City aims for a hat-trick in the National Arbor City Awards

02 August 2023

Cape Town is shortlisted for the 2023 National Arbor City Award, which acknowledges municipalities for their commitment to urban forestry, urban greening and for promoting a healthy and sustainable environment. Recently, the Recreation & Parks Department put its best foot forward during site visits by the adjudication panel. 

Cape Town is no stranger to the National Arbor City Awards, having bagged the title twice before, in 2016 and 2021.

 The annual award, hosted by the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), is made to a city that demonstrates the highest commitment to enhancing the urban environment, through the preservation and planting of trees, as well as education and awareness around environmental preservation.

 Should Cape Town get the nod, it will mean recognition for its commitment to green spaces, urban greening, tree-planting and educational environmental awareness initiatives, along with a financial contribution to further its urban forestry initiatives.

 'We are excited to be nominated for such a prestigious award and we look forward to being a part of this special recognition. With two wins already under our belt, Cape Town has proven itself to be a leader in sustainability and is a model for other cities to follow. Caring for our trees within an urban context is extremely important and is an investment in a future healthy environment,' said the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

 The adjudication panel conducted a tour of the City's green spaces, projects, programmes and initiatives as part of its assessment of the submissions received.

 The panel includes officials from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, TotalEnergies, the Institute for Environment and Recreation Management (IERM) and the South African National Botanical Institute (SANBI).

 Sites visited were chosen to represent broad segments of the metropole and community and included Langa, Mitchell's Plain and Newlands, showcasing various tree-related and greening initiatives.

 The winning city will be announced during September, which is  National Arbor Month.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office