Save trees for our survival
Save trees for our survival
Trees have a major contribution to the existence of human
society and are important for our survival. Trees offer food, shelter, clothing,
medicine and other household, industrial and commercial material requirements.
Trees provide a natural ecological balance which helps to reduce floods and
droughts and prevent soil erosion. More trees also mean the production of more
biomass which enhances soil fertility and soil structure. Trees are very
essential in minimizing air pollution by converting carbon dioxide into
life-giving oxygen and preventing the earth from warming. Lastly, trees balance
the ecology, playing a critical role in global biodiversity.
How to save trees
· Minimize the use
of all kinds of paper and paper by-products; when possible, reuse or recycle all
paper products.
· Support a total log ban in all
protected forested areas.
· Support the search for
alternative live lihood activities for people living in the upland and in other
protected areas. Kaingin practices, which are dependent upon new forested areas,
are not sustainable and can lead to the depletion of tree resources.
· Avoid wood-cutting in the
lowland and upland areas.
· Collect tree seeds and
establish tree nurseries. Use tree seedlings in tree-planting campaigns.
· Organize and mobilize groups
to faciIitate the protection, conservation and monitoring of forests and other
protected areas. This requires continuous education and advocacy campaigns.
· Establish environmental
networks among people's organizations, nongovernmental organizations, academe,
business groups, religious organizations and churches, individuals and concerned
government agencies.
· Enhance the political will of
government agencies which have a mandate to enforce existing environmental laws.
Lobby congress and other policymakers for the establishment and enforcement of
environmental policies.
How to propagate and maintain trees
· Whenever possible,
select and use locally available and adaptable seeds for lowland and midland
areas. Plant medicinal and fruit trees and other trees that could generate
immediate economic returns.
· For a higher survival rate,
plant seeds in a tree nursery. Use black plastic bag, when available.
· Transplant seedlings in
suitable soil type and appropriate locations. Be careful not to touch or damage
the roots when transplanting.
· Water the trees regularly.
(Most soil indicates proper watering practices.)
· Plant replacement trees of at
least three years prior to cutting down the mature trees. Also plant trees after
strong winds, typhoon, landslides, etc.
· Visit your trees regularly.
Ensure proper fertilization and weed control. Nurture the trees to ensure proper
growth.
· Fence off the trees to keep
out animals and children.
· Learn and observe special
propagation and maintenance requirements of trees that you plant.
Source:
Green Alert-Negros Environmental Network Leaflets.
M.A. Velasco, 1992.
Ideas for Action:
A Technology Information Kit, November 23-28,
1992
