Indigenous Tree Day is on the way. It’s not just about planting these kinds of trees either (though that alone is essential). African countries came together to get the movement started, and now other parts of the world are catching on!
South Africa (13 April 2025) — On Tuesday, 15 April, South Africa will join the rest of the continent to celebrate Indigenous Tree Day. ‘Yeah, that’s cool’, you might think. ‘But why is it a big deal?’.
Beyond the obvious contribution to the conservation of our indigenous trees through planting more of them, Indigenous Tree Day is a big deal for another reason—it’s an African-driven initiative that other parts of the world are catching onto in boosting their own land’s biodiversity.
Seeds for a Greener Future
Indigenous Tree Day was born in 2023, thanks to Dr Victor Nsereko Wantate and the African Tree Seeds Group. The inaugural Indigenous Tree Day last year saw thousands of participants gather at 26 sites across 12 African countries. With every planting, a little more hope for the future and the reversal of biodiversity losses became apparent.
Why Indigenous Trees?
The day is all about nurturing the urgent need to reverse environmental threats by focusing on tree species that are native to our ecosystems, culturally important, and increasingly under threat.
What is just a tree to some is something far more vital to others.
Indigenous trees are the backbone of healthy ecosystems. Unlike exotic or invasive species, they are uniquely adapted to local conditions, making them more resilient in the face of climate change.
They provide vital food and shelter for native birds, insects, and animals, while also helping to conserve water and protect soils. Beyond their ecological role, indigenous trees hold deep cultural, medicinal, and economic importance, especially in rural and traditional communities where they support livelihoods and preserve heritage.
Growing in More Ways Than One
The trees aren’t all that has grown. This year, the movement has extended beyond Africa, with Hawaii, USA joining the list of participating regions!
This year, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), in partnership with the Botanical Society of South Africa (BOTSOC), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, the Association of Parks and Recreation Africa, South African Broadcasting Cooperation (Limpopo) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), will mark Indigenous Tree Day by planting 30 indigenous tree species across its botanical and zoological gardens on 15 April.
These species have been carefully selected for their conservation value, including locally endemic, threatened, and fruit-bearing trees, with planting activities linked to local schools and municipalities to strengthen community engagement.
This nationwide effort will also contribute to the ambitious target set by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to plant one million trees in 2025.
Local Responsibility
“Indigenous Tree Day is an important reminder that biodiversity loss is not just a global concern, it’s a local responsibility,” says SANBI CEO, Mr Shonisani Munzhedzi.
Each planting site, then, represents more than just a tree in the ground, but rather an opportunity to share knowledge, inspire the next generation, and raise awareness about the immense value of our indigenous natural heritage.
“Our national botanical gardens are living classrooms,” says Christopher Willis, SANBI’s Chief Director for National Botanical Gardens. “They are ideal spaces to educate the public, especially young people, about the importance of indigenous trees and the urgent need to protect them. This day gives us a chance to bring communities together through trees that tell the story of who we are as Africans”
The Call is Out to All of Us
Indigenous Tree Day is a call to action for everyone—from individuals and schools to civil society groups, businesses, and government institutions.
You can get involved by:
- Planting indigenous trees sourced from verified local nurseries (especially those that are threatened or culturally significant)
- Host educational events in schools or community spaces
- Partner with others to support indigenous nurseries and conservation initiatives
- Help track the growth and health of planted trees to ensure their long-term survival.
by 