As the global transport sector shifts toward carbon neutrality, local truck OEMs and corporate fleet operators are uniquely positioned to lead not only in emissions reduction but also in ecological restoration. With sprawling industrial sites and offices, as well as extensive logistics networks, these organisations can leverage their physical footprints to protect and regenerate indigenous biodiversity.
Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) showcased this potential during its International Biodiversity Day celebration at Plant Kariega, where employees planted over 1 500 indigenous trees, succulents and bulbs – marking the launch of the company’s new biodiversity strategy.
In doing so, VWGA is demonstrating how environmental responsibility can be rooted, quite literally, into the heart of heavy industry, supporting net zero goals through the preservation of threatened ecosystems and arboreal carbon sinks.
Preventing species extinction
On Friday, 30 May 2025, VWGA employees gathered across the Kariega (formerly known as Uitenhage) site to plant species such as White Milkwood, Wild Plum, Cross Berry and Cape Ash. These efforts form part of a larger vision to establish an on-site arboretum – an indigenous sanctuary that will support long-term biodiversity, soil health and carbon capture on the plant grounds.
According to Ntsapokazi Ningiza, Environmental Sustainability manager at VWGA: “The tree-planting event is particularly significant this year as it marks the launch of VWGA’s biodiversity strategy which encompasses the preservation and restoration of rare and critically endangered species that are found on our property.”
Plant Kariega is not just home to new trees. It is also a natural refuge for three exceptionally rare plant species, two of which are classified as critically endangered and possibly extinct in the wild. These include Delosperma hollandii, found near the Test Track and Component Plant, and Trichodiadema stayneri, identified within the Test Track zone. A third species, Tritonia dubia, located near the Product Development facility, is currently listed as threatened.
“When VWGA called me to do a species assessment, I was thrilled to find these rare species,” says Luc Strydom, principal ecologist at Coastal and Environmental Services, who conducted a formal plant survey across all Kariega locations in 2024.
“These species are possibly extinct due to habitat loss to urban and industrial development and the ones that have been found on these premises need to be protected to safeguard biodiversity and maintain healthy ecosystems. I am equally pleased to witness the company’s commitment to biodiversity.”
The value of ground-level awareness
The project drew cross-functional support from VWGA teams working across production and environmental units. Employees participated in planting events across multiple areas of the site, reinforcing the company’s collective culture of responsibility and care.
Martina Biene, VWGA chairperson and managing director, concludes: “This is about more than just planting trees. It’s about acknowledging the unique biodiversity we are privileged to host and taking meaningful action to protect it. Our employees’ involvement across different locations at Plant Kariega speaks volumes about our shared values and our commitment to sustainability.”
A local model for industry-wide action?
With increasing urgency around biodiversity loss and net zero timelines, FleetWatch is of the opinion that VWGA’s approach to eco-stewardship at its Kariega site offers a practical model for how local and regional leaders in truck transport and logistics can integrate ecological restoration into their core sustainability strategies.
The time is NOW – let’s root sustainability not just in policy but in the very soil on which our industry operates.
What are your thoughts? Can Southern Africa’s trucking community make a positive impact on our endangered biodiversity? Write to us at: fleetwatch@pixie.co.za – or simply get planting (or both)!
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