Swarts launches 1 Billion Trees campaign to combat climate change

By Akani Nkuna

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts on Monday launched the Presidential 1 Billion Trees Programme.

She called on stakeholders across all nine provinces to support the nationwide tree-planting drive aimed at mitigating climate change.

Deputy Minister Hon. Bernice Swarts delivers the keynote address at the Official One Billion Trees Launch, emphasising environmental sustainability, climate action and the importance of planting trees for future generations. 🇿🇦🌳 @environmentza @GovernmentZA #OneBillionTrees pic.twitter.com/2J94Z1UJM2
— Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts (@BerniceSwarts1) May 11, 2026

“We call on all South Africans, including all spheres of government, organised business, organised labour, civil society and all citizens to participate in the campaign to plant 10 million trees on Heritage Day in September 2026 as part of the Presidential One Billion Trees Programme,” Swarts said.

She was speaking at the launch held at the South African National Biodiversity Institute Pretoria National Botanical Gardens.