World Earth Day started in the US in 1970 – it is celebrated on April 22 each year and is dedicated to promoting sustainable living and environmental protection.
The theme for Earth Day 2023 is “Invest in Our Future”, with an emphasis on investing in the local green economy, reducing personal carbon footprint and sustainable livelihoods.
On Thursday, 20 April 2023, the City’s Recreation and Parks and Environmental Management Departments joined forces to host a group of 60 learners from Princeton Secondary in Mitchells Plain.
The event inspired learners to take action and learn about environmental initiatives within their community. They participated in interactive workgroups where they learnt about strandveld and dune ecosystems, conservation initiatives happening in their community and the importance of preserving the various dune systems in the Mitchells Plain area.
The learners enjoyed planting protected Sideroxylon inerme (White milkwood) trees at the Westridge Gardens biodiversity section.
‘It’s imperative that we pass the baton to our young people, and generate sustained interest in environmental matters. Our planet has already experienced so much degradation and damage, and we are starting to see, and feel the impact. So we have a duty to inspire and educate future generations so that they can contribute to our efforts to stem the tide. We have only one planet, and we have a responsibility to take care of it,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
‘Climate change will have a huge impact on Cape Town in the coming decades. We can do a lot to plan ahead, and take action to improve our resilience against storm surges, rising sea levels, strong wind, and drought. Dune systems are crucial in mitigating these impacts. Once rehabilitated and stabilised, dunes can manage wind-blown sand and reduce the maintenance burden of adjacent infrastructure. I am excited that young people are interested and eager to get involved, and I hope others are inspired to follow suit in making a difference where they are,’ said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.
Recreation and Parks encourages the public to get more involved in protecting Cape Town’s unique fauna and flora by visiting the various nature reserves and conservation areas managed by the city.
There are more than 15 conservation areas and biodiversity parks across the city.
Residents can also become members of the various friends groups and by doing so take action towards a better earth.
