The Wildlands Conservation Trust in partnership with Save Hyper and The Witness, recently launched a “Green Future Store,” in Pietermaritzburg’s commercial hub. The store forms part of Wildlands “Trees-for-Life” project, which allows participating members of local communities to sustain themselves by planting and growing indigenous trees, which they can then barter for vouchers that can be redeemed for food, building supplies and bicycles, for example.
This specific “Green Future Store” was held at the Save Hyper (Cash & Carry) Store on Victoria Rd in Pietermaritzburg and was sponsored by The Witness, who have made a significant donation to Wildlands in order to express their passion to help support the greater Sobantu communities.
“Whereas previously Wildlands only exchanged limited goods for vouchers through its own outlets, this store allows people to choose from a wide range of items that Save Hyper has on its shelves,” comments Initiatives Manager, Graeme Farley of Wildlands. “Interestingly enough, most people continue to buy similar items to what Wildlands provided at their community Green Future Stores in the past. Nevertheless, some people have bought cameras, fridges, as well as products such as meat, milk and other cold items, which previously we could not supply for logistical reasons. This is the first Green Future (voucher) Store in the uMgungundlovu district, and we are excited about the many stores still to come,” says Farley.
Wildlands’ Trees-for-Life programme was launched some eight years ago. The programme has had a wide impact throughout South Africa and continues to expand, with new project nodes already established in Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the Western Cape.
Based on a conservative estimate of five people per homestead, in 2011 some 10 570 individuals in 23 Communities benefitted from the sale of 306 583 trees for some R1.8 million. The Wildlands’ Green-preneur model improves people’s daily lives through income models that give them access to necessities, and would not be possible without the support of donors like The Witness – we are truly grateful.
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)