Pupils replant ghaf saplings

Dubai:  As part of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) environmental drive aimed at making the UAE greener, representatives from Unilever Middle East and North Africa together with the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) and children from the Jebel Ali Primary School, re-planted ghaf tree saplings, giving them a permanent home in the free zone area this week.

On Earth Day, April 22, 2009, employees of Unilever in Dubai had planted the saplings which are now ready to be taken out of their pots and permanently planted within the Jafza premises.

The campaign is part of a wider CSR environmental initiative called ‘Go Green' launched by Unilever in 2008.

Commenting on the initiative Mohammad Saeed, Managing Director Unilever Gulf, said: "Environmental sustainability is a long-term agenda for Unilever globally. While the core focus of our CSR activities is addressed via our expertise in nutrition and hygiene, addressing the environment is considered as equally critical by us."

Ghaf trees were chosen for this campaign because they are indigenous to this region and have been an integral part of the history of this land. As a tree that provides shelter, shade, food and medicine, the ghaf is much loved locally and is unofficially considered UAE's national tree.

Equally responsible

Pat McGillycuddy, COO of Economic Zones World, Jafza's parent company, said: "Jafza has always been driven to improve the quality of life of not just its employees and tenants but also of the citizens and residents of this country.

"Corporate social responsibility towards the environment should be a daily practice and something we have been increasingly adopting in our operations worldwide. Economic Zones World is involved in numerous sustainable projects around the world.

"In addition to starting day-to-day energy saving measures, Jafza houses green warehouses and Leed-certified green buildings and has undertaken planting greenery in various parts of the Free Zone. "

Dr Sandra Knuteson, Assistant Professor in the Environmental Science BS Programme of the American University of Sharjah, stated, "I am happy to see sustainable/environmental efforts like these here in the UAE. It is important to incorporate local species, like the ghaf tree, in landscaping, to enhance their conservation efforts.

"Getting children to consider sustainability ... helps instil a sense of environmental stewardship in the [different] populations living in the UAE."