Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden (TNBG) is committed to working with surrounding communities through conservation, education and community development initiatives. Over the years, the garden has been involved in a number of projects that aim to benefit both people and the environment.
Some of these initiatives include the rehabilitation of Mopane trees in Tshenzhelani Village, alien invasive plant monitoring and clearing, and our greening programme, through which we donate indigenous trees and support gardening projects at schools, creches, churches around Limpopo.
As a developing National Botanical Garden, TNBG is also undertaking infrastructure development to improve the facilities and visitor experience. In some instances, this requires the removal of a limited number of trees. However, the garden places great importance on the protection of its existing biodiversity. TNBG has many impressive tree specimens, including some mature trees that have naturally died due to age or diseases.
Where trees have fallen naturally within the estate, they are often left in place as part of the natural ecosystem. Fallen trees provide important habitat, shelter and food for insects, birds, reptiles and other wildlife. As a National Botanical Garden dedicated to biodiversity conservation, our mandate is not only to protect ecosystems but also to educate the public about the importance of biodiversity and conservation.
As part of our commitment to supporting local communities and contributing to socio-economic development, the garden identified an opportunity to make use of some of the trees that had fallen naturally and a limited number of trees removed during infrastructure development.
After following the necessary internal processes, including tree assessments and the preparation of a concept note, TNBG engaged with surrounding traditional and community authorities, including the Mphaphuli, Miluwani and Magidi Traditional Councils and the Liphadzi Ward Council.
Families were identified through these community structures, and firewood was distributed to households in the surrounding communities. Approximately 134 loads of firewood, transported in bakkies and small trucks, were distributed to local families.
This initiative is a small contribution from the garden to households that make use of firewood, while also recognising the important role that surrounding communities play in supporting conservation.
We are proud of the communities that continue to work with us and support the garden’s conservation objectives. We have witnessed a growing understanding of the importance of biodiversity, with schools, colleges and universities regularly bringing learners and students to TNBG to learn about plants, wildlife, ecosystems and conservation.
Protecting the Garden Together
While TNBG is committed to giving back to the community, it is equally important that we all take responsibility for protecting this conservation space. The garden has experienced incidents of illegal firewood collection, trespassing, hunting of wildlife and the unauthorised removal of items from within the garden. Some individuals have entered the garden through damaged or unauthorised sections of the perimeter fence to collect firewood or engage in other illegal activities.
We would like to make it clear that Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden is not a place for illegal firewood collection, hunting, hiding stolen goods or removing any natural or other resources without permission. The garden is a protected conservation space, and unauthorised entry and activities within the garden may constitute offences and can be dealt with in accordance with the applicable law.
The community firewood initiative should therefore not be interpreted as permission for individuals to enter the garden and collect firewood themselves. Firewood may only be distributed through an authorised process.
TNBG also provides free entrance to pensioners aged 60 and above every Tuesday, except when Tuesday falls on a public holiday. We encourage our surrounding communities to take advantage of this opportunity to visit the garden, enjoy nature and learn more about our biodiversity.
We appeal to everyone in the surrounding communities to become the eyes, ears and voice of conservation. By working together, we can protect the garden’s trees, wildlife and natural ecosystems for present and future generations.
If you witness illegal firewood collection, trespassing, hunting or any other unauthorised activity within the garden, please report it to us:
Email: tnbg@sanbi.org.za
Tel: 015 962 4258
Let us work together to protect Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden and the biodiversity it holds for the benefit of future generations.