Exploring the of Establishment of an Urban Forest in Phuthaditjhaba to Create a More Sustainable Future Urban Environment

Abstract

AbstractThis document review evaluates modes of appropriate urban tree planting that could quickly (within 20 years) create a tree canopy in Phuthaditjhaba to provide social benefits, deal with a future urban heat island effect and create resilience to climate change. Phuthaditjhaba (pop. 54 000), a dense rural–urban settlement in QwaQwa, South Africa, faces looming threats linked to climate change, including health impacts as heat waves become more common and severe in southern Africa. One of the ways of creating a more liveable and sustainable urban environment is through tree planting in streets, schools, clinics and homesteads. Phuthaditjhaba, located in a montane grassland biome, is virtually treeless and a future tree canopy in this city would need to be envisaged and planned for. Challenges to growing trees here include the harsh climate and the shortage of water, the lack of a ‘green’ vision from the local municipality, as well as the cost of purchasing or growing thousands of suitable saplings. Modelling and various other forms of data and information gathering can assist in optimising tree species selection and planting, but data for Phuthaditjhaba is not available. Creating an urban tree canopy in Phuthaditjhaba would contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. This study also reflects on ways to create livelihoods in this remote semi-urban setting through tree growing, tree planting, arbocare and landscape restoration measures.