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.
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