New trees for a sustainable and healthy campus
- Wits University
The addition of fruit trees promotes food security and reminds Witsies about the critical role that trees play in mitigating the effects of climate change.
.jpg "New fruit trees complement food gardens on campus")
New fruit trees have been planted on campus to promote food security and remind Witsies about the critical role trees play in mitigating the effects of climate change.
The Wits Services Department planted 16 new trees around Hofmeyer House at the Braamfontein East Campus. This was in celebration of national Arbor Week which seeks to galvanise South Africans to plant indigenous trees as a practical and symbolic gesture of sustainable environmental management.
The festivities at Wits began with remarks from the Services' Director Israel Mogomotsi speaking about the type of trees that were being grown. The planted apple, citrus and plum trees should bear fruits within the next few years.
“The growing of fruit trees responds to an important reality around food security and the projected scarcity of available food resources in future. Today's action is an important step in ensuring stable sources of food on Wits campuses," said Mogomotsi.
Trees for lung health and protection against climate change
One of the key objectives of Arbor Day at Wits University is to raise awareness about the critical role trees play in mitigating the effects of climate change. Trees act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releasing oxygen. By planting trees on campus, the University aims to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to the global effort of combating climate change.
“Environmental awareness, health and sustainability are imperative to the practices of Wits University and are an important aspect of all the work that is done by Wits Services Department," continued Mogomotsi.
Everything concerning Arbor Day commemoration was prepared with this in mind. From the trees that were chosen to be planted, eco-friendly branded gifts to the biodegradable balloons.