OVER 200 indigenous trees were recently planted in eMdloti as part of the forest rehabilitation project run by Tongaat Hulett, Wildlands Conservation Trust and the eMdloti Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP).
The locals were encouraged to roll up their sleeves, slip on their gloves and gumboots, and spend the day assisting the environmental restoration project, which started along Bellamont Road. Some of the indigenous trees include, Tinderwood, Coral tree and the Natal wild banana tree.
The eMdloti Arbour Day followed the initial phase of the project where tons of invasive alien vegetation were culled and cleared. The clearing project was run by the eThekwini Municipality’s Restoration Ecology Branch (Environmental Planning and Climate Protection Department), Mount Moreland Conservancy and the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA).
The aim is to complete the project in the space of three years. Additional arbour days will be held in the future, said David Moldenhauer, of Wildlands Conservation Trust.
“We have brought along our restoration team to help assist the community with the rehabilitation project. Today we are filling the gaps left by the removed alien species, to ensure that the area remains green,” he said.
The Durban North resident explained that local rural communities grew the trees planted on Saturday. “We teach them to propagate the indigenous seeds and barter the trees for livelihood support,” he said.
Sithembiso Mthembu of Togaat Hulett, said the rehabilitation project would extend to the Ohlanga River and other forests west of the M4.
“These forests are natural assets that enhance our livelihoods, however, they are disappearing fast. It is therefore important to retain them. We have to leave a legacy for our children and take responsibility,” he said.
Terry Rens of the eMdloti UIP echoed his sentiments saying that illegal dumping remains a major threat to the forest.
“During the drive we identified a lot of litter and dumped garden refuse. If we are to protect the forest we have to look after it and refrain from dumping,” she said.
She said many people believe that dumping garden refuse acts as compost, but she explained that it not only smothers the indigenous plants, but also allows alien seeds to spread and germinate.
View more photos of the day here.
