In order to promote awareness of trees in Namibia, Luise Hoffmann, chair of the Botanical Society of Namibia (Botsoc) at the time, initiated an annual Tree Award in 2007. The aim of the award is to recognise individuals, companies and organisations that have made a special effort to save and protect Namibia’s indigenous trees or to plant trees and create awareness about Namibia's indigenous flora. Each year, we call for nominations from the public for worthy recipients. People from all over Namibia are encouraged to nominate deserving candidates. The committee assesses each nomination, and awards are presented at a ceremony held at the National Botanical Research Institute.