Grassroots September 2016, Vol. 16, No. 3

News Gentle giants taking root V Tarryn Rae Genis Venetia Mine enetia Mine and its surrounding areas are home to the beautiful baobab tree, a bushveld succulent scientifically known as the Adansonia digitata. These trees are indigenous to the area and classified as a protected species. Venetia’s Environmental Team goes to unusual lengths to prevent disturbing baobab and have pioneered the technique of transplanting fully grown baobab trees with a 100% success rate. Since 2008, Venetia Mine has successfully relocated a total of 110 baobab trees. This is a complex process that requires written permission from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). Because of the sheer size of some of these specimens, the relocation of a single tree generally requires the use of an excavator, dozer, low bed truck, crane and a water bowser. Interestingly, a huge contributing factor in the successful relocation of a baobab tree is the direction in which they are planted. These gentle giants will only take root in their new home if their trunks are planted facing precisely the same direction as their original home. As a result, Environmental Officers make sure to mark the north facing side of the tree before transportation so that they can ensure that the tree is correctly transplanted. Venetia Mine was recently called up onto assist the Musina Local Municipality and construction company Terra Viva in the relocation of a mediumsized, 28 ton baobab tree from the main parking area of the new Musina Mall to a traffic circle200m from the entrance. The Venetia Environmental Team provided technical expertise in performing an environmental assessment, conducting a risk assessment, relocation and monitoring of the identified specimen. This tree is now flourishing and is clearly visible upon exiting the bustling border town of Musina. Grassroots September 2016 Vol 16 No. 3

Grassroots September 2016, Vol. 16, No. 3 | Page 7