And every year the song repeats itself. Summer begins, the temperature rises and fires appear as if no one predicted them. Criticism of the lack of resources begins and hypocritical admiration for the result of forests that, not being cleaned, burn in front of everyone's eyes. So much dthose who, with pain felt, see their home disappearing, likedthose "regretful" for the lack of action. They make headlines on Portuguese television news and their news is received with admiration and solidarity. One feels the soul of a people affected by an evil that they (don't) know, or don't want to know.
It almost becomes a traditional feat of the time - houses burn, people and animals die, there is a moment of consolation and almost as if we carry on the "replay" button everything is repeated. It's revolting for some, it conveys the notion of impotence which in fact only covers up the lack of action, organization and incompetence of those who should be taking charge of the situation.
The disaster went even further into the year past with the situation of Pedrogão Grande. There is never anyone to blame and so the season ends with the promise of change that never arrives. And Portugal burns, tree by tree, until nothing remains. And, this candle that no one extinguishes spreads its flame, carrying families, homes and all the hope of a life that, built over years, vanishes in moments.
Truth be told , we are not ministers of internal administration. We do not have the power or means we would like. However, it is small actions that make adifference. Yes, together we can make a difference and put our foot forward in favor of protecting our country and our forests.
It was in this context, in the fight against this Scourge, that the initiative of < /span>Forall Phones plant 10 trees for every smartphone sold. And 2000 trees, in partnership with the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF), were planted in the Pinhal de Leiria.
Let's counter this trend. It doesn't hurt to act through small contributions. Step by step, let's change mindsets. The next thing is to clean up our forests.
Go green or go home
Raquel Fernandes
Photo credit:macwadu on Visualhunt.com / CC BY-NC
