Climate change has had a major impact on the availability of indigenous tree and plant seeds on the continent, making it a hot topic for ecological restoration and reforestation projects throughout africa.
There are several factors that are affecting seed availability:
Deforestation and habitat destruction: As natural habitats are destroyed, so are the plants and trees that reside there. This leads to a decrease in the number of seed sources.
Climate change: Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can disrupt the natural flowering and seed production cycles of plants and trees, making it difficult for them to reproduce.
Pests and diseases: Pests and diseases can also impact seed production and the health of seed sources.
Alien invasive species are rapidly altering the African landscape and depleting water sources, which in turn is negatively impacting the survival of indigenous flora and exacerbating the already significant seed shortage crisis in the region.
Local nurseries like Nguni Nursery can play a significant role in solving this problem by:
Growing and maintaining seed banks: By collecting and storing seeds, nurseries can ensure that they have a consistent supply of seeds for future projects.
Providing education and training: Nurseries can provide training to local communities on seed collection and seed bank management, enabling them to take a more active role in the preservation of their local flora.
Supporting research and development: Nurseries can support research into the best practices for seed collection, storage, and germination, helping to improve seed viability and increase the success of reforestation projects.
At Nguni Nursery, we are taking a proactive approach to the problem of seed availability by setting up an seed collection and treatment team in our Grahamstown reforestation projects. We are also seeking financial support to start building our own seed bank using ancient Nguni building techniques, which will help us to maintain a consistent supply of high-quality seeds for our projects.
By combining innovative techniques with traditional knowledge, we hope to make a positive impact on the preservation and restoration of our local ecosystems.
At Nguni we believe by working together, we can overcome the seed shortage crisis and restore the biodiversity of Africa's landscapes. By investing in education and training, supporting research and development, and empowering local communities, we can ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the benefits of a rich and diverse natural heritage.
By Nguni Tree Warriors
We 💚 Growing
