The Eastern Cape, renowned for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty, has long been home to hundreds of bird and tree species. However, the region has faced significant challenges due to pastoral activities, habitat destruction, deforestation, and overgrazing, resulting in the loss of many valuable species. Recent research indicates that half of South African bird populations dependent on forests have declined since 1992.
In response to this ecological crisis, Adcock Ingram and Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) are proud to announce their collaborative initiative, “Greening the Path.” Greening the Path is a week-long series of educational workshops and tree-planting initiatives aimed at revitalising the natural environment in communities around Mthatha.
This ambitious project, spearheaded by the dedicated FTFA team in the Eastern Cape, has been made possible through Adcock Ingram’s generous donation for the 2022/2023 fiscal year. Adcock Ingram’s donation has had a profound impact, reaching 837 direct beneficiaries across 31 sites throughout the Eastern Cape. These sites include:
- Ngxanga School
- Mangqukwana School
- Lukhanyiswani Junior Secondary School
- Pumelelo Community
- The Movement in Africa Non-Profit Organisation (NPO)
- 24 Homes
- 2 Co-operatives
According to Robyn Hills, FTFA has planted over 4.7 million trees over the last 31 years. “We currently plant just over 30,000 trees every year. The Eastern Cape deserves hundreds of community-based orchards and forest zones. We could not possibly hope to have this incredible impact if it weren’t for companies like Adcock Ingram. We are so grateful for the part we play in finding ecological solutions to the very real threat that climate change and deforestation pose.”
In addition to the extensive work done in Mthatha, the Greening the Path initiative has also extended its reach to other communities. A further 500 trees were provided to schools and gardens in Tembisa, Johannesburg, as part of our commitment to fostering a greener and healthier South Africa.
This collaborative effort between Adcock Ingram and FTFA not only reaffirms our dedication to environmental sustainability but also reflects our shared vision of preserving and restoring the natural beauty of the Eastern Cape. By working together, we are not only contributing to the reforestation of our precious ecosystems but also providing valuable education and resources to empower local communities.
As we move forward with Greening the Path, we invite everyone to join us in this important journey towards a greener, more sustainable future for the Eastern Cape and beyond. Together, we can make a lasting impact and ensure that generations to come can enjoy the beauty and benefits of our natural world.
