Page 18 - IFV Issue 5 May 2024

Nature

SAVING THE URBAN FORESTS OF DURBAN

BY DR JONATHAN FOLEY

The explosive growth of urbanisation and the rise of mega cities in the 21st
century has caused stress amongst its inhabitants. Some cities employing multi-
disciplinary teams of town planners, engineers and landscape architects have

produced amazing results in connecting the landscape to the city. Singapore
now boasts spectacular open space systems of planted urban forests and
gardens that deliver the benefits of living ecosystems directly to its high-rise
apartments through a web of elevated platforms, cycle tracks and promenades.

n South Africa, Johannesburg is renowned for its urban
tree planting and leafy green suburbs, while Pretoria is
Ipainted in purple each October by its extensive avenues of
Jacarandas. This article focuses on describing a few of the social
and ecological benefits of urban forests and protected areas
in Durban, namely Pigeon Valley and Virginia Bush. The latter
is now under imminent threat of development despite being
officially gazetted as a protected area in 2018. Readers will be
able to sign a petition in support of saving this valuable asset.

Forest breathing, biophilia and other social benefits
Forest breathing or forest bathing is a process of relaxation to
help de-stress and boost mental health; it is known in Japan as
shinrin yoku and simply involves being calm and quiet amongst
the trees, observing nature around you whilst breathing deeply.
Re-establishing the link between humankind and nature has Purple crested Loerie, found in the Virginia Bush Nature Reserve.
been recognised by sociologists as ‘biophilia’ or love of nature. Photo by Jacques de Speville
Research suggests even brief exposure to nature can alleviate Flower of the Natal Loquat. Photo by Chris Wahlberg
psychological stress and improve long term health conditions
such as anxiety disorders and depression. By incorporating the
concept of biophilia into urban design, planners can tend to the
psychological health of city residents through the establishment
of parks and planting of urban vegetation. This includes the
preservation, protection and management of existing forest
remnants in the city.
Forests in urban settings can also offer stewardship
opportunities for communities to become more connected with,
and educated on, their environmental surroundings. Whether
this includes hands-on restoration projects, a walk through the
park or social gatherings, community engagement with urban
forests allows people to develop a deeper understanding of
nature.

Ecological benefits of urban forests
Urban forests are living, breathing growing organisms that
silently deliver ecosystem services to people. According to the
science, the ecosystem services generated by urban forests

16 • Issue 5 2024 • The Villager