South Africa: Limpopo's first National Botanical Garden has been launched!

South Africa's Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, has officially launched the Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden in the far northeastern corner of Limpopo on 22 May 2022. The site is the first in the province and supplements the national network of botanical gardens in South Africa by contributing approximately 82 hectares of the Soutpansberg Mountain Bushveld. The Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden is situated within the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, the largest biosphere reserve in the country, near the town of Thohoyandou in the Vhembe District Municipality and the Thulamela Local Municipality. The garden is home to a number of unique butterfly species, insects and threatened plant species. The infrastructure that the Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden hosts serves as a biodiversity centre for Limpopo, showcasing traditional botanical garden features and scientific research facilities. As a nature-based, cultural and scientific tourism attraction, the garden will contribute to the socio-economic development of the area, supporting the surrounding communities including the youth, students and local businesses. The Thohoyandou National Botanical Garden is managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institut (SANBI).