24/05/09 - In celebration of World Environment Day on 5th June, Motorsport South Africa (MSA), the controlling body of all forms of motorsport in South Africa, has embarked on a Greening campaign to plant trees at disadvantaged schools across the country.

In 1996, MSA became the first National Sports Federation in South Africa to adopt an Environmental Code and recently appointed a specialist Environmental Panel as part of their structure. Through this management structure MSA ensures that the highest environmental standards are met during the organisation and hosting of more than 1 200 motorsport events annually at all levels and it also promotes environmental education amongst all motorsport role players (approximately 16 000 competitors).

With financial assistance from the international controlling body of motorcycling, the FIM, trees were purchased from a national greening social enterprise, Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA).

With their assistance as well as regional representatives from MSA, the trees will be planted in June at 11 schools in the Western Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Free State, Northern Cape, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, to promote greening, awareness of climate change, food security and to curb carbon dioxide pollution.

Marius Matthee, President of the MSA Environment Panel, said one of the Panel’s objectives was to plant 500 trees in 2009. “It is great to work in conjunction with FTFA. They supply one metre indigenous or fruit trees with instructions on how to maintain them. The actual tree planting events highlights the benefits of trees and greening, thereby educating the youth on important environmental and climate change issues. Trees are integral to the quality of human life and the environment. When managed in a sustainable way they can continue to supply current and future generations with a wide range of essential ecological, social and economic goods and services”.

Beaulah Schoeman, Managing Director of MSA, says Environmental issues are inherently linked with quality of life and motorsport is proud to do its small bit in providing green “lungs” or even food security that support quality living environments. MSA is fully committed to the environment and wishes to be at the forefront of environmental awareness and protection. We are further committed to reducing our environmental impact as part of a wider commitment to sustainable development.”

These commitments ensure that the environment, social and recreational values are maintained, whilst promoting sustainable motosport in South Africa for future generations. MSA wishes competitors in all categories of motorsport enjoyment in their chosen sport, while caring for the environment at the same time.

MSA has further called upon its clubs, organisers and promoters to partake in special environmentally related projects around World Environment Day and has even offered a cash contribution to the club with the best campaign.

FTFA has distributed over 3,5 million trees and helped to set up over 2 500 organic food gardens for the poorest in South Africa in the past 19 years.