Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Trees for the world


I planted these little trees you can see in the photo and every now and then, i plant some more. there is no way to dig a hole in that desert rocky ground without using machinary so what i do is taking adventage of existing cracks, which result from the extensive tactonic activity which origins from just 3 Kms. away in the great rift valley (can be seen in the far right of the photo). all it takes is loosening the rocks and pulling them out (i bet i could reach the center of the earth if i keep on digging...).

The soil is very poor and salty. every tree is planted in almost 1 cubic meter of imported soil and irrigation is indispensable. due to climate change, even the 25 mm. of annual average of rain we used to get here is now down to about one fifth that.

A tree in this environment has to resist strong winds, extreme heat, grazing by Gazelle and Ibex, and its growing rate is less then half its potential (it could grow more then 50 % faster in favorable conditions.)

What has it all got to do with photography or why am i telling you all that ? well, it's only that i am hoping to be able to sit in the shade of these trees when i'm old to write this blog. it gets pretty hot out in the sun here !

A tree is a green spot in the bleak surroundings and can be spotted from miles, it makes living in this harsh environment more pleasurable.

In the bottom line,we all know that humanity needs trees these days almost as much as it needs water, so get out there and plant some !

Guy.
The UNEP (united nations education programme) is running a campaign for 7 billion (!) trees planted before the end of the year.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Please leave me your comment.