A GO-Green project, spearheaded by Ward 8 Councillor, Gustav Rautenbach, will see Bay youth gearing up to get their hands dirty.
The project, launched in 2009, has overseen more than 1 400 indigenous trees planted in Lorraine.
One of the children, Chelsea Waller (9), recently planted her first batch of trees in Lorraine. For Chelsea, the planting of the trees will help to tackle climate change and hope to inspire others to do the same.
The nine-year-old and her mother, Tarryn Waller, approached Rautenbach with her tree planting idea. When Rautenbach agreed to grant her wish, he contacted the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s (NMBM) parks department, which provided the trees.
“I’ve always loved trees and learned so much about them in school. When Mr Rautenbach said that he would help me plant the trees, I was so happy,” Chelsea said.
Rautenbach said that this was a great opportunity for all youth to come together to protect the planet.
He added, “Children learn in school about the importance of trees and the positive difference they make. Everyone has to do their bit to tackle climate change. I’m very proud that these trees planted today will stand tall for generations to come. I would also like to thank the parks department for making this possible. As we currently face a water crisis in the metro, the trees will be nurtured with non-drinkable water.”
The trees, now known as ‘Chelsea’s tree of beauty and rainbow’, will have to be nurtured for two years.
Rautenbach is challenging the youth in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro to follow Chelsea’s example by planting their own trees.
“Trees are a form of life and are very important, not only for the oxygen they provide, but for beautification as well. At a time of a climate crisis, every tree counts to help capture carbon, alleviate global warming and conserve vital wildlife habitats.
“This will be an ongoing project to get more youth involved to save the planet,” he said.
