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Ever since the government promoted greening in the urban areas, trees are found everywhere, not limited to parks, but
also in the central median of roads. (Image: Conservation E3 Foundation)

Trees are precious resource. It provides us with fresh air, water, fuel, ber and inspiration. Like fresh air - just
one large tree can supply enough oxygen for four people’s daily consumption; a tree can absorb 22 kilograms
of carbon per year. Trees produce hundreds of fruits and nuts. Food additives for making ice-cream, chewing
gum and many other delicacies also come from trees. The number of wood and paper products consumed
per person per year is equal to a tree of 30m tall, 46cm diameter. Meanwhile, trees can alleviate oods, even
young trees can breathe out 230 liters of rainfall. One mature tree can reduce storm water by 150,000 liters
each year, which is particularly important in tropical cities like Hong Kong where our paved areas like roads
block the natural path to water percolating into the ground. Therefore, it is important to be familiar with the
special characteristic of the plants, in order to choose the right ones for each location.

Unfortunately, we still hear about cases tree abuses. Some time ago, several campers were annoyed by having
been tripped over by some tree roots that they chopped down the tree. Also, there were hikers using small
trees as support for warm-up exercise as it was appealing to them for being able to pull and curve the trees.
There was also a bunch of mimosa being transplanted somewhere else and fenced o by railing because
some children were injured after touching them accidentally . All these examples tell us that the current
education of plant conservation is inadequate.

We have learnt the importance of trees and how to protect them since childhood. We should not pick their
owers and fruits to avoid damaging the trees as these acts may a ect their growth. We do not barbeque or
burn joss-sticks near trees to avoid the trees being smoked and damaged. There is also possible re hazard to
the trees caused by ame. These are the basic attitude expected from education. But I think there is much
more we can do to promote tree conservation.

Trees are precious resource which provides us with hundreds of fruits and nuts. (Image: Conservation E3
Foundation)

To live in harmony with plants requires understanding and caring. Each type of tree has its own
characteristics. When we understand their di erent structures and shapes, master their ecological pattern,
then we can handle them correctly to ensure their healthy growth. What’s more, we can also avoid incident
like mistaking the leaves of valuable Chinese Eaglewood as ordinary Chinese Banyan, and avoid the
substantial shedding leaves of newly planted Autumn Maple which was planted in the wrong place.

To encourage young people to get close to the nature, the Conservation E3 Foundation will launch a project