That planting trees is a good idea is not disputed by many. But which trees and when? We are happy to start a tree series by arborist Caroline de Villiers from Themba Trees to help us all along: Trees are not known for their speed and they sometimes seem out of place in this modern, bustling world of instant gratification. They like to take their time, gradually easing … [Read more...]
World leaders to sign Paris climate agreement on Earth Day
This year, over one billion people in 192 countries will take action to protect our shared environment. All across the globe, in big cities to small villages and everything in-between, people are organizing, demanding climate action, cleaning up their local communities, meeting with their elected officials, planting trees, and teaching their children to protect our … [Read more...]
Pakistan needs 20% more forest for healthy environment
Pakistan needs to raise its forest cover from 5% to 25% to meet its economic, employment and green environment needs. So says Preston Institute of Management Science and Technology’s (PIMSAT) final year students of MBA Syeda Bushra Hasan, Mehwish Saqib and Dinsha Vania. Forests are the source of economic support, employment, oxygen generation, livestock grazing, furniture … [Read more...]
Community collaboration and con-TREE-bution for the next River Rehab
The next Green Beings River Rehab action day will take place at the Klein Jukskei Spruit on 24 October and volunteers are being called to come and help. Green Beings’ on-going River Rehab project positively transforms our waterways. Through collaboration with community and local businesses, our river is cleaned and biodiversity is increased. The event will focus on planting … [Read more...]
Big trees first to die in severe droughts
National forests whose names come from their large, majestic trees—such as Redwood National Park and Sequoia National Park in California—may need to rethink their brands as droughts increase in frequency and severity in many regions around the world due to climate change. New research published this week in the journal Nature Plants finds it’s the large trees that suffer most … [Read more...]
Creating awareness begins with you
It is that time of year again when Green Beings conducts an annual campaign called Ethoma ka wena (Sepedi for: begins with you) in celebration of Arbour Week and National Clean up Week. The Campaign is hosted in eight Cosmo City schools, North of Johannesburg. The aim of the campaign is to create awareness of the importance of trees and a clean community. This year Green … [Read more...]
Olympic organisers tear down ancient South Korean forest
Preserve a 500 year old ancient forest, home to four threatened species, or clearcut the ancient forest for an Olympic ski competition? It seems like a no-brainer. And it should be. But right now, Olympic organisers in South Korea are tearing down a forest, with trees half a millennia old, to make room for new ski facilities. Mandate for Green Olympics It’s shortsighted, … [Read more...]
Enviro teams make a difference in Cosmo City
2015 has been a great year for Cosmo City and Green Beings. From January to July three separate projects have created jobs for 40 residents. The three projects ran within Cosmo schools and Cosmo Conservation Area. In January, Green Beings partnered with the City of Johannesburg to employ 10 residents. The Eco-guides assisted Green Beings with implementing their Green Schools … [Read more...]
New reserve possible game-changer for the Amazon
An ambitious project is underway to create the largest environmental reserve in the world, protecting 135 million hectares of Amazon forest. That’s more than twice the size of France! But it won’t happen unless Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela’s leaders know the public wants it. That’s where we come in. Colombia has just said it is on board. Now, if we create a huge global … [Read more...]
Local rangers to bring nature conservation into Cosmo City
A team of ten local residents are being trained to bring nature conservation to a neglected conservation area in Cosmo City. A new inspiring project funded by the EPWP (Expanded Public Works Program), facilitated by Joburg City Parks and implemented by Green Beings NPO has started in Cosmo City. This project will run from February - June 2015. Green Beings has employed 10 … [Read more...]
Green entrepreneurs make magic with trees and waste
Improving your life whilst greening your environment is a match made in heaven. The Acornhoek community in rural Mpumalanga show us how it's done. The northeast of South Africa is home to some of its best-visited tourist attractions. On the one side is Kruger National Park and the upmarket, private game lodges that surround it. On the other there’s God’s Window and the … [Read more...]
New tree addict will return to reforest fest
Forests cover a third of our planet's land. They provide raw materials, maintain biodiversity, protect land and water resources, and play a crucial role in climate change mitigation. Forests are heavily over-exploited by man and many organisations, small to large, are making efforts to slow down and eventually reverse this uncontrolled destruction. Life as we know it simply … [Read more...]
Green up communities with trees this Arbor Week
National Arbor Week is an opportune time to call on all South Africans to plant indigenous trees as a practical and symbolic gesture of sustainable environmental management. From 1 to 7 September every year, schools, businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate in community "greening" events to improve the health and beauty of the local environment and propose … [Read more...]
