Here’s how you can make a difference this Mandela Day (18 July) in your community while you reflect on the life and times of Nelson Mandela, a national treasure.
The Cape Parrot Project, a leading conservation organisation dedicated to preserving the endangered Cape Parrot and its natural habitat – Yellowwood forests which Madiba adored – urges corporates across South Africa to make a meaningful contribution to forest restoration efforts on Mandela Day.
South Africa’s forests not only provide a refuge for biodiversity but also play a crucial role in climate regulation, water provision, and soil conservation. However, deforestation, habitat degradation and illegal logging pose severe threats to these delicate ecosystems. Without immediate action, the Cape Parrot and its habitat face an uncertain future.
Habitat loss and degradation of mature Afrotemperate forests, on which the Cape Parrot depends for roosting, breeding and feeding, is one of the primary reasons that it is facing extinction.
The Cape Parrot Project has partnered with local communities in and around Hogsback to create a Green Economy project that sources funding and support to build community nurseries where members, predominantly women, receive training and skills development to germinate and grow indigenous seedlings that are, in turn, purchased by the Project for restoration work. Currently, 50 people are working as growers, while a further 27 people work directly on restoration sites.
To date, over 200 hectares of state forests and some smaller private areas have been restored and over 50 000 trees have been planted.
The MyForest Campaign launched recently, focuses on forest restoration initiatives which include tree planting, habitat restoration, and community engagement programmes. This year, they are focusing on restoring a further 15ha of critical Cape parrot habitat.
By investing in these projects, companies can actively contribute to the preservation of the Cape Parrot’s habitat, while fostering sustainable development and environmental resilience in South Africa.
“We call upon companies to demonstrate their commitment to the environment by considering signing up as a MyForest partner on Mandela Day. Together, we can ensure a thriving future for the Cape Parrot and restore the ecological balance of our forests,” says Susan Wishart – Project Manager CPP
