EDITORIAL: Tree planting has its benefits

Earlier this year, a call was made for more Barbadians to engage in the exercise of tree planting, in keeping with the vision for We Gatherin’ 2020, to have over one million trees by the end of December.

At the time, a key official queried whether the tree planting could take place even as locals engage in community clean-ups, across the country. Now this was well before the COVID-19 pandemic reached our shores. Our course, our focus has shifted

somewhat away from tree planting, to other pressing social and economic matters, but with Barbados’ first tree festival Arborfest 2020 just around the corner, we may need to revisit the whole idea of planting trees for the benefit of our environment, once again.

Arborfest 2020 takes place from today, September 18 to 21, from 10 am to 6 pm each day. It is part of the National Conservation Commission’s (NCC) efforts to promote a more sustainable standard ofliving under the theme “Trees: The Circle of Life”. From all reports, the main focus is to promote the importance of trees and their impact on the environment. The festival will also showcase various products and services, which are derived from trees, and are consumed and utilised on a daily basis. The organisers say emphasis will be placed on increasing awareness about environmental issues and highlighting environmentally-friendly products, ahead of Arbor Day, also celebrated this month.

It has also been noted that in an effort to create a more family-oriented atmosphere, the NCC will be infusing other elements such as a five-day plant sale, traditional Bajan treats, a Farmer’s Market, a Kid’s Zone and other attractions. Workshops and demonstrations will also form an integral component of the festival. A number of workshops will be scheduled during the day, focusing on pertinent areas such as plant care, plant propagation, apiary management, recycling, pests and diseases, composting and alternative energy solutions.

Now, this is nothing to scoff at. As we battle the effects of climate change and as we recognise the need to be much more sustainable food wise and to work to boost our food security, this may be the time to indeed plant some trees, especially fruit trees. And with Barbadians returning to their agricultural roots given the COVID-19 pandemic, this may be just the right time for them to enhance their horticultural skills and take up any advice the experts have to offer.

For too long we have neglected to see the benefits that we can derive from simple, but powerful acts and tree planting is one of them.

Consider that apart from ensuring greater food security, trees can alter the environment in which we live, by moderating climate and improving air quality. We are cooler when we stand in the shade of trees and are not exposed to direct sunlight.

Air quality can be improved through the use of trees, shrubs, and turf. Leaves filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particulates.

Leaves absorb carbon dioxide from the air to form carbohydrates that are used in the plant’s structure and function. In this process, leaves also absorb other air pollutants and give off oxygen.

So you see, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to this whole discussion of trees and the benefits they bring. And even though We Gatherin’ is off, we can still engage in the exercise of tree planting, for the benefit of our communities and our country.