Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), the leaders in greening and conservation of our environment, is in its sixth year in the fight against the destructive alien invasive species in the City of Johannesburg.
Alien species transmit fatal pathogens that are harmful to humans. The control of these alien invasive species comes at huge costs to the City’s coffers, which in turn has a ripple effect on its mandate for fast and efficient service delivery.
The identification of invasive alien plants is vital in the planning process of eradicating these plants which are sometimes misidentified. It is recommended that residents contact JCPZ’s conservationists with a description and photographs of the suspected invasive plants at rees@jhbcityparks.com.
The launch of the “Alien Invasive Campaign” started in October 2015 and has since gained momentum in raising awareness among residents and businesses on the dangers of these species. This year, National Invasive Species Week was observed from 11-15 October and throughout October.
“As residents of Joburg, we have to educate ourselves and identify and eradicate alien invasive species in our gardens and all around us, these species destroy our already fragile environment,” said Mulalo Mbedzi, Bio-Aquatics Specialist for Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo.
JCPZ, the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Working for Water, City of Joburg’s Environment Infrastructure Services Department, South African Biodiversity Institute, Rand Water and the Department of Agriculture are jointly working towards eradicating the scourge of invasive species.
Alien invasive species could be beautiful plants you spot in your gardens or along roads that don’t belong in a particular area, environment or country. They have adverse effects on our biodiversity, causing the decline and ultimate eradication of native plants through their fight for survival.
It is imperative to avoid the spread of the seeds. Residents may contact JCPZ Conservation Department on 011 791 1117 for assistance and information on disposal sites.
22/10/2021