It is an exhibition that is described as a “mini forest” and it aims to teach people just how important trees really are. Until September 8, it can be visited at the busy Largo da Pontinha square in Faro.
Promoted by Fundação “la Caixa” and BPI, the exhibition aims to answer questions like “how does a tree work?” and “what are the uses of wood?” but also provide in-depth explanations to the reasons why trees keep the planet – and humanity – alive.
“Portugal has a very rich tree population, but it is not always treated well. The country has a problem in the way it manages its forest and wildfires. Getting to know how forests work is, in our point of view, a good way of helping prevent these tragedies,” said José Pena Amaral, administrator of the executive commission of BPI’s administration board.
As Faro mayor Rogério Bacalhau pointed out, “this is an issue that is in the spotlight today for good and bad reasons.”
“We only have one planet and everyone has to gain some sensibility towards it. We hope that here in Faro our youngsters and adults as well can learn and become more attentive regarding their actions,” he said.
The exhibition is divided into three parts: one focusing on the “hierarchy of life”; the second on the constitution of trees and the last on how forests have been used by humanity and what role they play in present times.
Paulo Magalhães, the exhibition’s curator, hopes that people who visit the exhibition will leave with a new-found appreciation for trees.
He said: “We want people to understand how much we need trees and the impact they have on our lives”.
The exhibition, entitled ‘A Floresta: Muito mais do que madeira’ (The Forest: Much more than wood) was inaugurated on July 10 and will stay open until September 8. Admission is free.
Original article by Maria Simiris for Barlavento newspaper.
