Reflecting on the beauty of the International Day of Forests, celebrated on March 21, we are inspired by the synergy between our collective search for climate solutions and the passionate work of people such as Valéria Lapa, a partner of the Crossroads Collective. His journey, marked by significant contributions to organizations and collectives operating in the Amazon, reveals the power to unite organizational development with tangible and practical environmental projects.
The vision we have in Crossroads Collective is multifaceted and systemic. We believe that promoting robust, resilient and regenerative ecosystems goes hand in hand with a broader strategy to contain the existential threat of climate change and the impact of a fossil fuel-based economy and excessive consumption. Although Bill Gates wisely points out that planting trees alone will not solve the crisis, his role in our environmental mosaic is undeniable. They serve as natural sentinels that maintain a healthy environment while offering essential resources and sanctuary to countless species, including us. We are set to be smarter than nature, in a technology-driven future, and the pinnacle of arrogance in the face of something so undeniably brilliant. Recognize that the forest operates without US should fill us with admiration, not insecurity and the need to be more.
Valeria’s unique opportunities in the works and experiences with forest peoples resonated deeply with our goals. From empowering local communities to fostering biodiversity, each project has served as a crucial thread in the vibrant mosaic of forest conservation. Now, with the Crossroads Collective, Valeria strives to weave these threads into a more expansive narrative that celebrates both our natural heritage and our unwavering commitment to environmental management. This approach is aligned with all the experts of our Brazilian and international collective.
While trees may not be the miraculous solution in our fight against global warming, their value transcends the carbon cycle. They are pillars of the community, beacons of biodiversity and crucial allies in our adaptation to a changing world. They mitigate heat in urban landscapes, purify our air and remain silent testimonies of the beauty of our natural world.
As the world reflects on the importance of forests, we invite you to consider our role in this intricate ecosystem as participants, like any other species. Whether by supporting sustainable forestry practices, advocating for policies that lead to zero emissions, or simply sharing the deep history of the impact of a forest on our lives, we are all part of this story.
Another example is embedded in the phrase “shinrin-yoku”. Sistered by the Japanese government in 1982, it translates as “forest bath”. It encourages people to immerse themselves in nature, walking slowly through the forests and experiencing the atmosphere with all their senses. The practice of forest bathing has been associated with reducing stress, improved health and a deeper connection with the natural world.
Let us honor the legacy of those who walked the forest paths before us and take inspired actions to create a world where the environment does not need to be protected and the climate is not something we fight with. A future where the paths of humanity’s innovation and the wisdom of nature converge to create a sustainable world for all.
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