Arbor Day is celebrated in Brazil in 21 of September.
The creation of the date arose from the need to make the population aware of the importance of trees for the environment, including for the lives of human beings.
In addition, the date is intended to defend forests against questionable environmental policy proposals, such as incentives for deforestation.
The date was chosen because it coincides with the arrival of spring in Brazil.
Importance of Trees
The importance of trees is unquestionable. They are essential to our existence as they produce oxygen through photosynthesis.
The main functions of trees are:
- Contribute to the biodiversity;
- Reduction of air pollution;
- Extraction of flowers and fruits that serve for food, medicine production, among other activities;
- In big cities, they reduce the temperature and provide shade;
- They provide shelter for other species, such as animals and fungi;
- Contribute to scenic beauty.
Arbor Day Story
This commemorative date appeared at the end of the 19th century, more precisely on April 10, 1872.
It was on this date that Julius Sterling Morton (1832-1902), an American politician and journalist, decided to plant a large number of trees in the state of Nebraska, in the United States.
O "day Arbor”, as it became known, was an ecological milestone in the awareness and preservation of tree species.
Since that time, trees have been suffering from deforestation and extinction, causing environmental problems and the destruction of biodiversity.
Because tree day is celebrated worldwide with the arrival of spring, many nations adapt this day based on the physical and climatic characteristics of their countries.
Thus, in Germany, Arbor Day is celebrated on April 25th. In Poland, it is celebrated on October 10th. In Tanzania, on January 1st.
In Brazil, decree number 55,795, of February 24, 1965, establishes that the Tree Day should be replaced by Annual Tree Party.
This is because Brazil has different climatic characteristics, which makes it difficult to plant trees in March in northern and northeastern states. During this period, these regions go through the drought period.
Arbor Day Activities
A common activity on tree day is seedling distribution. The intention is to encourage planting in gardens, backyards and deforested areas.
In schools, lectures and competitions on the environmental theme can be held. Kindergarten students can draw and paint.
For elementary school students, planting and monitoring of plant development can be practiced.
Messages for Arbor Day
- "If I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would plant a tree today". (Martin Luther)
- "Turn a tree into firewood that it will burn; but from then on it will no longer bear flowers or fruit". (Rabindranath Tagore)
- "In all things in nature there is something wonderful". (Aristotle)
- "Only when the last tree is cut down, the last fish caught, the last river polluted, will people realize that they cannot eat money." (Indigenous Proverb)
Did you know?
In day March 21st is celebrated the World Forest and Tree Day. On that date, in many parts of the world, actions such as the planting of trees, awareness and awareness programs for the population and activities related to the environment take place.
Read too:
- World environment day
- Environmental education
- Environment
