South African National Parks (SANParks) Environmental Manager Ms. Maria Moate and other SANParks officials planted trees in celebration of Abor Week at the Monde Primary School in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. This is part of the Kudu Green Schools Initiative (KGSI), an environmental education program aimed at climate science literacy and creating awareness among learners of careers in conservation. 
It also informed the learners to identify and respond to environmental challenges affecting their schools and communities. Arbor Day was first celebrated in South Africa in 1983 and has grown into a week of planting and recognizing trees for their value in our society. The learners at Monde Primary made several presentations and displays showcasing their acute knowledge of recycling, reusing and reducing emissions.KGSI also arranges excursions for the learners to its many national parks to interact with the wilderness and experience the natural beauty and celebrate their heritage.
In her address at the launch, South African Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa said, “We have been engaging in this kind of celebration since 2006 to showcase our natural assets as well as the beautiful landscape of our country and ways to attract foreign and local tourists to the national parks.”
The Minister also spoke about South Africa's hosting of COP17 in Durban in November this year. “COP17 will, among others, offer an opportunity for the biodiversity and conservation sector to highlight the role that national parks can play in mitigating the effects of climate change,” the Minister said.