Several organisations cleaned up the Ferndale Bird Sanctuary and Arboretum, on Friday.
The intervention focused on clearing illegal dumping, litter picking, grass cutting, tree pruning, dismantling illegal structures, crime prevention operations, waste removal and traffic management within and around the conservation area.
Thapelo Amad, MMC for Community Development, said “the Ferndale Bird Sanctuary and Arboretum is a critical green lung within the City of Johannesburg and forms part of our broader environmental and biodiversity preservation network. As the custodians of public parks, conservation areas and green spaces, Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo has a responsibility to draw the line against the unlawful occupation and destruction of these protected spaces.”
Amad also said protecting conservation spaces requires a united effort between government, law enforcement, civil society and local communities.
Organisations part of the initiative, are the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, Pikitup, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, Randburg SAPS, CRUM AFSU, private security stakeholders, and community organisations.
Picture: Supplied