In celebration of Arbor Week (1-7 September), UNICEF South Africa in partnership with WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) launched the Green Rising “Protect and Restore” Project, an initiative that tackles the pressing issue of biodiversity degradation in South Africa’s schools and communities. The project aims to engage 10,000 youth from 60 schools across the country and UNICEF Campus Clubs, to restore 100 hectares of land and collect 500 tons of waste by June 2025.
WESSA’s senior programme manager, Nomfundo Ndlovu, with participants of the Green Rising initiative.
Importance of youth-driven conservation
During the launch at Retlakgona Primary School in Rustenburg, attendees witnessed the importance of youth-driven conservation through activities such as tree planting, water testing, and community clean-up.
Trees play a vital role in combating biodiversity loss by providing habitats, improving soil health, and capturing carbon. Recent reports indicate that South Africa is losing more than 20% of its natural habitats due to human activities, intensifying the need for community-driven conservation efforts. The Green Rising Project is positioned to address this by empowering the youth to take direct action in their local environments.
Global Green Rising initiative
Lea Castro, UNICEF South Africa’s Programme Officer (Climate Action and Nutrition), expressed her excitement with the project’s potential.
“UNICEF South Africa is thrilled to join the global Green Rising initiative, empowering children and youth to become long-life champions for the environment. We are very pleased to collaborate with schools, WESSA and UNICEF Volunteer campus clubs nationwide to drive impactful change so that every child and young person has the opportunity to make a difference.”
Cindy-Lee Cloete, WESSA’s Acting CEO highlighted the broader impact of the initiative. “The Green Rising Project presents a triple impact – regenerating land, strengthening our connection to nature, and encouraging youth action. We are excited about this partnership with UNICEF South Africa in empowering young people to take the lead in protecting our planet.”
“Biodiversity loss is one of the greatest threats we face, with far-reaching consequences. Through this project, we focus on local citizen action to drive community-led conservation, benefiting both people and the planet,” she added.
Strengthening systems to support youth involvement in climate action
The Green Rising Project is scheduled to run until June 2025, with the broader objective of strengthening systems to support youth involvement in climate action. By providing training in conservation, restoration, and sustainable agriculture, the project will equip children and young people with valuable tools to make lasting changes in their communities.
Thoko Khosa, Deputy Director Education for Sustainable Development Climate Education at the Gauteng Department of Basic Education praised the initiative: “This project will help our learners change their behaviour and attitudes toward the environment for the better. The Department of Basic Education is committed to supporting this initiative, as it aligns with our educational priorities.”
During the launch event, Miss Earth South Africa, Thembelihle Mathebula, joined children and the local community, planting indigenous trees and highlighting the importance of community-led efforts in addressing biodiversity loss.