South
Africa hosts many tree planting initiatives throughout the country
annually, so it is interesting to see what is being done in other parts
of Africa and the rest of the world, with regard to re-forestation and
conservation programs.
Botanic
Gardens Conservation International otherwise known as BGCI, is a UK
based organisation that has become known as the largest plant
conservation body in the world.
By
forming partnerships with the private sector, NGO’s and governments,
BGCI are making an invaluable contribution towards the prevention of
extinctions and the re-forestation of the planet.
Botanic
Gardens Conservation International otherwise known as BGCI, is a UK
based organisation that has become known as the largest plant
conservation body in the world.
Their
aim is to save the most threatened plant species in the world (some
8,753 tree species in 1998 and this will certainly have increased by
now), through initiating conservation action and support for sustainable
use, as well as educating local communities on the need for
conservation and methods of propagation and replanting.
Aside
from their numerous valuable projects throughout the world, BGCI has
launched an important 3 year forest restoration and threatened tree
species conservation initiative in Africa.
The aim is to promote the use of indigenous species while increasing the role of African botanic gardens in forest restoration.
Forest
restoration using indigenous and threatened species will enhance
biodiversity and will also benefit local communities by supplying food
and medicine.
Most
of the tree planting initiatives in Africa, focus on exotic species
that deplete nutrients in the ground as well as compromising water
supply. Through education and restoration of indigenous species, these
issues can be resolved.
To
provide a sound basis for extending re-forestation projects throughout
Africa, Brackenhurst Botanic Garden in Kenya and Tooro Botanical Gardens
in Uganda, both of which already have considerable experience in
re-forestation projects, will be supported through training and
education programs and the development of guidelines, which can be
replicated in other African countries.
By
forming partnerships with the private sector, NGO’s and governments,
BGCI are making an invaluable contribution towards the prevention of
extinctions and the re-forestation of the planet.
Photo credits: Barney Wilczak
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