Ghaf trees planted in the desert

Plantation took place in a desert area protected and managed by the National Avian Research Centre (NARC) at Sweihan, Abu Dhabi.

Provision of saplings, pit digging, fencing, and help during and after plantation were supplied courtesy of Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (Forestry Department - Al Ain), while the planting event itself was generously hosted by NARC.

Joining in the plantation activity were Canon Middle East (a EWS - WWF Corporate Club member), Ogilvy One (Ghaf Campaign partner), students from the College of Agriculture, UAE University, Al Ain and NARC staff. About were 10 saplings were planted at the special request, and on behalf of, Sabban Property investments, also a Corporate Club member of EWS-WWF.

"With threats to ghaf and other native trees of the UAE mounting, we are concerned with, not only planting more of these, but protecting naturally growing groves that are integral to desert life. We would like to see each one of the country's indigenous tree species legally protected as national symbols of our heritage, culture and environmental sustainability," said Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Director EWS-WWF.

Save the Ghaf Tree Campaign has been running since December 2006 to promote awareness about ghaf among UAE residents while calling upon them to resister their support for naming the tree as a national symbol. As many as 3,515 votes in favour were received (as of November 1, 2007) on the website www.savetheghaftree.org, developed especially for the campaign.

To champion the ghaf campaign cause, an additional 50 ghaf saplings will be planted by the Environment & Protected Areas Authority on a future date in the Desert Park, Sharjah.