Trees and forests are of fundamental importance to humanity as a whole, and to Switzerland in particular, due to their environmental, landscape, cultural heritage, and social functions. Trees bear witness to our history (some yews can live up to 1,500 years!), produce our oxygen, provide shelter for countless species of animals and plants, and act as guardians of the coolness and moisture we urgently need today. Trees also serve an essential social function. They bring us together, calm us, and bear witness to the passage of time. Trees are our life.

Trees are especially important in cities: a city without green spaces becomes unbearable. Many cities are aware of this and are developing plans to protect and expand their “tree canopy”, the area covered by trees. Nevertheless, in Switzerland, countless trees are cut down every year, often out of “convenience”, because they obstruct a construction project or a neighbour’s view, because their leaves fall, or because they die. Mostly, however, they are not properly cared for or have been damaged by human interference.

These trees could and should be preserved to combat the effects of global warming, improve our quality of life, and promote biodiversity—especially in urban areas!