South Africa joins the rest of the continent today in celebrating Indigenous Tree Day, a growing African initiative aimed at promoting the conservation and sustainable use of indigenous trees.

 The annual event shines a spotlight on reversing biodiversity loss by protecting tree species that are native, culturally significant, and increasingly under threat. This year's commemoration sees the movement expand globally, with Hawaii, USA joining efforts to restore ecosystems and reconnect communities with nature.

 Lulu Gaboo spoke to Nontsikelelo Mpulo, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Commercialisation at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).