Mijn thema voor 2024
Mijn thema op professioneel gebied voor 2024 is ‘Leaves of Legacy’, gekoppeld aan ‘Leaving a Legacy’. Rondom deze thema’s heb ik een presentatie gemaakt die ik in 2024 op meerdere bijeenkomsten hoop te mogen geven. In ‘Leaves of Legacy’ (‘Bladeren van nalatenschap’) heb ik getracht om de verhalen te delen van betekenisvolle bomen die een belangrijke positie innemen bij herdenken en gedenken. Hierbij komen onder andere ‘De boom die alles zag’ (Bijlmer vliegramp), de Anne Frank boom en de ‘Survivor Tree’ (Ground Zero) aan bod. Maar ook de aanplant van een herdenkingsboom voor mijn overleden vader. Bomen die symbool staan voor troost, veerkracht, en hoop. Bomen die een connectie vormen tussen hemel en aarde, waarin verleden, heden en toekomst samen komen.
Met het oog op de 100everjaardag van de ISA heb ik ‘Leaves of Legacy’ ingediend en hoop ik dit op het congres in Atlanta te mogen delen aan een internationale groep vakgenoten. Hieronder de ‘abstract’.
Presentatie “Leaves of Legacy: Historical Trees Shaping Our Future”
“Leaves of Legacy – Historical Trees Shaping Our Future” is a compelling exploration of the deep ties between humans and historically significant trees. This presentation, aligning with ISA’s centennial celebration, intertwines past and future, honoring our arboreal heritage and projecting the future of arboriculture and urban forestry.
Central to this narrative are emblematic trees, each a sentinel of history’s pivotal moments. The “Tree that Saw Everything” in Amsterdam, surviving the Bijlmer disaster, stands as a testament to communal resilience and remembrance. The Anne Frank Tree, though physically gone, continues to inspire through its globally dispersed saplings as symbols of hope. Equally evocative is the “Survivor Tree,” a Callery pear at the World Trade Center, embodying resilience and rebirth post-September 11.
These trees are more than mere organisms; they are deeply entwined with our emotional and cultural fabric, standing as silent witnesses to human experiences. A personal anecdote I share is of a tree planted in memory of my father, representing life’s continuity and the enduring impact of those we cherish. This tree, much like my father’s influence, helped me appreciate the beauty and significance of nature.
“Leaves of Legacy” reflects the interconnected destinies of people and trees, illustrating how each tree, from ancient oaks to new saplings, carries a story replete with cultural memories and personal narratives. These tales shape not only our past but also our present efforts and future directions in arboriculture.
This ethos recognizes trees as active participants in our environmental narrative. They are living archives, recording societal and environmental shifts. The Survivor Tree and the tree commemorating my father exemplify how trees can symbolize resilience and remembrance, urging us to foster a sustainable future.
Looking ahead, the presentation highlights the pivotal role of arboriculture and urban forestry in tackling environmental challenges. Planting trees, particularly in urban areas, goes beyond beautification. It’s an act of ecological stewardship, acknowledging trees’ role in climate change mitigation, urban cooling, and biodiversity enhancement.
As arborists and urban foresters, we are not just practicing a profession; we are cultivating a legacy. Each tree we plant sows the future of our field, envisioning a world that is greener, healthier, and deeply connected with nature. Through nurturing these trees, we enhance our urban ecosystems and strengthen community bonds with the natural world. In essence, we are planting seeds of hope, resilience, and continuity, laying the groundwork for a sustainable and interconnected future.
