EMIRA BIODIVERSITY PROJECT

Emira Property Fund, a real estate investment trust, has planted Senecio barbertonicus (bush senecio) at 20 of its Gauteng-based properties as part of its biodiversity focus. This follows the other initiatives it has championed over the years to make a more positive impact on the environment. It uses its extensive portfolio of office, retail, industrial and residential properties to help ensure that there are no future losses to the country’s biodiversity.

Bush senecio is known for purifying air and boosting oxygen, especially when planted indoors. The evergreen plant also has a high tolerance to hot weather conditions and is a well suited to water-wise landscaping. It can survive long periods without water, aligning with Emira’s goal of responsible water use at its properties.

Emira applies water saving and consumption-reducing solutions to make a positive difference, and staff on site at their properties, including security, cleaning and landscaping teams, receive training on water saving.

When in bloom, the bush senecio produces bright yellow, tubular flowers and Emira’s planting of this flower complements its biodiversity initiative of installing 16 beehives at eight of its properties in Gauteng and KZN. It has also led in planting indigenous greenery at its properties, as well as shade and fruit trees at schools and community facilities. More recently, it added 670 spekboom plants at 26 of its properties around the country. Its biodiversity initiatives integrate biodiversity stewardship into its daily business operations.

www.emira.co.za