Editorial: Greener is better
Jordan Times
We have just celebrated Arbor Day by planting about 60,000 trees in 13 different
areas of the country.
That Prince Feisal, deputising for King Abdullah, took part in the event shows
support and determination, at the highest echelons, to make the country
greener.
There was a time when Jordan had considerably more vegetation, with forests much
more plentiful. According to historians, it was during World War I, and
specifically during the Ottoman rule, that forests were targeted and trees cut
to generate fuel and for construction. At the end of that era, forest areas in
the country were reduced to almost the current size.
Since we started to observe Arbor Day, the process of afforestation was set in
motion and thousands of trees, especially the drought-resistant kind, were
planted. Still the country looks barren when compared to many others. This
means we have yet a long way to go.
The question that remains, however, is why we failed to make our country greener
so far. There must be something wrong with the plans in place for this purpose
if we have so little to show for.
There is every reason to believe that had there been a more determined policy to
make the Kingdom greener, success could have been scored beyond the current
dismal rate. If trees could grow in the past, what is to prevent them from
growing now?
A more concerted effort must be exerted if we wish the country greener. But for
that to be attained, annual celebrations and tree-planting ceremonies are not
enough.
What about the construction boom that so savagely destroys nature in its wake?
What about inconsiderate citizens who show no respect for the little plant life
we have? Who litter, burn and cut the trees they so avidly seek when going for a
picnic?
What about intelligent zoning regulations that put as much value, or maybe more,
on greenery as on concrete and tar?
The official drive to make the country green is there. Science and experience
help choose judiciously what to plant in a country starved for water. But much
more is needed to raise the citizen’s awareness than planting once a year, as
laudable as this is.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007