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Building Greener Cities: Joburg and Seattle Collaborate on Urban Sustainability
Johannesburg and Seattle are working together to create more sustainable, green-friendly cities. As part of a growing international partnership, representatives from Seattle Parks and Recreation recently visited Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) to exchange ideas on sustainable urban development and green space expansion.
The visit took place over two days—March 31 at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and April 1 in Lenasia—where the two teams discussed strategies for restoring and preserving urban green spaces. The Seattle delegation focused on understanding how Johannesburg has managed to grow greenery and improve public spaces in such a densely populated city.
Greening solutions in urban spaces
Both cities face similar challenges when it comes to limited land and growing populations. Yet they’ve also made strides in reclaiming and enhancing natural green spaces. Discussions centred around restoring forested parklands and boosting community involvement in maintaining parks and green lungs across urban areas.
The Seattle team, along with JCPZ officials, visited ongoing greening projects in Soweto, Lenasia, and other Joburg suburbs. These site visits showcased efforts to plant trees, build more accessible parks, and improve the city’s tree canopy.
Key initiatives discussed in the partnership included:
| Focus Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Sustainable Park Development | Sharing methods to build long-lasting green spaces in urban communities |
| Tree Canopy Expansion | Increasing tree cover in previously underserved neighbourhoods |
| Community Stewardship | Engaging locals in the care and maintenance of parks and green areas |
| Knowledge Exchange | Learning from each city’s challenges and adopting global best practices |
A symbolic ceremony and shared vision
The collaboration was marked by a tree planting ceremony in Azure Park, Lenasia. A Celtis Africana, also known as White Stinkwood, was planted and named The Shining Tree—a nod to Seattle’s motto, “Seattle Shines.” This gesture symbolised the growing bond between the two cities.
Anthony Paul (AP) Diaz, Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation, and Lisa Ciecko, the city’s Ecology Team Manager, participated in the planting alongside Bishop Ngobeni from JCPZ. The shared event highlighted how international cooperation can lead to stronger, greener cities for future generations.
This partnership not only supports local efforts in Johannesburg but also contributes to a global conversation about sustainable urban living. By sharing resources and experience, both cities are laying the groundwork for greener, more resilient environments where communities can thrive.
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Sourced:Rising Sun
Picture: Moses Matofu / © IFAW
