Residents urged to go green during World Environment Week 2026

As the world marks World Environment Week from 1 to 7 June 2026, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) is encouraging residents to play an active role in protecting the environment and building a more sustainable city. This year's global theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution", highlights the urgent need for collective action to reduce waste, protect biodiversity and preserve natural resources.

For Johannesburg, environmental sustainability is both a global and local priority. Climate change continues to place growing pressure on cities, bringing rising temperatures, water scarcity, biodiversity loss and extreme weather conditions. Recent El Niño patterns have further highlighted the vulnerability of urban environments.

As custodian of the city's parks, nature reserves, conservation areas, urban forests, cemeteries and the Johannesburg Zoo, JCPZ says it remains committed to protecting and expanding green spaces while promoting environmental awareness and sustainable living.

Throughout the week, JCPZ has partnered with communities, schools, environmental organisations and public sector stakeholders to roll out environmental education programmes, biodiversity awareness campaigns, clean-up drives, tree-planting activities and youth-focused initiatives.

A key feature of this year's programme is the inaugural Earth and Beyond Science Fair, aimed at encouraging learners to explore environmental science, conservation and sustainability through innovation and problem-solving.

JCPZ is also calling on residents to adopt practical, everyday habits that support a greener Johannesburg, including:

Starting food and indigenous gardens
Using water wisely and fixing leaks
Reducing electricity consumption
Avoiding littering and illegal dumping
Recycling and cutting down on single-use plastics
Planting and caring for trees
Joining community clean-up campaigns
Protecting public parks and green spaces

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo Managing Director Thanduxolo Mendrew said environmental stewardship requires collective action. “We have one city and one responsibility — to leave a legacy worthy of future generations. Every small action contributes to a greener, cleaner and more resilient Johannesburg."

World Environment Week serves as a reminder that safeguarding Johannesburg's environment requires active participation from residents, businesses, schools and communities alike.

04/06/2026

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