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Tree planting at Clayton

story and photos by Futuro Forestal

At Friday June 1, 2007 near the Kiwanis sports fields at Clayon, there was a tree planting event to celebrate the start of the international month of natural resources in June. Miss Kaya Berger, founding member of the Ecology Club at the Academia Balboa in Clayton, was responsible for initiating the activity and sought the technical and logistical help from Futuro Forestal SA, a German-Panamanian company with headquarters in Clayton.

The aim of the tree planting was to touch on the dramatic loss of primary forests and deforestation in the world. Furthermore the role of forests in the fight against climate change was a main topic (discussing how trees --- like all plants --- absorb the harmful green house gas CO₂ and produce essential O₂). To inspire the students on this topic, Futuro Forestal SA invited the internationally renowned speaker Matthias Gelber to give a speech on climate change in the Academia Balboa before proceeding to the tree planting.

Gelber’s lecture started with some simple, but clear personal examples which he interprets as proof the fast effects of climate change. He regaled a group of 60 students about rising temperatures in his German home town have affected the snowfall where he used to ski when he was a child. The main topic of his speech dealt with our individual contribution to the green house effect and what every human being could do to save our environment. According to Gelber, avoiding and reducing CO₂ and CH₄ emissions are the most important measures. Another fail proof action is to plant trees to absorb the already existing and hazardous CO₂. Responsible for making this issue a mechanism for investment to business/profit oriented people, Futuro Forestal SA has been a company that combines climate prevention and CO₂ absorption with a lucrative reforestation business since 1994.

The event was received with great interest, with about 60 people attending the talk, followed by the tree planting with about 40 people. The planted trees (three common species that are typical for Panamanian landscapes) were donated by Futuro Forestal.

Having successfully finished planting the trees, all participants received green TREEHUGGER shirts.

Fourth of July fireworks
Gay Pride in Panama, 2007
Planting trees
New website for dog and cat adoption group

For dog people

US Navy hospital ship calls