Trees for Homes – South Africa

Trees for Homes is an innovative public greening initiative that contributes to more sustainable human settlements and enhanced living environments. This tree-planting initiative in Johannesburg, South Africa, promotes the value of greening for climate change mitigation and greater environmental awareness, while contributing to food security. The program encourages sustainable development through climate change action, while communities benefit from a range of environmental and social boons.

Fast facts:

More than one million trees planted since 2000;
369,003 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent sequestrated over a period of 20 years;
Winner of two prestigious awards.

The problem

In South Africa, food security is inextricably linked to climate change – and lower-income communities are the most vulnerable to both. In order to address climate change, entire communities must be made aware of it, and work together.

The solution

Trees for Homes provides free trees to residents of low-cost housing settlements in Johannesburg. The initiative uses relatively simple technology in planting and maintenance procedures. The project also trains communities on the upkeep of the planted trees. Additional community activities unrelated to the project – such as market gardening and nursery development – are carried out in target areas after the initial planting. Training of community members, door-to-door visits, and follow-up visits are also conducted.

Helping the planet

As trees grow, they help slow down climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air and storing carbon in leaves, woody matter, and soil. The trees also release oxygen and ameliorate air pollution, as well as reducing storm water runoff and erosion.

Helping people

Trees for Homes addresses South Africa’s inequitable history of settlement policies by contributing in a visible way to more sustainable human settlements and improved urban environments. The program helps low-income communities not only by giving them trees to plant in their neighborhoods, but also by providing training, information, and education on climate mitigation.

In addition to creating environmental awareness, Trees for Homes gives jobs to unemployed people. The project not only greens towns, it also increases the community’s standard of living.

Scaling up

The program’s integrated approach holds its potential to grow. The strategy of bringing together local people to green their areas can be implemented anywhere in the world. Having been awarded a Mail & Guardian Investing in the Future Award, as well as the Institute of Housing Gauteng and National Award, also validates the project and gives it a foundation for further recognition. Finally, the project’s procedures manual is freely available for anyone to use.