This year Arbour Week takes place from 1–7 September 2012. Spring is in the air. The civil rights organisation AfriForum will launch its Arbour Week 2012 programme on Spring Day this Saturday.
According to Julius Kleynhans, AfriForum’s head of environmental affairs, the entire country can join its programme. ‘Trees are a legacy. They play an important role in the ecosystem and perform various functions, without which no one on earth could survive. They are a source of oxygen, shade and food.’
AfriForum’s Arbour Week 2012 programme will be presented to the public by 87 AfriForum branches across the country.
‘South Africa is the most beautiful country in the world and has the richest biodiversity. As South Africans it is our responsibility to take hands to protect the creation. Nature affects everyone and no one can survive without a healthy environment. We must ensure that we protect and sustainably manage our natural resources,’ said Kleynhans.
The programme includes:
· 1 September 2012: National Arbour Day
· 2 September 2012: Trees in the Bible
· 3 September 2012: The importance of trees
· 4 September 2012: How to plant a tree
· 5 September 2012: The impact of invasive plant species
· 6 September 2012: A green future
· 7 September 2012: Recycling and trees
The programme is available on the AfriForum Environmental Affairs website at www.groenforum.co.za <http://www.groenforum.co.za> for free. AfriForum encourages schools, churches, members and members of the general public to download the document.
‘Through its branches, AfriForum is involved at various schools and churches across the country this year. It engages communities and encourages them to take various Arbour Week actions as well as introducing all South Africans to conservation and awareness,’ said Kleynhans.
AfriForum challenges the community to take part in Arbour Week, spread the programme and ensure a future full of trees.