Children lead the way at Plantation Week in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Manar Al Mustafa gingerly placed a sapling in the soil, her face beaming with excitement.

"I normally go the field behind our house in Bani Yas and water the trees there. But today was the first time I have planted a tree myself, and it has been a wholly enjoyable experience," the 10-year-old pupil of Al Noor School told Gulf News.

Manar was one of dozens of children attending a slew of activities in the capital organised as part of the 32nd Plantation Week, which focuses on raising awareness about plant conservation and sustainability efforts.

The week of activities, which will run in the capital's Khalifa Park until Thursday, is being organised by the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City.

In addition to models of farms that depict irrigation methods and farming processes, visitors can also see the largest natural UAE flag, which has been made of plants and flowers spread over 250 square metres. A model of a traditional market and the benefits of organic produce will also be discussed.

"The municipality is keen to increase the expanse of greenery in the capital. We hope that this edition of the Plantation Week will encourage communities to participate in the planting of trees, and instil a culture of environmental preservation," said Khalifa Mohammad Al Mazroui, general manager at the municipality.

Spreading awareness

Agricultural experts, including Hussain Galib, a greenhouse and marketing coordinator at UAE University, are also spreading awareness about better farming practices during Plantation Week.

"We want to tell farmers to plant date palms at least six to eight metres apart, as this amount of space will allow them to detect any signs of the red palm weevils early on and protect the trees from being infested," Ghalib told Gulf News.