NATIONAL ARBOR WEEK

Arbor Week is a special week that has been set aside for the planting and caring of trees. Arbor Day originated in Switzerland during the 15th century to raise awareness amongst people about the importance of trees. In South Africa, Arbor Day started in 1983 and in 1997 it was extended to a National Arbor Week. In South Africa, Arbor Week falls in the first week of September.

Every South African Arbor Week celebration highlights at least two specific trees - one common and one rare species. In 2012, the common tree is Syzygium cordatum (Water berry, Waterbessie); and the rare or uncommon trees are Protorhus longifolia (Red Beech, Rooiboekenhout) and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (Black Mangrove Swartwortelboom). People have depended on trees through the ages. They offer shelter and shade, are a source of food, fuel, medicine, timber, and also have numerous other uses. They are essential for replenishing our oxygen supply and taking in the atmosphere's carbon dioxide, a contributor to the greenhouse effect. They prevent soil erosion by binding the soil with their roots and add nutrients to the soil with their leaf litter. Arbor Week celebrations intend to promote a better understanding of trees, in particular indigenous trees; encourage the planting of trees and greening activities within communities; highlight the importance of trees for a sustainable future and the role trees play in the livelihoods of people and their environment; and raise awareness amongst South Africans about greening initiatives.