School mitigation plan for risks posed by large trees

Abstract

This report-style article arose from a school diagnostic study conducted as part of the V Integrative Component of the Natural Sciences program at UNAN-Managua/CUR-Matagalpa, as a final course project. The study aimed to identify vulnerabilities at the Rubén Darío school, highlighting the need to address the danger posed by large trees. The data collection consisted of an observation guide and argumentative matrix to prioritize the problem and propose a classroom project as a solution. The purpose was to ensure compliance with the school safety plan mandated by the Ministry of Education (MINED) for educational activities, demonstrating commitment to the environment, ecological balance, and the protection of human life. The study identified that Guanacaste, Cenízaro, and Madroño trees were posing a danger, as they were in areas central to pavilions and classrooms, since their age and morphology presented a threat to school safety, with potential risks including falling branches onto roofs, lightning strikes, and cracks in walls due to exposed roots. Performing careful maintenance with specialists ensures proper and sustainable management of oversized trees, therefore, a project was designed to evaluate the potential dangers of said trees and obtain authorization grants from pertinent institutions for their pruning and cutting, assessing the risks and caring for the trees, while preserving the environment. In addition, periodic evaluation of the trees was conducted, thereby reducing associated risks, and enabling the activation of school emergency response teams.