Emirates Environmental Group Plants 2,135,601 Native Trees Across UAE
Dubai, UAE: The “For Our Emirates We Plant” programme has reached a significant milestone, celebrating a series of impactful planting drives across Abu Dhabi and Sharjah in October as part of the ‘Adopt a Tree’ Campaign. This programme stands as a testament to the collective commitment to fostering a greener future for the Emirates.
Under the visionary leadership of EEG’s Co-Founder and Chairperson, Mrs. Habiba Al Mar’ashi, this programme has once again demonstrated the immense power of community engagement. It has successfully united environmental advocates from diverse sectors throughout the UAE, reinforcing the belief that collaborative action can drive meaningful change.
In her address at the beginning of the tree planting activity, Mrs. Al Mar’ashi expressed heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable support received from key partners, including the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), Al Shahama Municipality. She also expressed her deep appreciation to the effective contribution of Abu Dhabi Terminals and Innoventures. Both the tree planting activities were enriched by the active participation of volunteers from ISS Relocations, McDonald’s UAE and Mohammed Bin Zayed University which was instrumental in the successful undertaking of this big project.
Mrs. Al Mar’ashi also underscored the critical importance of collective action in addressing pressing environmental and sustainability challenges. “Since the programme’s inception a total of 2,135,601 indigenous trees have been pledged and planted, resulting in a collective reduction of 173,518 metric tons of CO2 emissions since the inception of the programme 2007. Our current efforts will serve as a legacy for future generations, nurturing a sustainable future for the Emirates,” she stated. This powerful message resonated with the audience, highlighting the significance of their participation in this vital cause.
The event attracted a strong participation of people from government and private entities, academic institutions, families, students and esteemed VIPs such as Mr. Hmeid Al Dar’ei the Director of the Al Shahama Municipality, Mr. Issa Sweiden, CEO of Abu Dhabi Terminals, Ms. Poonam Bhojani CEO of Innoventures Education, senior representatives from Environment and Protected Areas Authority and Sharjah Municipality. This wide-ranging support and participation across sectors illustrates the growing awareness and commitment to environmental sustainability within the UAE.
During the planting event, dedicated volunteers, motivated by a shared vision of sustainability, planted a total of 5,001 saplings of indigenous Ghaf trees across both sites. With proper care, these trees are projected to mature in 3-5 years, significantly helping to mitigate 29.49 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalence from the atmosphere annually. This substantial contribution is crucial in the fight against climate change and supports the UAE’s broader environmental objectives.
EEG’s consistent efforts since the beginning of this year have yielded remarkable results, significantly contributing to the UAE’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience. Volunteers from diverse backgrounds have united to plant thousands of native trees, enhancing green spaces and fostering a healthier ecosystem. Their collective efforts have helped beautify the landscape and support biodiversity and improve the air quality.
The “For Our Emirates We Plant” aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s ambitious Net Zero target by 2050 initiative, spearheading a national drive towards achieving net-zero emissions while prioritising sustainability in economic development. Furthermore, it supports the “Plant the Emirates” national strategy, which was announced recently by the government to promote the planting of native species to bolster biodiversity and restore natural habitats. As part of this campaign, EEG continues to champion biodiversity conservation and the restoration of ecosystems for the local wildlife to thrive.
Moving forward, EEG remains steadfast in its commitment to enhance and expand sustainable green spaces and creat vital carbon sinks throughout the UAE. The organisation also reaffirms its commitment to the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration by planning to plant more native trees nationwide. This alignment with international efforts illustrates EEG’s dedication to global environmental goals.
EEG’s commitment to tree planting as a pivotal climate action strategy is further underscored by its active involvement in international discussions on environmental preservation, including clear pledges made at COP 28 regarding forests and agriculture. Ongoing plans to expand tree-planting efforts aim to foster a greener UAE for future generations.
Mrs. Al Mar’ashi emphasised that these initiatives will help tackle climate challenges and enrich the country’s natural landscape. Such collective efforts illustrate the profound impact of community involvement in driving positive environmental change and inspire others to join in the cause.
The Emirates Environmental Group remains resolute in its commitment to engage local communities and stakeholders, ensuring the continued success of its environmental initiatives. The group invites everyone to join in the efforts towards a sustainable future, emphasising that each individual’s contribution is vital in building a resilient and thriving environment for generations to come. Together, through commitment and collaboration, the vision of a greener Emirates can become a reality.
About Emirates Environmental Group (EEG):
EEG is a professional working group established in 1991 in the United Arab Emirates. It is devoted to protecting the environment through education, action programmes, and community involvement. EEG is actively encouraged and supported by concerned local and federal government agencies. It is the 1st environmental NGO in the world to be ISO 14001 certified and the only organisation in the UAE accredited to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
EEG is a member of the UN Global Compact, the Global Urban Development (GUD), and the Global Investors for Sustainable Alliance (GISD). It is also a member of the One Planet Network under the Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) programme and its Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee (MAC) and Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML). EEG is a full Member (voting) of the World Packaging Organisation (WPO).
