G I V E A G H A F U n i t e d A r a b E m i r a t e s

P r o g r e s s r e p o r t

2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6

TYPE

Ecosystem regeneration

LOCAL PARTNER

Goumbook organisation

PARTICIPANTS

Volunteers, students, AccorHotels partners

MAIN THEMES

- Preserving ecosystems by planting native Ghaf trees

- Depolluting soils and air near waste treatment areas

- Enhancing environmental awareness and culture

STATUS JUNE 2016

3,330 Ghaf trees

OBJECTIVES

Plantation of 4,500 Ghaf trees in 2016

R e g e n e r a t i n g e c o s y s t e m s a n d r a i s i n g e n v i r o n m e n t a l a w a r e n e s s

S U M M A R Y

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P R O G R E S S R E P O R T 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6

P R O J E C T D E S I G N

A C T I V I T I E S & M O N I T O R I N G

N E X T S T E P S

P I C T U R E S

S t a r t i n g w i t h D u b a i , t h e p r o j e c t a m b i t i o n s t o c o v e r a l l t h e E m i r a t e s

L O C A T I O N

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The project aims to afforest denuded

areas across the United Arab

Emirates.

During the first plantation wave, Ghaf

trees were planted in Dubai only :

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

(DDCR), Dubai Investment Park, four

different landfills and a hotel

compound.

The second wave took place in

Sharjah (Girl Guides Camp), Ras Al

Khaimah (Marjan Island), Abu Dhabi

and Dubai Emirates.

The project aims to find new sites for

forthcoming plantations.

D e s p i t e k e y r o l e i n n a t i o n a l c u l t u r e , n a t i v e G h a f t r e e s a r e b e i n g r e p l a c e d b y e x o t i c s p e c i e s

S P E C I F I C C O N T E X T

ENVIRONMENTAL

− In a region with extreme weather conditions,

native flora and fauna play an important role in

balancing ecosystems

− Ghaf tree is one of the few native trees naturally

adapted to grow in the harsh desert

− Key role in providing habitat for a large variety of

species: birds, small reptiles and grazers are

present in great numbers within afforested areas

− Yet, it is being replaced by exotic species (planted

for beautification purposes), which are very water-

consuming

Ghaf trees are magnets of biodiversity in an otherwise barren environment

SOCIETAL

− Great potential for raising environmental awareness, in a country where environmental protection and conservation

is not a priority

− Educating the public about the native Ghaf trees and their values encourages the plantation of indigenous trees

rather than exotic species

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R e i n t r o d u c e G h a f t r e e s t o e n h a n c e n a t i o n a l e n v i r o n m e n t a l a w a r e n e s s a n d a c t i o n

P R O J E C T O B J E C T I V E S

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− Regenerate native ecosystems by planting Ghaf trees to

replace exotic and non-native species

− Depollution of nearby landfills and other degraded areas

− Ghaf extensive roots system contribute to fixing dunes,

preventing sand propagation on roads and in built-up areas

− Potential of reducing noise

− Raise awareness on environmental issues

− Preserve the Ghaf’s aesthetical and cultural significance

and encourage its conservation

ECOSYSTEMS

URBAN AREAS

AWARENESS

The project is unique in its kind, with no other comparable initiative taking place in the UAE

G o u m b o o k o r g a n i s a t i o n a i m s t o s p r e a d t h e g r e e n w a v e t h r o u g h o u t t h e E m i r a t e s

L O C A L P A R T N E R

− Not-for-profit organization aiming at raising

awareness on sustainability and green

living.

− The Give a Ghaf planting program started

in 2010 and joined AccorHotels’ Plant for

the Planet program in 2014. Through the

partnership, the Give a Ghaf project moved

from seedling propagation to tree

plantation.

− 3 highly motivated volunteers dedicated to

Give a Ghaf project : the team has created

valuable connections with two

environmental engineers with extensive

work experience in Nature Reserves,

Conservation Area management, and

Landscaping, enhancing the team’s

knowledge on planting and maintenance

techniques.

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Before planting trees, Give a Ghaf team was

involved in seedling propagation, undertaking

experiments and sharing knowledge with

experienced third parties (conservation

managers, local inhabitants etc.).

Starting with a 10% survival rate, the team

now achieves over 50% in nursery.

KEY LEARNINGS

− Seeds grow best when placed in sand

without fertilizers or enrichment.

− Seed from wild Ghafs produce better

seedlings compared to « domesticated »

Ghafs subjected to irrigation

S E E D L I N G P R O D U C T I O N

− Wild Ghaf seeds are sourced from nature reserves, and the surplus seeds are stocked in the fridge until plantation

− Filtering Ghaf seeds is necessary prior to sowing in order to sort out the best seeds. This is done by decantation in

water : viable seeds will sink while bad or rotten seeds will tend to float.

Al Barari tree nursery has been hosting Goumbook seedlings since 2010

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G o u m b o o k o r g a n i s a t i o n h a s d e v e l o p e d e x p e r t i s e i n G h a f s e e d l i n g p r o d u c t i o n

T h r e e d i f f e r e n t m o d e l s : l i n e , g r i d , l a n d s c a p e

P L A N T A T I O N M O D E L S

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Ghaf plantations follow three different models: line

(fencing), grid and landscape.

The most common models were line and grid and

were overall well respected even though the spacing

was sometimes below optimal distance (4 meters).

Closer attention is now paid to the spacing with

spacing recommendations included in the short

briefing to outside planters.

The landscape model was applied in the desert

reserve. This model follows natural patterns of wild

Ghaf forests (by GPS tracking individual trees) and

reproduce the spacing between trees in the plantation

area. From an ecological point of view the model is

optimal, but it is labour, time and skill intensive.

In summary, plantation quality varied between sites

but was overall of a good standard.

Ghaf plantation from the 2015 plantation wave

following the grid model

Ghaf plantation in the Dubai Desert Conservation reserve,

reproducing a natural growth pattern

I r r i g a t i o n i s e s s e n t i a l t o r e d u c e m o r t a l i t y r i s k s

I R R I G A T I O N S Y S T E M S

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Ghaf trees require constant irrigation in the first

years after plantation until the roots reach the

ground water.

→ Assuring a reliable irrigation system, together

with regular check-ups are thus essential.

The water used for irrigation comes from either

treated sewage water or is directly drawn from the

ground. In some area, such as in the desert

reserve, the wells drawing the ground water are

solar-powered to reduce environmental impacts.

The installation of irrigation system can be water

intensive. Water consumption is however minimal

compared to the water requirements of many exotic

species.

Irrigation system implemented in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Ground water can be as deep as 40 meters below surface.

P R O G R E S S R E P O R T 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6

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P R O J E C T D E S I G N

A C T I V I T I E S & M O N I T O R I N G

N E X T S T E P S

P I C T U R E S

E i g h t p l a n t a t i o n e v e n t s i n D u b a i

2 0 1 4 / 2 0 1 5 P L A N T A T I O N S

On private sites (DDCR, Dubai Investment Park), plantations were carried

out by skilled and professional teams employed by the receiving party.

On municipal landfills, trees were mainly planted by volunteer helpers and

AccorHotels staff. Give a Ghaf provided additional training before

delivering the plants. Planting event at Warsan landfill (Feb 2015)

After one negative experience at one plantation site, where plastic pots and bags were discarded on the road site,

Give a Ghaf now commits to write a reminder email prior to delivery to insist on the proper disposal of plastics and

avoid environmental pollution.

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Date Location # trees

August 2014 Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) 1000

February 2015 Warsan Landfill 100

May 2015 Jebel Ali Landfill 200

May 2015 Sofitel The Palm Hotel 5

Sept. – October 2015 Dubai Investment Park 500

October 2015 Al Qusais Landfill 400

December 2015 Tadweer landfill 300

Simran Vedvyas is the founder and

chairperson of SynergY, a youth advocacy

group that aims at educating and supporting

citizens, especially students, to take action for

health, the environment, education and

welfare.

At 17 years old only, she was nominated as the

Young Achiever of the Emirates Woman

Woman Of The Year Awards 2015 and has

attended more than 60 conferences throughout

the world.

Simran took part in all the landfill plantation

events in 2015, as part of a campaign aiming

at planting 1,000 Ghaf trees in Dubai

Municipality with Goumbook and AccorHotels.

S I M R A N V E D V Y A S A P P O I N T E D Y O U T H A M B A S S A D O R O F T H E C A M P A I G N

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“The Ghaf, also known as the ‘tree of the dunes’ and a solution to desertification, is

facing extinction due to rapid urbanization and SynergY is trying to reverse this process

by conservation and planting.” Simran Vedvyas

Her many honours and awards brought significant media attention on these events and helped shed light on the

importance of Ghaf trees to ecosystem balance and depollution.

E n c o u r a g i n g m o r t a l i t y r a t e s g i v e n e x t r e m e c o n d i t i o n s

2 0 1 4 / 2 0 1 5 P L A N T A T I O N S

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# PLANNED TREES 2000

# PLANTED TREES 2500

TOTAL PLANTED AREA / LINES 2,28 ha

1267 meters

# SPECIES PLANTED AND MAIN USAGE 1 species : Prosopis cineraria

Beautification, depollution, ecosystem regeneration, cultural impacts

MORTALITY RATE

(Monitoring 1) 37%

Given the extreme conditions, a mortality rate of 37% is acceptable, especially for a first wave.

In particular in nature reserves, grazers such as oryx and gazelles can increase the mortality rates of seedlings.

However in areas where grazers are present, the seedlings were fitted with a protective cage.

In plantations where the highest mortality has been noticed, rates were explained by manipulation and technical

purposes, i.e. trees planted by children, as part of an educational event.

Mortality can therefore be alleviated in future similar planting events.

Regarding living trees, the Ghaf has been declared the national tree of the UAE and as such is under the protection

from the government. It is now illegal to cut down a Ghaf tree. Trees planted as part of the project are therefore

guaranteed to be left standing in the long-term.

F o u r p l a n t a t i o n s e v e n t s i n t h r e e n e w E m i r a t e s

2 0 1 6 P L A N T A T I O N S

STATUS JUNE 2016

825 trees – the remaining of the 4,500 trees will be planted in

the cooler months between September and December.

The Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve as well as Dubai

Investment Park have both agreed to plant large quantities of

Ghaf trees (1,000 to 2,000 individuals).

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Ghaf plantation regularly take place within the DDCR.

Next plantation is expected to scale-up the number of trees

planted.

Date Location # trees

March 2016 Girl Guides Camp, Sharjah 130

March 2016 Marjan Hotel, Ras Al Khaimah 70

May 2016 Telal Reserve, Al Ain 300

June 2016 DDCR, Dubai 325

T r i a l o f i n n o v a t i v e w a t e r - e f f i c i e n t t e c h n o l o g y

I R R I G A T I O N S Y S T E M S

In 2016 several innovative methods have been introduced

to reduce water consumption and the need for irrigation

altogether: cocooning and a device called ‘Groasis

Waterboxx’.

Designed by Pieter Hoff, the Groasis waterboxx is a 20-

inch by 10-inch box that serves as an incubator to help

trees survive through the initial part of their growing cycle.

The impact of such methods on tree survival rates needs

to be closely followed up and if proven successful

encouraged across the whole project.

The device captures rainwater and condensation to help

plants grow without additional irrigation in arid regions.

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A f e w m o n t h s a f t e r p l a n t a t i o n , G h a f t r e e s h a d p r o m o t e d t h e e s t a b l i s h m e n t o f a w h o l e g r e e n e c o s y s t e m

S T O R I E S

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In 2015, the project planted 1,000 Ghaf trees in

landfills owned by the Dubai municipality.

The Ghaf seedlings attracted birds carrying

seeds in their intestines and the irrigation system

promoted their germination.

At the time of the visit only a few month after

plantation, a miniature forest of Ghafs and other

plants had sprouted out of the soil where there

was only wasteland and compacted sand before.

At this early stage the other plants are not

harmful to the Ghaf seedlings. On the contrary,

the vegetation is beneficial to the seedlings by

retaining moisture and by providing additional

protection. Once grown, the Ghaf trees will

contribute to the depollution of the area.

The Ghaf plantation has transformed the barren wasteland of the landfill into a

green landscape

P R O G R E S S R E P O R T 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6

P R O J E C T D E S I G N

A C T I V I T I E S & M O N I T O R I N G

N E X T S T E P S

P I C T U R E S

A C H I E V E M E N T S & A R E A S O F I M P R O V E M E N T

The dissipation of environmental knowledge to the public is a valuable attribute

of the project. During plantation events, participants gain a new understanding

of the native ecosystem whilst assimilating the project’s long-term benefits.

The integration of direct beneficiaries could be drastically increased if Ghaf

trees were planted on agricultural lands. The city of Al Ain is well-known for its

agricultural practices and represents an option for forthcoming plantations.

The DDCR is conducting independent research on the effects of grazers on

desert vegetation. Results of such studies could have interesting implications

for future plantations. Additional support from university and scientific institution

are recommended to strengthen the knowledge and broaden the reach in terms

of knowledge creation and dissemination.

ASSIMILATION

INTEGRATION

RESEARCH

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P E R S P E C T I V E S

An interesting perspective for 2016 and 2017 planting waves is the potential

to plant Ghaf trees with farmers in Al Ain, known for its agricultural practices

with large scale farms dominating the landscape.

→ Ideal setting for reintroducing the Ghaf tree on farms.

→ Farmers are usually wealthy, nonetheless reintroducing the Ghaf tree on

farms will have cultural and environmental benefits.

The manager of the current nursery is very favourable towards the project

but the place for Give a Ghaf seedlings is not guaranteed in the long-term,

as they need more space to grow their own seedlings.

→ Directly planting seeds into the sand will be explored as an alternative

solution due to satisfying tests.

Several meetings have taken place between the organizers of the World

Expo and Give a Ghaf team. The progress of this venture is waiting for the

definite urbanization plan – the areas for landscaping are not yet defined.

→ High visibility opportunity.

TARGET

AGRICULTURAL

LANDS

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

SEEDLING

PRODUCTION

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P R O G R E S S R E P O R T 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6

P R O J E C T D E S I G N

A C T I V I T I E S & M O N I T O R I N G

N E X T S T E P S

P I C T U R E S

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Al Barari tree nursery, currently providing space for Give a Ghaf seedling production.

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Direct seed planting experiment: first tests show encouraging germination results and will be

conducted again to assess its relevance for the project.

Plantation event in Warsan landfill (2015) with volunteer helpers and AccorHotels staff.

The Warsan landfill plantation event enabled to plant 100 of the 1,000 Ghaf trees planted with Simran Vedvyas

within the Plant for the Planet program.

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AccorHotels organised in May 2015 a special event to plant 5 Ghaf trees in Sofitel The Palm’s garden.

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The Ghaf plantation has transformed the barren wasteland of the landfill into a green landscape.

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Birds and other animals have been spotted in greater numbers in afforested areas.

Until Ghaf trees are grown enough, they are surrounded by a protective cage.

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Ghaf plantation in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, reproducing a natural growth pattern.