Campus advocates ecological stewardship

It is estimated that approximately 80% of our country’s population live in urban areas and therefore the onus rests on us to pro-actively work towards sustaining the environment in order to ensure that future generations also benefit from it. Research within the field of global warming indicates that trees eradicate the harmful effect of climate change and states that every ten percent of ecologically well-managed areas can decrease surface temperatures by 4%.
 

The Vice Chancellor of the North-West University, Dr Theuns Eloff committed himself to the project by planting a tree on the campus terrain.

The first 36 trees were planted during a special ceremony on Friday, 8 October 2010 which saw the Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr Theuns Eloff also planting a tree on the campus. The aim of the project is not only to enhance the landscaping on the campus but also to commit to the global challenge to be an ecologically responsible institution, carrying forth the message of stewardship and sustainable development.
 

The Campus Rector of the Vaal Triangle Campus, Prof Thanyani Mariba, lamented that this project should serve as a motivation to other institutions to also adopt the vision of ecological stewardship.

By planting a tree, you are not only planting a legacy for future generations but also contributing to the development of a sustainable environment. Trees serve several important functions, including amongst others, being a source of food, medicine, shelter and building material.

Trees not only play a role in landscaping but also in:
• Managing the effects of the so-called greenhouse effect by acting as natural cooling systems
• Trees convert carbon dioxide into oxygen
• Trees help to limit noise levels
• Trees help to prevent ground erosion
• Trees contribute to the environment and as a result help in attracting tourists

Several members of the NWU Vaal community took part in the tree planting initiative. From left are Prof Herman van der Merwe (Dean: Faculty of Economic Sciences and IT), Mr Johann Strauss (School of Educational Sciences), Prof Linda du Plessis (Vice Rector: Academic and Planning), Mr Frans Basson (Operational Director), Prof Thanyani Mariba (Campus Rector), Mr Kobus Potgieter (Manager: Protection Services) and Dr Theuns Eloff (Vice Chancellor)

Published by Sipho Msolo on 22 November 2010.