Trees, climate and the city: Kirstenbosch hosts World Environment Day lecture
The Botanical Society of South Africa’s Kirstenbosch Branch and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) are hosting a public lecture on Thursday 4 June. The event, Climate Action: Trees, Conservation & Urban Resilience, takes place at the Old Mutual Conference Centre, Kirstenbosch. It runs from 17:00 to 19:00 and marks World Environment Day tomorrow (5 June).
The evening also serves a bigger purpose. Proceeds will fund a specialist tree seminar in September. Where experts from across the city will gather to focus on the research and conservation of South Africa’s heritage trees.
“The seminar aims to bring together various tree experts in our City to engage in, among other topics, the research and conservation of South Africa’s heritage trees,” the organisers said.
A partnership 113 years in the making
The lecture is a joint effort between SANBI’s Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and the Botanical Society of South Africa (BOT SOC). Together, the two organisations have worked side by side for 113 years. Their shared mission is to know, grow, protect and enjoy South Africa’s indigenous plants. In addition, BOT SOC supports the country’s national botanical gardens as centres of conservation and public engagement.
The speakers
Arborist and tree-care specialist Francois Krige brings years of hands-on experience to the evening. He has spent his career managing trees under environmental stress. Consequently, he offers a practical and grounded view of what climate resilience looks like on the ground.
He will be joined by landscape architect Clare Burgess, chair of TreeKeepers Cape Town. TreeKeepers is a volunteer-run non-profit that works with the City to care for trees in public spaces. Furthermore, Burgess has facilitated the planting of more than 10 000 trees in Cape Town. She began her career in the City Council’s Parks and Forest Branch.
“My presentation will touch on climate change issues relevant to the City of Cape Town and present ideas around how trees in the urban forest can mitigate climate change,” Burgess said.
“I will also mention my work as chair of TreeKeepers Cape Town an NPO run by volunteers which plays an important role in assisting the City with taking care of its existing trees in our public landscapes and the threats that these trees face from climate change, bark stripping, pests and diseases and densification.”
Why trees matter
Kirstenbosch already shows what urban trees can do. Its arboretum, forest trails and Boomslang canopy walkway demonstrate how trees regulate temperature and support biodiversity. Moreover, they provide the green infrastructure that cities increasingly need.
“It offers a living demonstration of how trees function as natural infrastructure principles that are equally critical in building climate-resilient urban environments,” the organisers noted.
The lecture is therefore open to all. Tickets can be booked at Quicket
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