanical gardens to see how to propagate for themselves and also how to take care of our environment for their sustainable future.”
The Importance of Collaboration
Conserving South Africa’s biodiversity is a task that requires cooperation and collaboration, which is why SANBI works with several key partners. This year’s initiative has been made possible through partnerships with organizations such as the Botanical Society of South Africa, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, and SALGA. These partnerships are crucial to ensuring that efforts to restore and conserve ecosystems are effective and reach as many people as possible.
Additionally, SANBI’s collaboration with international organizations like the IUCN helps raise global awareness and support for the conservation of endangered species of trees. The partnerships emphasize that protecting and restoring ecosystems is a shared responsibility, one that involves local communities, government bodies, and international stakeholders.
As Nontsikelelo says, “It takes a village to make sure that we are essentially fixing our ecosystems and restoring them to a place where we would be able to benefit from those ecosystems, not only from a perspective of socio-economic value but just from being joyful. Spending time in a national botanical garden or in a green space of any kind is restorative to the soul, not only for physical well-being because green spaces are the lungs of the planet, but also for mental health and well-being.”
Engaging Local Communities
One of the key goals of Indigenous Tree Day is to engage local communities, particularly schools, in the efforts to conserve biodiversity. SANBI runs an educational conservation program that invites schools to visit their gardens and learn about important environmental topics such as propagation, waste management, and sustainable living.
The involvement of schools in these efforts is essential to fostering a generation of environmentally-conscious citizens. By teaching children how to plant and care for trees, SANBI ensures that future generations will be equipped to protect South Africa’s natural resources. This year’s Indigenous Tree Day initiative also ties into the broader Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment’s goal to plant a million trees by 2025, encouraging schools and communities to take part in the tree planting effort.
As Nontsikelelo mentioned, “This particular initiative is about making sure that we can plant these trees and help those schools maintain those trees. So, we’re planting a fully grown tree... about teaching kids how to take care of nature from a very young age.”
Key Threats to Indigenous Trees
While the importance of indigenous trees cannot be overstated, they face several threats, particularly from human activity. Invasive species are a major issue, as they consume more water and outcompete indigenous species for resources. As climate change continues to exacerbate water scarcity, the presence of invasive plants puts additional strain on South Africa’s ecosystems.
The lack of water is another key threat to indigenous trees. South Africa is a country prone to droughts, and climate change is only intensifying this challenge. Deforestation and unsustainable land use also contribute to the decline of indigenous trees. By educating people about the importance of conservation and the consequences of deforestation, SANBI is working to reverse these negative impacts and ensure that South Africa’s ecosystems remain intact for future generations.
As Nontsikelelo points out, “The biggest threat to biodiversity is human activity. And so, what we are trying to do as an institute is that we are trying to make sure that people are aware that they cannot just consume from nature. We also have to take good action to make sure that we are able to maintain nature at any given time.”
How You Can Get Involved
While SANBI and its partners are doing critical work to conserve indigenous trees, the public also has an important role to play in supporting these efforts. There are several practical ways individuals can contribute to the cause:
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Visit SANBI’s National Botanical Gardens: Take a trip to one of the many gardens across South Africa to learn more about indigenous plants and their role in supporting local ecosystems.
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Plant Indigenous Trees: If you have the space, consider planting indigenous trees in your own garden. This small action can have a big impact on local biodiversity.
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Support SANBI’s Work: Visit the SANBI website (www.sanbi.org.za) to learn more about their programs, resources, and how you can support their mission through membership or donations.
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Spread Awareness: Help raise awareness about the importance of indigenous trees by sharing information and encouraging others to get involved in conservation efforts.
Indigenous Tree Day is a vital reminder of the importance of preserving South Africa’s unique biodiversity. By focusing on the restoration and conservation of indigenous trees, SANBI and its partners are helping to safeguard the future of ecosystems across the country. Through education, collaboration, and community involvement, we can all contribute to ensuring that these trees continue to thrive for generations to come.
Written by Ryan Growney
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