Let’s start with the obvious: Trees in cities reduce air temperature and mitigate the effects of heatwaves. They clean the air we breathe by filtering it, which is very important given the increasing number of particles suspended in the air, contributing to the reduction of life expectancy, according to WHO.
They contribute to the mitigation of the greenhouse effect, since, as scientists explain, a tree can absorb up to 150 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year. They protect against floods as their roots absorb and store water while also retaining the soil, preventing erosion and flooding.
In short, this is why more and more cities are planting trees or encouraging planting as a measure to combat climate change and improve the living conditions of their residents. In our areas, they do the opposite. Not that there are many trees left, but where they exist, they are declared undesirable, enemies of development. And with various excuses and always with the promise that ten times more will be planted, they disappear.
Last week, after the tornado that hit areas of Limassol, the Dasoudi in the Germasogeia area was “trimmed”.
If one looks at the photos published by people who went out to protest, the trees that were cut, with the blessings of the Forestry Department, were located along the beach. In other words, the space for placing sunbeds and umbrellas was widened.
In Larnaca, one of the few parks that exist, the Patticheio, is being redesigned with the addition of concrete. After protests, the project was halted with the promise that some parameters would change. Among other things, only acacias, which have been declared invasive in recent years, are to be cut.
The authorities justify their removal by calling them invasive. The term was introduced when bulldozers removed every trace of vegetation on the beach of Argaka. In Limassol, the cementing of the Public Garden preceded for the sake of a Russian sponsor.
In Nicosia, there are many examples. The Athalassa/Aglandjia forest is still safe but plans for a road that would cross it have not been withdrawn. The same goes for plans for a road that would divide the linear park at Pedieos.
As for the park being developed in the old GSP area, it could easily be called a concrete park. A lot of concrete, worth millions, was poured to be later covered with soil and planted. And the promise to replace the trees that were cut down in Agios Andreas and Aglandjia (at dawn) remains a promise. Unless the jacarandas that were planted on Makarios Avenue count.
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