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GREENING PROGRAMME
Improvement of quality of life, and the sustainable use of forests and forest resources
DFFE - GREENING FUNCTION CUSTODIAN
LEADING IMPLEMENTATION OF TEN MILLION TREES PROGRAMME
The DFFE is the custodian of greening function in South Africa. This function takes place at local government level, therefore, it is undertaken in partnership with local government institutions, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community based organisations (CBOs) in general. Greening is undertaken line with chapter 4, section 32 of the National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998) and in terms of the National Greening Strategy (2006), which highlights areas of community forestry that include the planting of trees by any person or organ of state for aesthetic reasons or to improve the quality of life, and the sustainable use of forests and forest resources.
The FoM Branch is leading implementation of Ten Million Trees, a directive from The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa for DFFE to coordinate the planting of at least two million trees per annum for a period of five years. As a result, areas of expansion of DFFE - FoM Branch's current National Greening Programme to existing and emerging parameters that include human settlements, air quality and school greening.
VISION
OF NATIONAL GREENING PROGRAMME
South Africa aspires to build environmental sustainability and resilience for all its settlement areas through development and management of green and open spaces in urban, peri-urban and rural areas in order to mitigate environmental degradation, climate change and to promote quality of life.
In accordance with the National Greening Strategy (2006), the vision for the National Greening Programme emanates in part from the Constitution of South Africa which enshrines the environmental, social, economic and other fundamental human rights, and the global and national environmental sustainability priorities captured in the Sustainable Development Goals and the National Development Plan vision 2030. The vision is underpinned by a set of objectives that guide the DFFE in decisions and actions taken in order for it to be realised.
OBJECTIVES
OF NATIONAL GREENING PROGRAMME
- To ensure strategic and targeted urban, peri urban and rural greening
- To create sustainable settlements
- To rehabilitate degraded forest ecosystems
- To mitigate against the harmful effects of climate change
- To maximise ecosystem services, biodiversity connectivity and conservation
- To promote forestry through education and awareness
- To promote agroforestry for land use maximisation and to ensure household food and nutrition security
- To establishing partnerships with government departments, private sector, NGOs, CBOs and municipalities.
WHY ARE TREES IMPORTANT TO THE ENVIRONMENT ?
AIR
Trees help to clean the air we breathe. Through their leaves and bark, they absorb harmful pollutants and release clean oxygen for us to breathe. In urban environments, trees absorb pollutant gases like nitrogen oxides, ozone, and carbon monoxide, and sweep up particles like dust and smoke. Increasing levels of carbon dioxide caused by deforestation and fossil fuel combustion trap heat in the atmosphere. Healthy, strong trees act as carbon sinks, off set and reducing the effects of climate change.
WATER
Trees play a key role in capturing rainwater and reducing the risk of natural disasters like floods and landslides. Their intricate root systems act like filters, removing pollutants and slowing down the water's absorption into the soil. This process prevents erosion and reduces the risk of over-saturation and flooding. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Association, a mature evergreen tree can intercept more than 15,000 litres of water every year.
BIODIVERSITY
A single tree can be home to hundreds of species of insect, fungi, moss, mammals, and plants. Depending on the kind of food and shelter they need, different forest animals require different types of habitat.
Trees and forests support a full suite of ecological processes such as primary production, respiration, nutrient flow, reproduction and decomposition. These processes are needed for ecological integrity that services and protects biodiversity. Deforestation and habitat loss are one of the key challenges that lead to biodiversity loss.
CLIMATE
Trees help cool the planet by sucking in and storing harmful greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into their trunks, branches, and leaves — and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. In cities, trees can reduce ambient temperatures by up to 8° Celsius. With more than 50% of the world's population living in cities - a number expected to increase.
HEALTH
Did you know that hospital patients with rooms overlooking trees recover faster than those without the same view? It's impossible to ignore that feeling of elation you get while walking through a calm, quiet forest. Trees help reduce stress and anxiety, and allow us to reconnect with nature. In addition, shade provided by tree coverage helps protect our skin from the ever-increasing harshness of the sun.
SOCIAL IMPACT
From arborists to loggers and researchers, the job opportunities provided by the forestry industry are endless. We don't just rely on trees for work, though. Sustainable tree farming provides timber to build homes and shelters, and wood to burn for cooking and heating. Food-producing trees provide fruit, nuts, berries, and leaves for consumption by both humans and animals, and pack a powerful nutritional punch.
PARTICIPATE IN THE TEN MILION TREES PROGRAMME
The department is calling out to all corporate organisations, government organisations, non-governmental organisations, community based organisations, education institutions and individuals to take part in planting Ten Million Trees to ensure a green South Africa.
THE DFFE IS ASKING ALL SOUTH AFRICANS AND SA ORGANISATIONS TO PLANT TREES ON THEIR OWN ACCORD AND FOR A COURSE THAT IS IMPORTANT TO THEM.
PLANT TREES TO:
- remember loved ones
- celebrate milestones
- protect the environment and fight the effects of climate change
- beautify homes, towns, cities
- fight food insecurity and improve livelihoods
- to honour future generations
HOW TO PARTICIPATE?
- Identify a course that is important to you
- Consult your local municipality or nursery on indigenous and fruit trees that are suitable to plant in your area
- Acquire the trees to be planted
- Plant your commemorative trees and take a pictures
- Download the Ten Million Trees entry form [Docx - 388 kb]
- Fill in the form and email with pictures to nndzimbomvu@dffe.gov.za or submit form and pictures @ DFFE, 110 Hamilton Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0001.
- Participants will be awarded a certificate for participation and contribution to the programme.
ALTERNATIVELY:
submit applications through the » Ten Million Trees e-tool:
ENQUIRIES:
Michael Modise, Mr
Tel: 012 309 5787
mimodise@dffe.gov.za
Nosipho Ndzimbomvu, Ms
Tel: 012 309 5883
nndzimbomvu@dffe.gov.za
Images and related sources: Forestry South Africa | Food and Trees for Africa