[Blog] Environment day: Usefulness of planting a tree

By Rama Valayden, Senior Counsel

Friday 5th of June should become a red letter in our lives and more importantly on the agenda of any credible government. I will not, here, make a dreadful list that the government could have done but have not done. 

What simple thing can we do on 5th of June!

I am imploring all of you to plant a tree which is a powerful action to restore our ecosystem. The greatest natural air purifiers are trees. Trees do so by absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen. Trees fight global warming. Trees prevent soil erosion. Trees enrich biodiversity. Trees act as natural carbon sinks, sequestering greenhouse gases to mitigate global warming. Trees treat air pollutants (like nitrogen oxide and sulphur dioxide). Trees lower ambient temperatures through providing us shades and release water vapour which breaks up “heat islands” trees, through the anchoring of their roots prevent soil erosion and reduce flooding.

It is imperative for our students (from pre-primary to university level) to learn the usefulness of trees like we have learned the alphabet. If we plant trees we will join global initiatives like UN Decade on ecosystem restoration. If you wish to learn more search the RootsRajablog.

I, for my part, I will plant in my beautiful yard (under the care of my wife and tonton) the miracle tree which is dubbed by scientists in China and India as the miracle tree. The tree is known in Mauritius as Bred Mouroum. Also known as “superfood tree” which was planted by the Tamils in their yards along with banana trees and “caripoule”.

They were wise … not as stupid as us! also known as Moringa tree, the Bred Mouroum is full of high amounts of protein, iron, calcium and all sorts of vitamins. It is not surprising that our Appaye and Amaye were keen on giving a “a bouyon bred mouroum” to pregnant women and as a must for post-natal foods.

I hope at least you will do also plant a tree.
Happy Environment Day!