The Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA) launched a new initiative called ‘Loved by Zayed’, to raise awareness of environmental degradation in desert areas. Through providing the community with seedings of the Al Ghaf tree, the initiative aims to spread a culture of afforestation and support a program of sustainability within the UAE.
The initiative, set to last until the end of this year, aligns with the vision of the Strategic Environment Authority in raising awareness of the national value of the Al Ghaf tree, which is considered a symbol of giving and steadfastness and admired by the late, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Al Ghaf tree, national and environmental stature and value
HE Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, said: “The announcement of the initiative was made in a way that reflects the state’s orientations, and is a translation of what His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, confirms regarding the importance of educating the public on issues of afforestation, specifically the Al Ghaf tree, which occupies an important place in Emirati society.
Her Excellency added: “The Al Ghaf tree is also considered one of the perennial trees in the UAE, and it has great importance because of its national and environmental status and value. The Al Ghaf trees witnessed a meeting of the rulers of the Emirates to exchange conversations with the people and it had a great position in the heart of the founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – may God rest his soul – and possesses features that make it an environmentally supportive tree, as Al Ghaf trees play a major role in improving atmospheric nitrogen in the soil.
It constitutes about 30% of the forests in UAE
Al Ghaf trees constitute about 30% of the forests in UAE and play a key role in the sustainability strategy, due to the advantages they have, such as acting as windbreaks on the roadside and stabilizers of the moving sand dunes.
The EPAA has published an advertisement with information for those wishing to participate in the initiative. Further information can be requested by calling the Natural History and Botanical Museum History. The opening hours are 9 am to 1 pm.
The Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority seeks to protect the environment, natural reserves, wildlife and their biological diversity by conducting scientific studies and research and implementing measures for pollution control. In addition the Authority seeks to increase awareness by educating individuals on the principles of sustainable development that could help preserve natural environmental resources, beneficial for the use and purpose of study among future generations.