Ibri citizen fights mesquite menace

To chec the spread o mesquite trees and raise awareness o the

importance o weeding out these small leguminous trees or the protection o green covers, an Ibri resident has made it a mission to get rid o the harmul trees rom his wilayat.

Mohammed Saeed al Hinai said he started alone to destroy mesquite trees in the wilayat o Ibri in Dhirah governorate.

“I have succeeded in removing over 80 trees so ar. I cut down and burn the pestilent shrubs and trees, that endanger vegetation in the immediate surrounding, oten acing the challenges o strong winds.”

The initiative aims to get rid o all mesquite trees and spread awareness o its impact on the soil and environment as a whole. He also aims to encourage community members to plant wild trees, spread environmental

awareness in the community and motivate young people to participate in voluntary wors or envi

ronment protection.

Hinai described the species as a “menace that threatens indigenous lora, competing or water and soil nutrients”. Leaves o mesquite shrubs and trees contain a toxic substance, and the thorns cause serious injuries to human beings.

According to Hinai, mesquite pollen has been identiied as a

respiratory allergen, and consumption o the pods by animals leads to teeth decay. The shrubs and trees also aect soil salinity, he added. Taling about the challenges Hinai said lac o equip

ment and prevalent o snaes pose major challenges during the removal o those trees. “But with determination, patience and documenting the place where the mesquite trees were located, I was able to overcome it.”

Hinai has also been distributing wild plant saplings since 018 so that they can not only replace the harmul trees, but can also

help in the protection o soil, while ensuring the green cover in the sultanate. “I have started a small nursery at home and till now I have successully grown 7,000 saplings,” he added.