17337: Leiderman: more trees, less cannons (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Stuart M Leiderman <leidermn@cisunix.unh.edu>


dear Group:

I am glad and grateful to see the recent discussion about the crisis of
Haiti's trees and forests.  in this, it is important to remember that
while a cut-down tree has only one or two main uses -- charcoal, lumber
for making boats to escape the country -- a living tree has many more
uses -- fruit and fiber, nesting places, holding soil, making compost,
giving shade, producing oxygen, promoting beauty and appreciation of
nature, and so on.  so, every time the next tree is cut in Haiti, it
signifies a great sacrifice for the well-being of the country.

if there were agreement that a minimum amount of Haiti should be covered
with trees, it would be a straightforward, although not easy, task to
accomplish that goal.  there are precedents in the world that Haitians
can follow; Israel is the best example, and I know many from there who
would be glad to assist, if there were agreement to re-cover Haiti with
trees.  it has to become a national priority, an element in the next
national elections.

of course, energy substitution is essential to re-forestation, to give
the land time to re-cover itself.  I would recommend that these two
projects be done at the same time.

for inspiration and a show of good faith, it would help to have more
trees and less cannons in the Haitian national flag.

thank you,

Stuart Leiderman

Environmental Response
leidermn@christa.unh.edu