Our land. Our future. We are Generation Restoration – World Environment Day 2024
Article contributed by Arnold Mashamba, Senior Environmental Consultant.
Today marks the day on which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is hosting the 2024 World Environment Day global celebrations under a campaign which focuses on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience.
Land restoration, land desertification, and drought resilience are three of the important environmental concepts which we experience in our day-to-day lives. Environmental advocates, consultants, forums, and many other active environmental activists across the globe work tirelessly to protect and conserve the environment to make it habitable and sustainable.
The processes of rehabilitating degraded land to its natural state and improving its productivity as well as ecosystem services require a guided and phased approach which is led by the exposed group of environmental activists. The environmental activists, with the support of qualified experts such as environmental practitioners or nature conservationists, ensure that initiatives and management plans/programmes are undertaken to restore and protect the environment.
In alignment with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) which aims to address land desertification and promote sustainable land management practices worldwide, Shangoni has a department which focuses mainly on land rehabilitation, carbon reduction support using renewable energy, and carbon footprint development and verification. We understand that land restoration is crucial part to manage the desertification which may be caused by poor management factors like overgrazing, deforestation, drought, climate change, and unsustainable land use practices. This year we join other global activists in ensuring that we combat or manage the activities which may lead to soil erosion, reduced fertility, and loss of vegetation cover, leading to desert-like conditions.
We are the generation which believes that land restoration is environmentally viable if there is solidarity amongst different stakeholders through action and awareness programmes. Shangoni set a good precedent in September 2023 when it planted trees at Sinqobile primary school in Soshanguve as well as raising awareness to the future generation about land restoration and preparation for drought resilience. We strongly believe that restoring degraded lands and preventing desertification are crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring a sustainable future.
Furthermore, we acknowledge South African communities which implemented various initiatives to build drought resilience in their respective communities. We extend our gratitude to the drought-resilient communities which include: The Waterberg District Municipality for implementing water-saving measures and rainwater harvesting systems; the Northern Cape Province for promoting drought-tolerant crops and irrigation efficiency; the Western Cape Province for implementing water conservation programs and early warning systems; and many other communities for building drought resilience through community-based initiatives and infrastructure upgrades. These initiatives continue to enhance the ability of South African communities to withstand and recover from droughts, ensuring a more resilient future.
We continue to actively defend, manage, conserve and protect our land for future benefits through reforestation, soil conservation, wetland restoration, and habitat reconstruction for improved biodiversity, enhanced ecosystem services, and support human well-being. Shangoni remains the stewards, problem solvers, and reliable team players in environmental management.
“Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.”
