A Todo Pulmón seeks "Giants of the Earth"

A Todo Pulmón Paraguay Respira, an environmental organization, is calling on citizens to nominate Paraguay's most iconic trees for the 15th "Colosos de la Tierra" (Giants of the Earth) campaign. The initiative aims not only to identify the country's largest trees but also to encourage communities to share the stories and significance of trees that are integral to their families, neighborhoods, and cities.

Nominations can be submitted through the organization's website, atodopulmon.org, with the deadline set for August 12. Following the nomination period, traditional expeditions and caravans will traverse the country throughout September to identify the finalist trees. The grand awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in October.

This year's "Colosos de la Tierra" features several categories. The "Largest Tree in Paraguay" award is for native species measuring at least 20 meters in height or 3 meters in circumference in both the Eastern and Western Regions. A special recognition, "Largest Tree in Protected Wild Areas," honors native giants within national parks and SINASIP reserves. The "Tree in My Community" category focuses on the historical, cultural, and sentimental value a tree holds for its local residents, regardless of its size.

Additionally, the "Tree in My School" award engages students and educators by recognizing trees that provide shade and support growth in registered educational institutions. A "Best Nature Photograph" category is also included, encouraging unedited, AI-free submissions where the natural landscape of Paraguay is the absolute protagonist. "Beyond finding the largest tree, the campaign seeks to raise awareness about the importance of protecting these giants that guarantee life and biodiversity," stated the organization.

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Beyond finding the largest tree, the campaign seeks to raise awareness about the importance of protecting these giants that guarantee life and biodiversity.