“Give a Ghaf” Tree Planting Programme

Ecoventure Field Studies, in partnership with Goumbook, a regional environmental website and directory of environmentally-conscious businesses and initiatives, has recently launched the "Give a Ghaf" Tree Planting Programme at the Al Awadi Field Studies Centre, located in the Northern Emirates.

The Ghaf (Prosopis cineraria) is the national tree of the U.A.E, and can be found growing on low sand dunes. According to the Emirates Wildlife Society-WWF, mounting developmental and demographic pressures are contributing to the tree's decline as Ghaf woodlands are being cleared and groundwater over-extracted; depriving the trees of the little water they need to survive. The Ghaf is a multipurpose tree of arid lands that is even considered a solution to desertification.

All students who visit our centre are given the opportunity to plant a Ghaf Tree seed in the ‘Ghaf Tree Nursery.’ When the trees will be big enough, Goumbook and Ecoventure, in association with the UAE Environment and Protected Areas Authority, will donate them to parks, schools or urban areas where natural shade and greenery are needed.

Businesses and the public can also donate trees by visiting the website: http://www.goumbook.com/give-a-ghaf