MEDIA STATEMENT
Tuesday, 22 April 2025
For Immediate Release
Commemorating Earth Day: A Call to Action for a Greener, Resilient Johannesburg
Johannesburg, 22 April 2025 — As we join the world in celebrating Earth Day, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) calls on residents to recognise the
urgent need for sustainable environmental practices that will protect the future of our urban landscapes.
This year's theme, “Planet vs. Plastics”, is a reminder of the pressing environmental challenges we face, and Earth Day presents a pivotal moment for all of us to act responsibly in our own communities.
For Johannesburg, a city with both rich heritage and modern urban development, our parks, green spaces, and the preservation of our
environment are essential to the quality of life for all residents. The importance of nurturing and caring for our city’s parks cannot be overstated. These green
spaces serve as vital refuges for both people and wildlife, providing areas for recreation, mental well-being, and environmental balance in an increasingly
urbanised world.
“We are fortunate to have many beautiful parks in Johannesburg, but they need constant care and attention to thrive. Our residents must see themselves as
custodians of these spaces, helping us maintain their beauty and accessibility for everyone,” said Thanduxolo Mendrew, the Managing Director of JCPZ. “By
protecting our parks, we are not only enhancing our city's liveability but also supporting biodiversity, mitigating pollution, and combating the urban heat island effect,” added Mendrew.
Equally important is the urgent need to grow Johannesburg’s green canopy. With rapid urbanisation, our city faces the challenge of maintaining and expanding its tree coverage. By planting indigenous and fruit trees, we not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our city and boost property values, but also improve air quality, reduce heat, and contribute to carbon sequestration.
“Planting indigenous trees is a powerful act of environmental stewardship that ensures the long-term sustainability of our ecosystem. Fruit trees can also bring direct benefits to communities by providing access to healthy, locally grown food,” stated Mendrew. “This Earth Day, we call on all Joburg residents, schools,
businesses, and organisations to join us in expediting the planting of trees that will help cool our streets, support local wildlife, and foster healthier neighbourhoods.”
JCPZ is committed to expanding its green initiatives, with continued investments in tree planting programs, the restoration of parks, and the promotion of sustainable practices. In the recent weeks JCPZ planted over 6 300 Street trees.
The responsibility however to safeguard and grow our urban canopy lies with all of us. By adopting green practices, caring for our parks, and planting trees,
we can collectively create a Johannesburg that is more resilient to the challenges of climate change and more connected to nature.
Let us take this Earth Day as an opportunity to commit to making a difference, not just for ourselves but for the future of the City of Joburg.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
For media enquiries, please contact:
Jenny Moodley: Spokesperson, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Contact: 082 8030 748
Email: jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com
For more information and updates, please visit the JCPZ website at www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com and follow our social media platforms:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoburgParks
Twitter: @JoburgParksZoo
Instagram: @JoburgParksZoo
Tuesday, 22 April 2025
For Immediate Release
Commemorating Earth Day: A Call to Action for a Greener, Resilient Johannesburg
Johannesburg, 22 April 2025 — As we join the world in celebrating Earth Day, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) calls on residents to recognise the
urgent need for sustainable environmental practices that will protect the future of our urban landscapes.
This year's theme, “Planet vs. Plastics”, is a reminder of the pressing environmental challenges we face, and Earth Day presents a pivotal moment for all of us to act responsibly in our own communities.
For Johannesburg, a city with both rich heritage and modern urban development, our parks, green spaces, and the preservation of our
environment are essential to the quality of life for all residents. The importance of nurturing and caring for our city’s parks cannot be overstated. These green
spaces serve as vital refuges for both people and wildlife, providing areas for recreation, mental well-being, and environmental balance in an increasingly
urbanised world.
“We are fortunate to have many beautiful parks in Johannesburg, but they need constant care and attention to thrive. Our residents must see themselves as
custodians of these spaces, helping us maintain their beauty and accessibility for everyone,” said Thanduxolo Mendrew, the Managing Director of JCPZ. “By
protecting our parks, we are not only enhancing our city's liveability but also supporting biodiversity, mitigating pollution, and combating the urban heat island effect,” added Mendrew.
Equally important is the urgent need to grow Johannesburg’s green canopy. With rapid urbanisation, our city faces the challenge of maintaining and expanding its tree coverage. By planting indigenous and fruit trees, we not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our city and boost property values, but also improve air quality, reduce heat, and contribute to carbon sequestration.
“Planting indigenous trees is a powerful act of environmental stewardship that ensures the long-term sustainability of our ecosystem. Fruit trees can also bring direct benefits to communities by providing access to healthy, locally grown food,” stated Mendrew. “This Earth Day, we call on all Joburg residents, schools,
businesses, and organisations to join us in expediting the planting of trees that will help cool our streets, support local wildlife, and foster healthier neighbourhoods.”
JCPZ is committed to expanding its green initiatives, with continued investments in tree planting programs, the restoration of parks, and the promotion of sustainable practices. In the recent weeks JCPZ planted over 6 300 Street trees.
The responsibility however to safeguard and grow our urban canopy lies with all of us. By adopting green practices, caring for our parks, and planting trees,
we can collectively create a Johannesburg that is more resilient to the challenges of climate change and more connected to nature.
Let us take this Earth Day as an opportunity to commit to making a difference, not just for ourselves but for the future of the City of Joburg.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
For media enquiries, please contact:
Jenny Moodley: Spokesperson, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Contact: 082 8030 748
Email: jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com
For more information and updates, please visit the JCPZ website at www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com and follow our social media platforms:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoburgParks
Twitter: @JoburgParksZoo
Instagram: @JoburgParksZoo
