The Man Who Planted Trees
The article stated names, dates, and locations, supporting the incredible deed with plenty of hard data. It was such an amazing accomplishment, that I immediately sought to learn more about it.
Unfortunately, when I researched it further, it turned out to be a mistake. One that many people have made, by the way.
Time passes. The young man is sent to fight in WWI, but years later he returns to the region and finds it pleasantly changed. He also finds again the old shepherd, who’s now a beekeeper, but still planting acorns wherever he went.
In 1987, an animated short film by Canadian animator Frederic Back brought Jean Giono’s story to life, presenting it to a younger and greater audience.
Unfortunately, when I researched it further, it turned out to be a mistake. One that many people have made, by the way.
In fact, it's a fiction short story written by French writer Jean Giono back in 1953, ‘The Man Who Planted Trees’. However, his first-person recount is so vivid in details, that many people took it as a true story.
Alas, it’s not.
However, 'The Man Who Planted Trees’ is perhaps one of the best uses of fiction to ignite a cause and popularize an idea. It acts as a parable, with many possible morals to it.
This tale tells the story of a young hiker who travels through a desolate alpine region in Provence.
Alas, it’s not.
However, 'The Man Who Planted Trees’ is perhaps one of the best uses of fiction to ignite a cause and popularize an idea. It acts as a parable, with many possible morals to it.
This tale tells the story of a young hiker who travels through a desolate alpine region in Provence.
In his failed search for water, he finds a village of coal-makers, inhabited by hostile, despairing people. Unwilling to stay there, he continues his trek and finds a lone shepherd who gives him shelter for the night. Before they retire to sleep, the young man sees the shepherd (Elzéard Bouffier) carefully selecting and preparing a bag of acorns.
Next day, the young man joins him to the hills with his sheep and sees him planting acorns wherever he went. Then the shepherd explains him his plan. His quiet confidence and his impossible task intrigue the young man, spending several days in his congenial company before retaking his solitary journey.
Time passes. The young man is sent to fight in WWI, but years later he returns to the region and finds it pleasantly changed. He also finds again the old shepherd, who’s now a beekeeper, but still planting acorns wherever he went.
From this second visit, the young man returns every year, witnessing the amazing changes that Elzéard Bouffier’s humble but persistent action have caused in the region.
The desolate hills are now covered with forests, the once dry river now gurgles lively in its old riverbed, birds, bees and other animals return to populate the now verdant extensions, and the desolated village now vibrates with optimism and new life.
In 1987, an animated short film by Canadian animator Frederic Back brought Jean Giono’s story to life, presenting it to a younger and greater audience.
The short was nominated and won an Academy Award due to the artistry of its hand-drawn animation.
Although written over half a century ago, this story is more relevant than ever, not only due to its ecological theme but also as a story of empowerment, eliciting in each reader a different conclusion.
"The Man Who Planted Trees" Short Film (30':00")
Although written over half a century ago, this story is more relevant than ever, not only due to its ecological theme but also as a story of empowerment, eliciting in each reader a different conclusion.
About how a simple, small action done constantly over time can actually have a big impact in our lives. Of the importance of perseverance. Of how one simple person can alter the course of events through consistent action. Of the relativity of time in the larger scheme of things. Of the importance of always keeping a perspective and seeing the bigger picture in our actions. Of the relationship between man and nature. On how we are the makers of our own miracles - and many more.
Jean Giono himself stated that he had written the story to encourage people to plant trees.
Jean Giono himself stated that he had written the story to encourage people to plant trees.
A pacificist, Giono declined royalties from the sale of this book, distributed it free copies, and granted its free rights to anyone who wanted to distribute it or translate it. To read the full text of this inspiring story in English, go to: http://www.pinetum.org/GionoUK.htm
But if Jean Giono’s story is a fiction, there have been real examples of ‘Elzéard Bouffiers’, simple men and women who decided to take action and fight against deforestation with their own hands. And just as in Jean Giono’s story, these men and women succeeded in their goal through sheer perseverance, one seed and one tree at a time.
For instance, in India, Jadav Payeng decided to plant trees in the region where he lived in order to fight famine and desertification.
But if Jean Giono’s story is a fiction, there have been real examples of ‘Elzéard Bouffiers’, simple men and women who decided to take action and fight against deforestation with their own hands. And just as in Jean Giono’s story, these men and women succeeded in their goal through sheer perseverance, one seed and one tree at a time.
For instance, in India, Jadav Payeng decided to plant trees in the region where he lived in order to fight famine and desertification.
In 1979, Jadav was a seventeen-year-old that strived to collect water and find food for him and his family. Both were scarce commodities in the area where he lived, a nearly desertic region often scourged by floods and scorching temperatures.
Decided to do something about this, Jadev decided to plant a sapling every day. His elders and the community leaders denied him help, convinced of his failure, but he insisted. In the end the local authorities relented, giving him some bamboos and roots to plant, and he got himself many more on his own.
Nowadays, the area where he planted these trees is full of life, encompassing 1360 acres, an area that grows larger every year.
In Africa, Wangari Maathai also started a veritable revolution in her native Kenya.
Jadav Payeng - The Man Who Planted a Forest (2:33")
In Africa, Wangari Maathai also started a veritable revolution in her native Kenya.
Faced by the constant woes of women in rural areas deploring the lack of water and food, she decided to recruit these same village women to plant trees.
Their humble action was seen as a provocation and condemned by the Kenyan government. But in the end, Wangari’s crusade prevailed and the Green Belt movement now extends through thousands of acres in several African countries.
Her reforestation efforts have provided sustenance to thousands of families, preventing famine, fighting growing desertification, the loss of natural species and the expansion of the greenhouse effect.
If you think that planting trees is not an endeavor you can pursue, think again! It might be as easy as a click of your mouse, with the Ecosia search engine.
Since 2009, Ecosia donates 80% of their surplus profit to finance reforestation projects in diverse locations around the world, such as Madagascar, Tanzania, Peru, etc.
Taking Root - The Vision of Wangari Maathai (2:59")
If you think that planting trees is not an endeavor you can pursue, think again! It might be as easy as a click of your mouse, with the Ecosia search engine.
Since 2009, Ecosia donates 80% of their surplus profit to finance reforestation projects in diverse locations around the world, such as Madagascar, Tanzania, Peru, etc.
The initiative not only helps to fight global pollution, helps stops the advance of the desert and restores the water cycle, but it also brings much-needed prosperity to poor rural areas, creating jobs, diminishing famine and thus helping to fight our biggest socio-ecological challenges nowadays.
How can you help? Simply use Ecosia on your web searches - every search adds a new planted tree. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
We may not be Elzeard Bouffard, but no one is too small or too old, too wealthy or poor to plant a tree and care for it.
How can you help? Simply use Ecosia on your web searches - every search adds a new planted tree. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
It can be done in a pot or a garden, nearly all year round. All you need is a bit of dirt, a seed, some water and the will to put hands to work. With just a little care and persistence, the miracle will not take long to surge.
"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces,
I would still plant my apple tree today."
- Martin Luther King Jr.
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