More Trees

We demanded more trees - we rebelled for urban nature!

Trees play a major role in nature and well-being. Trees provide all species with a wide range of shelter from wind, rain and sunshine. We know that in the heat of the day, it is several degrees cooler in a city with lots of trees than on wide asphalt streets. Increasing heavy rainfall will also make flooding worse: wooded land absorbs water better than an asphalt city.  There is also research evidence that trees calm the mind, lower the heart rate, speed up healing and ease pain. We also know that trees combat noise and air pollution, maintain biodiversity and sequester carbon from the atmosphere.

The importance of trees and green spaces cannot be overstated. Does it bother you that municipal decision-makers do not seem to appreciate the value of urban nature enough? So do we! We are calling for a greener city because it is good for everyone, whatever their species. We demanded green spaces where there are now sand pitches, asphalt yards and parking lots. We demanded trees for the prestigious plots of land in the city centres and the wasteland on the outskirts. We want trees everywhere!

OUR REQUIREMENTS
Local decision-makers must stop destroying urban nature and nearby forests and commit to sustainable urban planning and land use that maintains biodiversity.
Local decision-makers must take active steps to increase the amount of green spaces, parks and urban forests. Local nature is essential for combating the adverse effects of climate change, for the viability of cities and for the health of their inhabitants.
Municipalities need to commit to climate targets and prevention of habitat loss in their land use.
Residents' opinions must have a stronger influence on local decision-making. Citizens must be given direct decision-making power, for example through local citizens' forums.

GUIDELINES FOR ACTION
Now is your chance to make a difference - at least figuratively - in increasing the number of trees in your neighbourhood. Take part in the More Trees event on 24 September at 12 noon and bring green where you need it most.

Here's how it works:

Choose a planting site where you want the tree. Remember that the landowner has the right to prohibit the planting of trees: only planting on your own land is legal. If you don't plant on your own land, you can either choose a performative action without "real" planting (see instructions below) or a non-citizen action.

Plant a tree or several in a place of your choice (either on your own land or in a shop). You can also take the tree to the site in a bucket or pot. If you don't want to plant a real tree but want to perform the planting, make a tree out of cardboard and "plant" it with a stick directly into the ground. It's the gesture and the requirement that counts - not the perfect result!

Attach your own message to the tree you planted, for example, written on a piece of cardboard. You can also use these. We want a forest here - not asphalt. We don't want a forest, we want trees here. Aesthetics - no asphalt. We want a greener cityscape. You can also send your message directly to the decision-makers in your municipality and tell them why the tree is here.

Take a photo of the tree you planted and share it on social media (Instagram, Facebook). Tag it with at least #additionaltrees and if you like, #elokapina.Email the photo or video to 45plus@elokapina.me and we will share it on our social media channels.You can also submit your demands directly to the municipal leaders, tag them or send them an email with your demands. You can find a ready-made email template in this document.

The More Trees 24.9. event is organised by the Elokapina 45+ community.