Save your own forests first!
On the 3rd May 2005, 3 large holes were dug in our orphanage, we call "The Sanctuary", measuring 2 x 2 metres wide and 1 metre deep, with the aid of one of the many JCB diggers found all over the island.

We thought it necessary to use locally available machinery rather than investing in expensive specialist imports, in order that we could move trees anywhere on the island. Also through the hire of equipment (rather than purchase), administrative and overhead costs could be kept to a minimum, employing machinery and labour only when needed. 

The market for olive trees, like many other things in the Turkish Cypriot Community, is uncertain and expensive investment was not a sensible option.

After a few formalities, a road building company, under our supervision, removed the first tree.

With the Sanctuary just one kilometre away from the construction site, we tied the first tree onto the front part of JCB 3CX and drove slowly down the road, escorted by two vehicles; one in front, the other behind. The other two trees were later loaded vertically onto a low-bed truck.

Wide media coverage of our new venture followed and with it came enquiries from potential customers. All that remained now was to find and convince local builders to offer us their unwanted trees. (this story is to be continued).