Despite burgeoning pollution, trees are often neglected or even killed in our cities, writes Sohailah El-Sawy* The ever-increasing problem of pollution is common to all large cities. Cairo is certainly no exception. Our streets have become open garages, jam-packed with cars. Gas emissions from bumper-to-bumper traffic fill our lungs. Trees are the most cost effective way of fighting pollution -- they literally pump oxygen into the environment. Other benefits include shade, fruits and a great sound damper effect on noise pollution. Trees also have a taming effect on human behaviour. Less bullying and less misbehaviour is reported in schools with green areas. Yet most people only think of trees as decorative elements (which of course they also are). Another important fact is a life expectancy that can span hundreds of years: the best example of sustainability. So why are we losing so many of our street trees at a time when we so badly need them? The answer is tree abuse. Every day trees are being deliberately or unknowingly destroyed. Shop owners wanting to show their window display will consistently chop off branches from one side of any tree that bothers them. The amputated tree soon loses its balance and over time can collapse. Tree strangulation is also very common. Every tree needs breathing space. The soil area around it, approximately three metres-square, should be free of debris. Paving often removes this space. Also, every time a new construction goes up, surrounding trees are downed. When pavements are narrowed or disappear to allow for more traffic, trees are the first to go. They are sacrificed so that an advert box or billboard can be erected instead. Or they themselves are used as billboards. Practically all our street trees have notices nailed to them. These nail injuries cause diseases and an eventual slow death to the tree. The association to which I belong has an ongoing programme aimed to respond to this situation: 'Save Our Trees: We Owe it to Our Children'. Every month we organise a Tree Day. During walkabouts, in conjunction with the authorities, we prune and maintain existing trees. New trees are planted, always bearing in mind an important concept: the right tree in the right place. Larger trees are usually planted in middle isles dividing streets, where they can easily flourish. Each month, people born in that particular month contribute to planting a tree in their name. The tree is theirs to look after. School children are encouraged to take part. Once a year, tree walks are organised, each time in a different area. People are invited to get to know more about trees: their type, names, country of origin, benefits, etc, making for a true bonding experience with nature. 'Trees are the best monuments that a man can erect to his own memory. They speak his praises without flattery, and they are blessings to children yet unborn.' -- Lord Oney (1707-1762). * The writer is chair of the board of directors of the Egyptian Association for Environment and Community Services.
