One man’s efforts to keep chainsaws away from 17-year-old mango tree

Out on a limb
Gabriel Tan, Today Online 10 Jun 08;

IT IS heartening that the media has been providing greater issues about mother earth, issues which were once only the realm of “fringe fanatics” environmentalists.

As a result, more people are practising a environmentally-conscious lifestyle. Companies are also making an effort to go green. Phrases such as “global warming” and most recently, “Saving Gaia” are now being used more frequently in the conversations of people in the street.

The importance of trees in the fight against global warming cannot be understated. Yet among us, there are still many who will not hesitate to cut down a tree for whatever immediate benefits the action may bring.

I am trying to save a 17-year old-mango tree from being cut down by the management committee in Bedok Shopping Complex. I am running a business in this complex and the mango tree is right behind the shop unit that I occupy.

The tree has been providing shade for visitors and the shophouses next to it for a long time. In recent years, it had also begun to bear fruit, providing delicious refreshment for whoever cared to pluck them.

About a month ago, the management sent a contractor and two workers with chainsaws to cut down the tree. At that time, my vehicle was parked under the tree. I refused to move it to stop them from cutting down the tree.

When I asked the management why the tree was being cut down, a few reasons were given, but none that would warrant cutting it down. My vehicle stayed under the tree that day.

After many appeals, emails and letters to anybody who might have had an influence on the matter, and a legal letter from the management to me, the tree is still standing.

However, I do not know how much longer I can keep the chainsaws away. The management committee claims to have the legal right to cut the tree down as it is standing on its land.

I am appealing to them to do the right thing.

In the eventuality that the mango tree is cut down, it will be another sad testimony to what is happening to millions of trees all over the world — cut down in the name of progress.

One tree may seem insignificant but my cry is “Save Gaia, one tree at a time”.

Related links

You Can Help Gabriel Save a Tree
on the flying fish friends blog