The English College, one of the most sought-after British schools in Dubai, has partnered with the UAE’s Storey Group,which is spearheading the One Billion Tree-Planting Initiative (OBTI), to become the first school to seed a mangrove forest in the country. The initiative brought together The English College students, parents and teachers to successfully complete the two-month campaign,which resulted in a new1,000 mangrove forest being planted in the Jebel Ali Reserve.
“This is a milestone in The English College mission to meet its sustainability agenda and seed a broader Global Youth Forest initiative,” said Mark Ford, Principal, The English College. “The initiative was an exciting opportunity for us to engage collaboratively in a programme that will impact positively on our environment for years and generations to come.”
The initiative won the support of The English College Parents’ Council Sustainability Committee which has praised OBTI for its collaborative stimulus.
“It has been fantastic to see both parents, teachers and students work together with a common purpose and passion,” said Martin Murdoch, Parent Governor, The English College.“This specific initiative provides long lasting environmental benefits within the UAE and as a parent I’m grateful that my children had the opportunity to take part and recognize the importance of sustainability.”
The English College students will now track their mangroves’ progress using the OBTI EcoMatcher app, which enables them to ‘chat’ to their mangroves and the reserve operator, and monitor the forest’s carbon sequestration over the next decade.
“It has been inspiring to see the dedication of students, parents and teachers to make this happen,” said Karen Storey, CEO, The Storey Group and OBTI founder.“OBTIaligns with the Dubai 2040 plan that sets out the vision for a greener emirate with brands such as P&G, Caterpillar, L’Oreal, Equinox, BD, Johnson & Johnson, and United Arab Bank joining the initiative to plant mangroves within the UAE and other forests globally.”