Ode to Hopea sangal |
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Lamentation of a great
botanist
I sigh when I think of whether we might be deprived further. Delicta maiorem
immeritus lues There are a few poignant lines that he wrote which I would like to share with you. I found my own sentiments resonating in his plea. You might all be feeling the same way too. "Another thing we must do is refrain from cutting down the trees we still have, in forests that globally represent less than 10% of original (pre-historic) forest cover. Living trees are not valued highly enough. We risk ushering in irreversible deleterious consequences for the future of our own species, as well as all others. Our descendents' motto will be Delicta maiorem immeritus lues - Undeservedly you suffer for the sins of your forebears (Horace). The motto I prefer is Capimus sed tradimus - we receive, but we pass on." - David R. Murray (School of Horticulture, University of Western Sydney) Delicta maiorem immeritus lues? Living trees are not valued highly enough? The
aftermath, the questions and the future Like
us, future generations will no doubt look back to
ask the same disturbing questions as to why and how
such a tragic event should come to pass. And they
may be asking this too - 'Have they failed us?'
At
the very least, they may be reconciled with the
fact that in the aftermath of the tree's felling,
many caring people wrote to the press or spoke up
to voice their concerns. Some have even suggested
turning the felled tree trunks into a
conservation-art monument to be displayed in a
public place. Many of you will
agree with me that this is an excellent idea. It
could serve as a constant reminder for us about
nature's vulnerability, mankind's responsibility to
cherish nature, and the importance of nature
conservation. By doing so, we can ensure that the
tree did not die in vain. If
we can generate some positive outcomes from this
sad event, perhaps future generations will be less
harsh in their judgment towards us. One day, when
they gaze upon this monument or conservation icon,
they will come to appreciate that although their
predecessors were unable to pass on the tree to
them, they did make a noble effort to pass on the
valuable lessons learnt, as well as their values
and aspirations for a better and greener world to
them. Capimus
sed tradimus? Should we not start now? By Joseph
Lai, botanist Back to Photo
by Tan Beng Chiak |
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