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02 September 2009

Media Release: KNP lifts the spirit of Arbor Week with churches

“We saw it fit to engage the religious structures amongst others that are adjacent to the Park in greening our communities. This is as another way of promoting community based conservation initiatives amongst our stakeholders so that they can also play a meaningful role in the environmental conservation;” explained Sibiya.

Trees and grass planting at the Living Waters Church formed part of the day”s programme. The trees were not only meant to provide shade, soil protection, wind reduction and fresh air; but to also encourage churches that during their gatherings, pastors can also preach about the value of environment to the congregations.

“There is a tremendous opportunity for these structures to assist in getting the conservation message out there to the society during their regular worship gatherings;” concluded Sibiya.

Skukuza nursery, which has a wide selection of indigenous trees, donated about 600 tree species to the churches suitable for the weather conditions at the engaged regions. The celebrations in the KNP will continue throughout the Week, with planting of more trees at various churches in different communities bordering the Park.

On annual basis, the KNP as well as other National Parks participate in Arbor Week celebrations. The Park engages with community forums and other relevant committees to build capacity and assist local communities to come up with ideas, develop and implement sustainable greening projects in their communities.

Arbor Week
Mr Abe Sibiya (Managing Executive; KNP) and Pastor Richard Ngomani plant the first tree to launch the 2013 Arbor Week celebrations at Living Waters Church in Mkhuhlu Township.

Arbor Week
Mr Abe Sibiya (Managing Executive; KNP) hands over trees to Ntirhisano Forum members as part of Arbor Week celebrations.

Arbor Week
Ms Helen Mmethi (GM: People & Conservation; KNP), Pastor Isaac Slaule (Assembles of God), Ms Nomsa Kubayi (Inkomati Catchment Management Agency) and William Mabasa (GM: Communications & Marketing; KNP) and Pastor Eric Sibuyi (Abundant Life Community Church) plant a tree to support the greening project at Living Waters Church.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks) Kruger National Park Communications
Tel: 013 735 4262

Enquiries

William Mabasa
GM: Communications and Marketing, Kruger National Park
Tel: 013 735 4363, Cell: 082 807 3919
Email: [email protected]