Trees Are NOT the Problem

Isbel Díaz Torres

Trees are NOT the problem.

HAVANA TIMES – The effect of Hurricane Irma on the trees of our cities has been devastating, but perhaps the worst is the treatment given by people and institutions in charge of hygiene and the city order, ripping off the last green branch, discarding strong and healthy trees.

It would seem that all the pain of ruined houses, collapsed roads, and even the deaths of people is taken out against the trees, plant beings that from their immobility receive from the human being the best and the worst.

For this and other reasons the environmental group Guardabosques makes a call to people that this October 10th are in Havana. Come with us to perform a great performance of love to the trees, against deforestation, and in favor of those species that, in addition to integrating our natural environment, define a good part of our culture and identity.

A work of the artist Raul Merino Recio, also an activist of our organization, will be the main focus for the performance, which will involve the sowing of a ceiba tree and ten palms, thus starting Cuban Culture Days, which every year is celebrated from October 10 to 20.

The link between Art and environmental activism is a way to reach a greater number of people in a fresh, subtle, and attractive way. Art as a demand of rights is known worldwide as “Artivismo”, and is a phenomenon that since the 1980s tries to protest creatively, critically, or with the aim of denouncing some event.

In this case “Human connection for forest revitalization”, which is the name of the work, will try to restore our vital link with nature, directly with our bodies on earth, our hands intertwined, and a collective energy circulating in favor of new plants that will seek to survive.

The date will also allow us to commemorate the Day of the Tree that, although it is not yet officially recognized in Cuba, activists of the Tree Day Management Group, based in the municipality Plaza de la Revolución, promotes since years ago.

Also on a tenth of October the Vedado district was originally founded with the sowing of a ceiba tree on what today is Paseo Avenue.

So if you feel that you can contribute your good vibes we’ll be waiting for you this coming Tuesday, October 10 (which is a holiday in Cuba), at 9:00 am, at calle 37 e / Paseo y 2, Plaza, where a bus will leave.

Remember that it has been raining, so I recommend you come in casual clothes and shoes.
For more information:

Web: https://elguardabosquescuba.wordpress.com
Email: [email protected]
Phones: 52787606 and 53262044

Isbel Diaz

Isbel Diaz Torres: Pinar del Rio and Havana are my cities. I was born in one on March 1, 1976, and I’ve always lived in the other. I am a biologist and poet, though at times I’ve also been a musician, translator, teacher, computer geek, designer, photographer and editor. I’m very non-conformist and a defender of differences – perhaps due to always having been an ever-repressed “model child.” Nothing enthralls me more than the unknown, nature and art; these serve as my sources of mystery and development. A surprising activism has been born in me over the recent period. Though I’m not very sure how to channel it, I feel that it’s a worthy and legitimate energy. Let’s hope I have the discernment to manage it.