RAS AL KHAIMAH - Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) concluded the year 2022 with its annual tree planting campaign “For Our Emirates We Plant”.

This significant event took place on 17.12.22 under the patronage of Engr. Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Bin Saqr Al-Qasimi, member of the Executive Council of the Government of Ras Al-Khaimah and Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation.

It witnessed the participation of more than 1,200 people from the academic sector, the corporate sector, the government entities and the society at large. They collectively planted 3,023 native saplings of Samar trees in Al Munai Area south of Ras Al Khaimah.

The tree planting began early in the morning in the presence of the patron who said: “I am very appreciative towards EEG for conducting their tree planting annually in this special Bee Reserve. When I see all the people gathered here today; children, parents, families, companies amongst others, it fills my heart with much joy.

‘’My dream of educating the people in this country of the importance of honey bees and providing these precious creatures with a habitat to thrive is coming into fruition. As our children grow, they must do so with a positive attitude and with a profound respect towards nature and all the creatures that live within. We must set examples for them to follow, therefore, these events are great examples of how we can ensure that future.”

Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Co-founder and Chairperson of EEG, said “These urban afforestation programmes in addition to providing a habitat for the local bees, insects and other native species, they also act as a natural carbon sink; which will contribute to the mitigation of carbon emissions in the UAE and help accelerate the progress towards achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals particularly Goal #13.”

She continued “Since the inception of this campaign in 2007, EEG has planted a total of 2,114,318 trees across the UAE including the ones being planted today. These trees are sequestering 12,467 MT of CO2 emissions annually which is equivalent to removing 2,657 cars off the road for one year. This year, a total of 9,069 trees have been planted in UAE and next year, we will aim to plant more.”

She emphasised on the fact that all the plants planted this year are a direct result of the efforts of different stakeholders from individuals and students to corporations and government entities, the afforestation project shows the cumulative efforts of the community.

These trees planted were either adopted by corporate organisations or earned by various entities who actively participated in EEG’s recycling projects.

‘’The trees were earned and planted by representatives of 182 companies, 62 schools, and 209 families. EEG would like to extend its appreciation to entities that provided support to make this event successful including Environment & Protected Areas Authority, Aster Volunteers, Tetra Pak, Al Ain Water, Delmonte and Almarai. These vital co-operations and collaborations are key to ensuring sustainable and effective partnerships. EEG would like to thank Engr. Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Bin Saqr Al-Qasimi for his active participation and unwavering support to EEG’s urban afforestation programme.''