Celebrating Environment Heroes
The Mail & Guardian Greening the Future awards, which was launched in 1998, is an annual celebration of individuals, companies, communities and NGOs busy working on making the world a better place for us and future generations.
The awards take place on 30 November to coincide with the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP 28, in November and December.
COP28 aims to boost policies and investments that protect lives and livelihoods and support community resilience and stability.
Millions of people in South Africa and the continent are exposed to drought, floods, fires and extreme heat, which will worsen if we don’t act.
Greening the Future recognises the real heroes who tackle problems ranging from biodiversity loss to polluted air and water that have been exacerbated by climate change.
Biodiversity Stewardship.
“You cannot protect the environment unless you empower people, you inform them, and you help them understand that these resources are their own, that they must protect them.” — Wangari Maathai
This pioneering tree-planting initiative by Christina Vestey and Bishop Ngobeli weaves the stories and life experiences of African women into the fabric of transformative change. In collaboration with Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, this project addresses the social problems facing women amid the effects of climate change. Over this past year, the initiative has grown from three people to more than 40, now including men, who have planted more than 4 000 trees. This movement is about more than storytelling — it’s about empowerment. It brings people together to share their stories, plant trees and forge unbreakable connections with each other and the planet. The four-month programme unites landscapes with each participant’s vision to create a legacy in their community. Through on-site and virtual modules, along with group and individual sessions, participants share their stories and plant trees. The goal is for participants to see themselves reflected, to understand their value and role in society and to take responsibility for their environment. In light of the pressing social and environmental problems confronting people, there is a need to reconnect and strengthen bonds with land and nature. The widening disconnect between humanity and the natural world has contributed to global crises, exacerbating mental health problems, social fractures and economic disparity ,while pushing the natural world toward a tipping point. She Evolves is a commitment to creating a sustainable future.
Greatest achievements
The greatest achievement of this project is the collective effect of every participant’s efforts coming together to create real, meaningful results. Each individual achievement has contributed to our shared goals, enabling us to grow and expand into more communities.
What advice would you give to future generations?
If only we had listened and understood that we cannot separate ourselves from Mother Nature; we are an intrinsic part of her ecosystem and the custodians of her gifts. The African philosophy of ubuntu — I am because you are — reminds us that we are because the Earth is. It speaks to our shared humanity and our place within the natural world. Climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss reveal the dangers of neglecting this responsibility. By protecting the environment, we protect ourselves and ensure future generations can thrive.
