We often associate trees with the forest or with the mountain, without realizing that we also have many of them on the streets of our villages. The environmental group Sagarrak of Basauri has just launched an idea on the most significant trees in Basauri: Do you help us search for them? Campaign. The group intends to collect these trees that for any reason are important to people, promoting the knowledge and awareness of the citizens with their identification.

Participatory catalogue

“We could also make the catalogue of the trees of the village, but we have decided to do so with the help of the citizens, with the information they give us,” explained Gabi Hernández. The promoters of the initiative consider that it is easier for citizens to get involved in their consciences involved in the creation of the catalogue. “It is important for the public to realize that the trees are there, because the people have grown up and many times have remained in the shadow of the high houses. Every day we spend with them, but we don’t realize it.”

But what are significant trees? What do they refer to? Hernandez has pointed out that they want to give a broad meaning to the word “meaningful”. Many times only the old, large or unique trees are considered significant, but in this campaign they want to turn around. “For someone a tree can be very special because it has been in your neighborhood for years, it can have a sentimental sense. For us, significant trees are not only the ones that stand out in traditional characteristics.”

Looking for new ways to approach trees

During the campaign, Sagarrak will carry out various activities. For example, a dozen panels with information about the different trees are already underway. In addition, during the months of May and June, walks through the streets of the locality will be held to discover the species of native trees.

“A recent study reveals that there is a great lack of knowledge of plants and trees, because today we know much less about plants than about animals,” explains the group member. Faced with the rupture of the relationship between previous generations and the trees and the lack of knowledge that is occurring on them, the members of the group propose new paths: in this case, using new technologies and in a simple way, it is about bringing the citizens closer to the trees. “Just send one or two photos and tell us where the tree is. We will then work and complete more information.”