The City of Johannesburg has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling climate change through urban forestry and green space initiatives. This was announced at the opening of the 2nd African Forum on Urban Forests (AFUF), held in Bryanston on Tuesday, 18 March 2025.
Addressing the forum, the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Cllr Dada Morero emphasised the increasing urgency of urban greening efforts as part of the City’s strategy to mitigate climate change, improve biodiversity, and enhance residents’ quality of life.
“Urban forests are not just about planting trees; they are about creating ecosystems that serve both people and the planet. As Africa’s cities grow at an unprecedented rate, urban greening is no longer optional, it is vital for sustainable urban development,” said Cllr Morero.
The forum, themed “Green Horizons: Shaping the Future Resilience of African Cities through Urban Forests,” underlines the importance of integrating nature into urban planning. The discussion focused on how urban forests, which are increasingly seen as critical in combating the effects of climate change, can contribute to creating more resilient, liveable, and sustainable cities.
Gauteng’s MEC for Environment, Sheila Peters, echoed Morero’s sentiments, pointing out that urban forests play a crucial role in improving air quality, boosting biodiversity, and providing essential green spaces for communities.
“The challenges posed by climate change and rapid urbanisation demand urgent action, and urban forests are key to meeting these challenges,” said Peters.
Bernice Swarts, Deputy Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries, also addressed the forum, highlighting the importance of the Climate Change Act and the Cleaning and Greening Programme as key priorities for South Africa over the next five years.
“Climate change is a global threat driven by greenhouse gas emissions, and tackling it requires bold, adaptive measures,” said Swarts.
As part of its commitment, the City of Johannesburg is already implementing projects designed to integrate green spaces into urban environments. These include the Jukskei River Rehabilitation Project, funded by C40 Cities Finance Facility and GIZ, and the Scaling Urban Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation (SUNCASA) project, supported by Global Affairs Canada.
“We recognise that urban forests and green spaces are vital components of our Climate Action Plan, and we are proud to be working with our partners to bring these projects to life,” Mayor Morero said.
Thanduxolo Mendrew, Managing Director of Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo, reinforced the City’s commitment, stating, “Urban forests are lifelines for our cities. They play a crucial role in climate resilience and biodiversity, ensuring that future generations will inherit a greener and healthier environment.”
The forum comes at a pivotal time for Africa, as urbanisation continues to accelerate across the continent. Cities face mounting pressure to provide green spaces that not only address environmental challenges but also enhance social wellbeing. The need to act is immediate, with urban forests proving to be an essential solution to counter the growing effects of climate change.
Johannesburg’s efforts highlight how urban greening can be used to mitigate the risks associated with environmental degradation and climate change, while simultaneously improving the health, wellbeing, and social cohesion of urban communities.
The 2nd African Forum on Urban Forests (AFUF), which runs for four days at the Forum in Bryanston, serves as a platform for collaboration, idea exchange, and the development of practical solutions for urban greening across Africa.
For more information and to register for the event, please visit www.afuf.co.za.
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