S. Africa launches nationwide tree-planting campaign to comb

JOHANNESBURG, May 11 (Xinhua) -- South Africa on Monday launched a nationwide tree-planting campaign to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote environmental sustainability.

Speaking at the launch of the Presidential One Billion Trees Program in Pretoria, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Bernice Swarts said the country plans to hold an event to plant trees on Sept. 24, the country's Heritage Day, following a campaign that saw more than 1.3 million trees planted nationwide on the same day in 2025.

Under the theme "My Tree, My Oxygen. Plant Yours Today," the program will involve planting trees in schools, clinics, community parks, and residential areas as part of efforts to improve living environments and build sustainable communities.

South Africa is facing severe and worrying weather patterns that are affecting livelihoods and communities, she said, adding that "greening our country is therefore not only an environmental responsibility, but also a social and economic necessity. Trees do offer economic benefits from the angle of integrating them into sustainable settlements."

Swarts called on all South Africans to support the campaign, saying tree planting represents a shared responsibility to protect the environment for future generations.

The program was inspired by Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai, who led efforts to plant millions of trees to combat deforestation and poverty.