Go beyond planting trees, plant them right

I AM appalled and puzzled why all the discussions (international and local) on global warming and climate change, which I read about in the newspapers, address exclusively the reduction of greenhouse gas emission. Ironically, world fora on climate change, from Kyoto to Copenhagen to Bali, have failed to agree on this strategy.

In the meantime, why don’t we do what is doable? Plant trees. However, I must stress that we should plant trees with a view to make them grow. All the publicity on tree planting we read about clearly shows that the planted seedlings will not grow. The timing and manner of planting are not conducive for the seedlings to survive.

Besides, trees not only play an essential role in reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, they are also the source of life. They produce oxygen, food, water, medicine, lumber, etc. Trees have a symbiotic relationship with man. Indeed, there would be no life on earth if there were no trees. Let’s not just talk of planting trees. Let’s do it and let’s do it right!

We, of the “Billion Trees Program,” are earnest in helping anyone who wants to plant trees. Visit us at our seedling nursery in Munting Paraiso, NBP Reservation, Muntinlupa City, and we’ll show you how to plant one billion trees. Come and join us. To see is to believe.

NELIA FUENTEBELLA,

executive director,

Trees For Life Foundation Inc.,

[email protected]