One major challenge the ‘Green Ghana Project’ is facing every year is the sustainability and the protection of the planted trees. We are told about 70 percent of the trees have survived and if that was the case, then we are on track.
I went around the places where we planted the trees and to my amazement, some cows were busily grazing the exact places where we planted the trees, feeding on them. This was along the median of a highway. The question I keep asking myself is: “Why do we keep allowing such behaviours? It’s really an insult to the men and women who spent their time and efforts to plant the trees. Why can’t the law work? People with disability spent their time and energy with some of us to plant trees which will be of great benefit to the environment and generations yet unborn, and someone decides to allow his stray animals to eat these trees and ease everywhere.
The debate will be as to why these animals have been left to roam about in the city along such a busy highway on the median of the road and to feed on these plants. Following this observation, my wife and I have contracted a carpenter to place some protective equipment around the trees. Trees play a very important role in beautifying our environment and making our cities attractive to tourists, among many other importance. Most tourists who admire nature will like to visit ecofriendly cities and destinations. For those who still don’t appreciate the benefits of trees and this campaign, the following are some of the benefits trees bring.
Importance of tress
- Trees combat climate change
We all know the effect of excess carbon dioxide when allowed to build up in our atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Trees absorb CO2, removing and storing carbon while releasing oxygen into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the same amount of CO2 produced when you drive your car 26,000 miles.
- Trees clean the air
Trees absorb odours and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxide, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.
- Tress provide oxygen
According to research, in one year, an acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people.
- Trees cool the streets and city
It is a known fact that wherever there are enough trees, the temperature is lower and cooler. Research show that the average temperature in Los Angeles has risen in last 50 years as tree coverage has declined and the number of heat-absorbing roads and building has increased. Trees cool the city by shading our homes and streets, breaking up urban ‘heat island’ and releasing water into the air through their leaves.
- Trees conserve energy
Three trees placed strategically around a single-family home can cut summer air conditioning need by up to 5 percent. By reducing the energy demand for cooling our houses, we reduce carbon dioxide and other pollution emission from power plants.
- Trees save water
Shade from trees slows water evaporation from thirsty lawns. Most newly planted trees need only fifteen gallons of water a week. As trees transpire, they increase atmospheric moisture.
- Trees help prevent water pollution
Trees reduce run-off by breaking rainfall, thus allowing the water flow down the trunk and into the earth below the tree. This prevents stormwater from carrying pollutants to the ocean. Mulched trees act like a sponge that filters this water naturally and uses it to recharge groundwater supplies.
- Trees help prevent soil erosion
On hillside or stream slope, trees slow run-off and hold soil in place.
- Trees help shield children from ultraviolet rays
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Trees reduce UV-B exposure by about 50 percent, thus providing protection to children on school campuses and playground – where children spend hours outdoors. Older folks are also protected with the presence of trees.
- Trees provide food
An apple tree can yield up to 15-20 bushels of fruits per year and can be planted on the tiniest urban lot. Aside from fruits for humans, trees provide food for birds and wildlife.
- Trees heal
Studies have shown that patients with views of trees out their windows heal faster and with less complications. Children with ADHD show fewer symptoms when they have access to nature. Exposure to trees and nature aids concentration by reducing mental fatigue.
- Trees reduce violence
Neighbourhood and homes that are barren have shown to have a greater incidence of violence in and out of the home than their greener counterparts. Trees and landscaping help reduce the level of fear.
- Trees mask season
During the raining season, trees are well-watered and green unlike during the dry season.
- Tree create economic opportunity
Fruit harvested from community orchards can be sold, thus providing income. Small business opportunities in greens waste management and landscaping arise when cities value mulching and its water-saving qualities. Vocational training for youths interested in green jobs is also a great way to develop economic opportunities from trees.
- Trees are teachers and playmate
Whether as houses for children or creative and spiritual inspiration for adults, trees have provided the space for human retreat throughout the ages.
- Trees bring diverse groups of people together
Tree planting provide an opportunity for community and empowerment that improves the quality of life in our neighbourhood. All cultures, ages and gender have an important role in a tree-planting or tree-care events.
- Trees promote unity
Trees, as landmarks, can give a neighbourhood a new identity and encourage civic pride.
- Trees provide a canopy and habitat for wildlife
Sycamore and oak are among the many urban species that provide excellent urban homes for birds, bees, possums and squirrels.
19 Trees beautify space
Trees can mask concrete walls, parking lots and unsightly views. They muffle sound from nearby streets and freeways, and create and eye-soothing canopy of green. Trees absorb dust and winds and reduce glare.
- Trees provide wood
In suburban and rural areas, trees can be selectively harvested for fuel and craft wood.
- Trees increase property values
The beauty of a well-planted property and its surrounding street and neighbourhood can raise property values by as much as 15 percent.
- Trees increase business traffic
Studies show that the more trees and landscaping a business district has, the more business will flow in as tree-lined street will also slow traffic enough to allow the drivers to look at the store fronts instead of whizzing by.
The education of the benefit of trees must be taken up by media. It must be an everyday affair. The more the public appreciates the benefits and importance of trees, the better will they protect the trees.
Greening Ghana will make green tourism a reality. Lest we forget, God made most of nature green and the green effect is positive on human beings.
Philip Gebu is a Tourism lecturer. He is the C.E.O of FoReal Destinations Ltd., a tourism destinations management and marketing company based in Ghana and with partners in many other countries. Please contact Philip with your comments and suggestions. Write to [email protected]/[email protected]. Visit our website at www.forealdestinations.com or call/WhatsApp +233(0)244295901/0264295901. Visit our social media sites Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: FoReal Destinations.
