Variety is in our Nature

20 April 2007

Backsberg Estate Cellars have distributed 907 indigenous trees to homeowners in the village of Klapmuts, Western Cape, as part of a campaign to reduce the estate’s carbon footprint and to celebrate International Earth Day.

Backsberg is the first wine producer in South Africa and one of only three in the world to gain a carbon neutral status by sequestrating its carbon emissions through the planting of trees. In January 2007, Backsberg completed a comprehensive carbon audit initiated to assess the consequences of carbon emitted over the last financial year by its farming and wine-making activities. The carbon audit reviewed all activities, from overall energy consumption to CO2 emitted during fermentation, and a total number of trees to be planted to offset carbon emitted by the estate was conclusively determined.

Indigenous trees will be distributed to the Klapmuts homeowners by national greening organisation Food & Trees for Africa through its Carbon Standard and award-winning Trees for Homes and National Tree Distribution programmes. In addition to sinking carbon, one of the major greenhouse gases and a primary contributor to climate change, these trees will contribute to improved water, energy, soil and noise management, the enrichment of lives and the cultivation of healthier and more sustainable communities.

"Care for the environment means care and concern for succeeding generations. As custodians of the land, it is our duty to understand and recognise potential threats, and to mitigate against them for the benefit of the next generation," remarked an environmentally and socially concerned Michael Back (Proprietor of Backsberg) who has already managed to rescue several plant species from extinction by reserving 10% of his land for non-development and preservation of the endangered 'fynbos' biome.

Back’s approach is fitting to the ethics undertaken by those in support of Earth Day which will be celebrated worldwide on the 22nd April 2007. According to earthdaynetwork, Earth Day was first established in 1970 when 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy and sustainable environment. Today, Earth Day has reached global proportions.

The Backsberg Earth Day tree planting event in Klapmuts will be celebrated with members from the Stellenbosch Municipality, South African Police Services, the Fire Department, a Klapmuts welfare NGO and many members of the local community. It will take place at the Klapmuts Primary School at 11h00. Contact Lucky Xaba for more information or to attend on (0)83 7102544 or email info@trees.org.za..

Backsberg offers a wide range of fine wines enjoyed throughout the world, not just for their structure and finesse, but for their seamless "drinkability". Backsberg is open seven days a week for wine tasting, sales and lunches. For more information visit www.backsberg.co.za or call + 27 (0)21 875 5141.

Above: Lucky Xaba, community forester, Jill Back of Backsberg, and Paulina Leibrandt, Klapmuts community member

ENDS

Nadia Daniels
GC-Communications
PO BOX 27203 Rhine Road 8050
T +27 (0)21 462 0520 F +27 (0)21 462 0526