Alfonso Martínez, Secretary of the Environment in the State, admitted that despite efforts to plant trees in different areas, there is a deficit of green spaces in the metropolitan area of Monterrey. During the presentation of the new program "We Help, We Plant, and We Care", he mentioned that more than 600,000 trees have been planted so far, but the goal by the end of the administration is to reach 1 million.
A study conducted by the World Resources Institute in the urban area of Monterrey found that the lack of trees causes high temperatures, as seen in the municipalities of García and Escobedo. Martínez indicated that the program aims to provide environmental education, involving children from Nuevo León in the adoption of trees alongside their families, so they can learn about the diversity of species in the region. It also seeks for families to plant trees at home to improve air quality, reduce electricity consumption, and maintain a pleasant temperature in the spaces.
In the first phase, about 50,000 families will benefit from this program. Martínez emphasized the importance of reforestation in reducing temperature, citing that areas with more vegetation recorded cooler temperatures compared to those with sparse tree cover. Another objective of the program is to inspire and educate children to build a sustainable future and mitigate the effects of extreme heat.
Martínez announced that the program "We Help, We Plant, and We Care" is developed from "Citizen Forests," through which more than 658,000 trees have been planted in the urban area and in the Sierra of the Cumbres de Monterrey National Park. Participating families will be registered on a platform to track the growth of the trees. Before receiving them, they will receive training on the necessary care for each species, including Colorrín, Palo Blanco, Oak, Pino Bravo, Ebony, Tronador, and Willow.
