Deforestation is a growing problem across the globe as humans are cutting down trees, and forest fires are occurring at an alarming rate. The earth is unable to sustain itself and produce the regrowth required for a balanced ecosystem. Consequently, additional initiatives are necessary due to the severe loss of the earth’s vegetation.
The nation of Thailand is aiming to fix damages caused by the impact of large industries and land being used for agriculture and livestock. Thailand officials had been reminded of the concept of seed bombing. Seed bombing is a concept that originated from a Japanese farmer.
The ancient practice of “tsuchidango” or “earth dumpling,” now referred to as seed bombing, was discovered in the 20th century. Masanobu Fukuoka, a farmer, also known as an advocate of “Do Nothing Farming,” propagated the idea. The earliest known record of seed bombing goes back to 1930 when planes were used to reforest certain areas in the mountains of Honolulu.
Thailand officials fancied the idea and believed seed bombing was a viable solution. Their answer to deforestation was wrapped in a mixture of earth, clay, and compost, to facilitate germination. The government put together a five-year plan implementing a reforestation pilot project, with the aid of the Thai military.
The first mission was in May of 2019, in the forested region of Phitsanulok, in lower northern Thailand. The government used military transport planes to release a series of “seed bombs.” These seed bombs consisted of pits and germs from native plants being dropped from the sky, like a bomb into degraded forests and vegetation.
The reforestation from the air will be monitored and evaluated by Environmental Specialists, with expectations of positive results. As the missions continue throughout the year of 2019, this new technique expects the seed bombs to aid in the planting of thousands of trees. As a result of using the plane, approximately 950,000 trees can be planted in a day.
The Thai people anticipate the recovery of their degraded forests and yearn to re-green their country again. Dropping seed bombs from planes is not the only effective way. Humans can collect seeds and kernels and wrap them up in clay, dirt, and leaves. Once completed, throw it into an area which is lacking trees or green space.
Perhaps one should consider this as a future goal. Go for a walk, play in the dirt, pick up seeds, and throw them around.
