Compiled by: ‘Friends of Trees’ –Forum, People’s Solidarity Association.
- Prevent or reduce soil erosion and water pollution.
- Help recharge groundwater and sustains streamflow.
- Significantly decrease noise pollution.
- Provide a continuous supply of fuelwood.
- Provide wood products on a sustained yield basis.
- Through their shade and transpiration, provide natural “low–tech” cooling.
- Act as shields against wind and snow.
- Shades from trees cool hot streets and parking lots.
- Create a more favorable microclimate for cropland by reducing wind and heat stress on the crop.
- Prevent topsoil loss and reduces soil moisture losses.
- Provide nuts, fruits, fodder, and green manure.
- Hold snow away from roads.
- Substances found in trees are used both for pharmaceutical and other medical purposes.
- Give people a multitude of recreational opportunities and provide habitat for wildlife.
- Trees make life more enjoyable, peaceful, relaxing and offer inheritance for future generations.
- Provide shelter for livestock and birds.
- Alleviating the “greenhouse Effect” trees act as carbon “sinks”.
FOR EVERY TON OF NEW WOOD THAT GROWS, ABOUT 1.5 TONS OF CO2 ARE REMOVED FROM THE AIR AND 1.07 TONS OF LIFEGIVING OXYGEN ARE PRODUCED.
“The planting of trees is the planting of ideas. By starting with the simple step of digging a hole and planting a tree, we plant hope for ourselves and for future generations.” Visionary, human rights advocate, environmental activist Wangari Maathai passed away on 25 September 2011 from cancer. She leaves behind a legacy of “firsts,” including being the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.
The write-up is dedicated to the late environmental activist WANGARI MAATHAI.