Giving the responsibility back to the parents

When I first read about Kids of Nature I was intrigued - why would it be relevant to me as a parent of two young girls (aged 9 and 12), and would it recognise that companies like mine are serious about sustainability, building profitability the right way and conserving the present for the future? A brief chat with Petra was all I needed. Here was a lady who was passionate, who had a clear vision, but most importantly a person who understood that it takes responsible people, responsible parents and responsible companies working together to build a sustainable future. Petra told me she wanted to harness the potential of paper and the Internet combined to enthral children, but also to remind all parents that it is our responsibility and privilege to shape our children's views of the world and of the future.

As parents we are too often caught by other priorities, and we tend to forget that we can only enjoy our young children close to us for a short time before they leave the nest to broaden their horizons. As parents we have the incredible privilege to create memories for our children that will last a lifetime. So why give away that privilege for a stranger to enjoy while we chase careers, fame or fortune? Reading Enya & James – In the Land of Magic inspired me. It is a story based on Enya and James' real adventures - adventures we do not have often enough with our own children; now I can't wait to plan a weekend away with my family, discovering the magic of nature!

When my children start their own families, I would like them to think back to the many special moments we spent together in nature, assuming that they will still have nature to enjoy. Because if we don't act now, there will not be much left to enjoy. Other than through this book, what better way is there to discover the magic of nature than to share with our children the wonderfully rich natural heritage that sets South Africa apart - the beaches, rivers, mountains, grasslands, bushveld and forests - to let them play freely and benefit from all the goodness our natural world has to offer us?

It is up to us, as parents, to be committed to where we work, live and play with our children, so that we will build the future generations as custodians of the Earth.

André Oberholzer, Group Head Corporate Affairs, Sappi Limited

Proud father of Ninnaku and Nakita