The Conference of the Parties (COP) is happening in Spain discussing how to fight climate change. Young people and the civil society march to the streets demanding governments to declare climate emergency and take action. Others decide to plant trees.
Last month, I was able to organize a mangrove tree planting activity at Subic Bay Freeport Zone done in partnership with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). The cool thing about SBMA’s tree growing project is they work with indigenous people in the community who helped our group of eight plant 200 seedlings of mangrove trees of different varieties. They were surprised to learn that we wanted to plant that many. It’s a shame that some find plunging in mud icky and end up planting just one or two seedlings. I was glad my colleagues were all game and actually enjoyed the whole experience.
Now just over the weekend, I joined a “Holiday Nature Immersion” at Mount Purro Nature Reserve (MPNR) spearheaded by makesense which involved a short hike and sowing of ipil-ipil seeds as support to MPNR’s reforestation effort. Being in a natural environment is the best way of finding one’s connection to the earth. And what’s best to do that but to literally get your hands dirty. I can’t help wondering though why touching soil is something a lot of people wouldn’t want to do. Apparently, this could lead to weaker immune system and emergence of allergies, especially among growing kids.
Planting trees is one of the easiest climate acts we can do. However, it also requires thorough planning and execution. I think partnering with communities and organizations can lead to more successful reforestation activities as trees planted are taken cared of and are monitored. This also ensures that the right species of trees, ideally native trees, are planted.
So for those wanting to contribute to climate action, come on and let’s plant more trees. It’s easy to do, it’s a cheap climate solution, and it’s good for your soul and the environment.
Green Minded Me 