Recently, I participated in an initiative centered around tree plantation in Bolinao, Pangasinan, about 200 kilometers north of Manila, a simple yet deeply impactful activity. What started as a focused environmental action turned into a holistic experience involving travel, sightseeing, and insightful group discussions around sustainability and business initiatives.
This journey made me pause and truly reflect on the importance of giving back to nature, particularly through growing, maintaining, and protecting trees. Trees are not just passive elements in our environment; they are active providers. The air we breathe, the food we eat, the wood we use, and the shelter many depend on, all trace back to the trees. Even soil retention and water conservation owe much to forest cover. Yet, the crucial role trees play in our daily lives often goes unnoticed or is taken for granted.
It is high time we look at tree plantation not just as a one-off activity but as a continuous, community-driven effort. Business houses, the hotel and tourism industry, and the general public can collaborate meaningfully in this regard.
Imagine a model where:
- Hotels offer guests the opportunity to plant a tree during each stay or vacation, making travel more sustainable.
- Corporates include tree plantation as a customer reward option, “Gift a Tree” instead of just loyalty points or vouchers.
- Event organizers integrate tree-planting drives into offsites, retreats, or conferences as part of the agenda.
Such ideas may sound small, but collectively they can make a big difference. Every tree planted is a step toward restoring balance, combating deforestation, and healing our environment.
Let's make giving back a habit. Let’s root our rewards and celebrations in nature, literally.
