Mexico City's 'Tree Army' Battles Urban Concrete Jungle
Activist Arturo Hernández leads a grassroots movement in Mexico City to protect urban trees from vandalism and neglect. The 'Tree Army' uses social media and direct action to raise awareness and combat environmental issues.
In the bustling metropolis of Mexico City, a unique environmental movement is taking root. Led by community activist Arturo Hernández, El Ejercito de Arboles (The Tree Army) is waging a battle against urban tree vandalism and neglect. This grassroots initiative, launched in May 2024, aims to protect and enhance the city's urban forest through direct action and social media engagement.
Hernández, known as "El Comandante" to his followers, utilizes an electric skateboard to navigate the city's southern neighborhoods, identifying trees in distress. Using social media, he rallies supporters to join him in liberating trees from unauthorized concrete and confronting illegal cutting.
"We do not need permits to liberate the tree. It's as if you asked me to have a permit to pick up trash from the street."
The importance of urban trees cannot be overstated, especially in a metropolis like Mexico City. With a population of about 9 million in the city proper and over 21 million in the greater metropolitan area, the urban forest plays a crucial role in combating air pollution, reducing flooding, and providing green spaces. These benefits are particularly significant given the city's location in the Valley of Mexico, which can trap pollutants, and its history of being built on the bed of Lake Texcoco, contributing to flooding issues.
Hernández's activism extends beyond The Tree Army. A decade ago, he founded Los Supercivicos, a social media campaign addressing community issues through humor and satire. This experience has informed his approach to environmental activism, combining direct action with engaging online content.
The Tree Army's methods involve physically removing concrete from tree roots, confronting businesses and individuals responsible for tree damage, and educating the public about proper tree care. While the core group remains small, Hernández often recruits bystanders to participate in their actions, fostering community engagement.
However, the group's work is not without challenges. Hernández reports facing threats and opposition, but he approaches these encounters with humor and sees them as opportunities for education.
Urban tree expert María Toledo Garibaldi from the National Institute of Ecology (INECOL) commends The Tree Army's efforts, highlighting the need for clearer regulations and a comprehensive urban forest management plan in Mexico City.
As Mexico City continues to grapple with environmental challenges, including sinking at a rate of up to 30 cm per year in some areas due to groundwater extraction, initiatives like The Tree Army play a crucial role in preserving and enhancing the urban ecosystem. By protecting trees one at a time, Hernández and his followers are contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for one of the world's largest metropolitan areas.
