Today we face an alarming reality as we witness the destruction of large, mature trees on our island. This is not just about a single kwihi tree, but trees in general with thick and strong trunks, trees that have stood firm for decades, long before all the surrounding building developments were erected. Cutting down a tree of this magnitude without any consideration is a disgrace and a tremendous disrespect to our environment and our future.
While we talk about conserving, caring for, and working on laws to protect our nature, we ourselves are the ones destroying our own heritage.
The Government of Aruba pursues a two-faced nature policy. On one hand, there is talk of conservation, but the key question remains unanswered: Where are the controls? Why do we draft protection laws if, in the end, the reality on the ground is completely different?
Despite having protection laws and rules, we can see that large trees forming a vital part of our landscape are destroyed, cut down, and killed without mercy. The lack of strict law enforcement leaves an open door for the systematic destruction of our flora.
What is going wrong in our minds?
The main problem lies in our mentality as Aruban citizens. There is a disconnect between what we preach and what we practice:
• Lip service: Often we play a public role where we give the impression of being concerned about our environment.
• Contrary actions: When the time comes to demonstrate that commitment in practice, commercial interests or a lack of appreciation take over, and the trees end up being sacrificed without remorse.
This is the beginning of poisoning ourselves. Are we still not aware of why the world is gradually getting hotter? Do we still not understand that a large tree is not just a piece of wood, but a protective shield for us as human beings?
The Vital Importance of Large Trees and Thick Trunks
Large trees with thick trunks play an incomparable role in our ecosystem that small trees cannot replace overnight:
• Shield against extreme heat: Large trees with wide coverage provide deep shade and help lower the temperature of the surrounding area. In a hot climate like Aruba’s, they act as natural air conditioners against the increase of global heat on our island.
• The value of thick, mature trunks: A tree with a thick trunk and decades of life represents years of resistance against strong winds, drought, and salt spray. They stabilize the soil and serve as pillars of biodiversity, providing refuge to a multitude of local birds and fauna.
• Identity and historical memory: Trees that have existed for many decades tell the story of our country. When we cut down a large tree, we remove a piece of our history, our landscape, and the soul of our neighborhoods.
Cutting down large and mature trees is an act of collective myopia. It is time to stop just talking and start acting. If we continue to allow this destruction, we are not only destroying nature, but the very foundation that keeps us alive, fresh, and protected on our own island.
