Guatemala has a wide variety of trees in its vast territory, from the imposing ceiba to more common trees, such as the mahogany, which are celebrated by decree as part of environmental awareness and the preservation of natural resources, essential for the country.
Since the origin of the country’s name, trees have maintained a connection with this territory, since Guatemala comes from the Nahuatl word Quauhtlemallanwhich means “place of many trees”, a definition that identifies this territory. However, today the vast forests are threatened by changes in land use, illegal and excessive logging, as well as forest fires.
Arbor Day seeks to raise awareness about the role that trees play within the ecosystem and send a message of preservation. This date is celebrated every May 22 and has legal and educational support, established by the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala through Decree 30-2003.
This agreement seeks, beyond establishing a commemorative date, to generate collective awareness about nature and highlight the role that trees play. In addition, it aims to strengthen environmental education from the classrooms, a measure approved on June 5, 2003 by said decree.
The official website of the Congress of the Republic highlights that, as a symbol of this celebration, the ceiba was designated (Ceiba pentandra), with which Guatemalans can identify.
The purpose of this celebration, according to Congress, is to promote reforestation campaigns at all educational levels, dignify the ceiba as a national symbol and create reforestation spaces for the restoration and protection of forests.
According to the page Green Presstree felling and deforestation occur mainly due to human actions. Therefore, it highlights that raising awareness on this date helps to understand the importance of trees, since they preserve life, purify the air, provide water and maintain biodiversity.
To celebrate this day, you can start at home by planting a small tree that fits your space. Some medicinal options are:
- Tamarind
- Guayacan
- Moringa
- Ash
- Ceiba
Ideal trees for housing
- orange tree
- loquat tree
- lemon tree
- strawberry tree
- nance tree