Media ININ Economy We Trust
September 24
The Ghaf tree has a special place among the people of the Emirates, due to its environmental value, its many benefits, and its association with the country’s identity and heritage. Therefore, the Emirates has paid great attention to it and launched many initiatives that have contributed to preserving it and increasing its numbers.
Ghaf trees cover large areas of the land of the Emirates, bearing witness to the interest of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, and his deep love for nature, his keen interest in protecting and preserving the environment, his encouragement and support for agriculture, and the expansion of spreading the green area, as The founding father was interested in planting trees in general, and ghaf in particular, and issued directives prohibiting their cutting in all the emirates of the country. He also ordered the planting of new forests.
Ghaf trees are distinguished by their ease of reproduction, rapid growth, and adaptation to the surrounding environmental atmosphere, as their roots go deep into the soil over long distances. They are also distinguished by their ability to withstand drought and absorb water from 20 meters below the surface of the earth.
These trees are a wealth of many benefits, the most important of which is combating desertification, as they tolerate high salinity, weather fluctuations, and winds. They are suitable for planting in sandy soil. They are also used to plant trees in streets, roads, and public parks, which decorate them and give them a sophisticated aesthetic character.
Regarding its environmental benefits as well; The Ghaf tree works to reduce carbon emissions by absorbing them, thus helping to reduce the effects of climate change. It also contributes to improving air quality, as a Ghaf tree that is up to 10 years old can sequester about 34.65 kilograms of carbon dioxide annually.
The “National Sustainability” campaign, which was recently launched to coincide with preparations for the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which will be held during the period from November 30 to December 12 of this year in Expo City Dubai, reviews the UAE’s initiatives in preserving… On Ghaf trees, the campaign allocated a special focus to the “reserve” to highlight national success stories in the field of environmental protection and biodiversity, through a set of joint initiatives and innovative solutions.
The campaign aims to spread awareness about environmental sustainability issues, encourage community participation, and support national strategies related to climate action in order to achieve a positive impact on individuals’ behavior and responsibilities, leading to an environmentally conscious society.
The media campaign covers several axes, most notably “The Legacy of the Founding Father,” which highlights the approach and legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, in the field of sustainability, and the “Climate Action Champions” axis, which aims to highlight individual contributions to innovative initiatives in The field of climate action to build a more sustainable society, and the theme of “The Path to Achieving Climate Neutrality,” which reviews the UAE’s efforts to confront climate change in order to achieve the goals of climate neutrality.
National tree
The Ghaf tree was declared the national tree of the UAE in 2008. This choice is due to the amazing ability of this tree to adapt perfectly to the desert environment of the country. It is a tree that tolerates drought and can remain green even in harsh desert environments, in addition to its importance to humans. And animals and to maintain the balance of the environment as well.
In 2019, the Ghaf tree was chosen to be the emblem of the Year of Tolerance in the UAE, due to the great connotations that the tree carries as it is one of the original trees, and is linked to the popular and environmental heritage and Emirati authenticity. It is a symbol of steadfastness in the desert and a witness to ancient customs.
National awareness campaigns
Many government and private agencies in the UAE have launched national campaigns to protect Ghaf trees, which included environmental awareness initiatives for all segments of society, in addition to organizing environmental competitions and distributing posters and leaflets about the importance of the Ghaf tree and how to preserve it. These campaigns aimed to protect this tree from the threat of extinction, in recognition of its value and importance in protecting the UAE’s environment, its contribution to combating desertification, and the people of the region’s connection to it since ancient times.
Local authorities in the country take strict measures against those who cut down Ghaf trees, in accordance with Federal Law No. 24 of 1999, which prohibits cutting, uprooting, or collecting wild plants illegally.
Many government agencies in the country have launched national campaigns to protect Ghaf trees, such as projects to number Ghaf trees in the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah, in addition to planting Ghaf trees in the Al Muntashir Forest Belt Reserve in Sharjah.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, in accordance with Cabinet Resolution No. 18 of 2018 regarding the cultivation of local plants and the preservation of nature, also launched the “Grass” website, which aims to encourage the public to grow local plants, and other initiatives and efforts at the UAE level to protect ghaf trees from… Where it is grown in nurseries and used in afforestation and rehabilitation.
Environmental benefits
Ghaf trees play an integral role in the food chain in the ecosystem in the UAE, as their flowers, fruits, leaves, branches and roots are resources and habitats for a variety of endemic plants and animals, making them an essential species on which many species depend. Many birds also build their nests in them, and bees harvest nectar. Its flowers produce high-quality honey.
Ghaf trees have shrubby and trellis plants that grow on them, and their shade provides a favorable climate for many animals in the summer heat. Ghaf trees are considered one of the richest trees in terms of the benefits that desert residents benefited from. They used their wood as fuel and material for construction and furniture, and took shelter in their lush shade. Due to the importance of this tree from an environmental standpoint, the Ghaf Nizwa Reserve was established for it in Dubai, and it is distinguished
