Consumers can help bring back Ghaf trees
Environmental campaign offers to plant 20,000 Ghaf seeds to save trees
Dubai: A new eco campaign is encouraging people to make household purchases that will help bring back the endangered Ghaf tree in the UAE.
For every Procter & Gamble (P&G) item purchased at Carrefour in the UAE, P&G says it will plant a Ghaf seed with a target of 20,000 seeds to be ultimately planted across the country.
“As a brand that stands for a better tomorrow, Procter & Gamble saw an opportunity to make a difference to the UAE’s environment and help restore the Ghaf tree to its former glory by giving residents a chance to do the same. This July, P&G is partnering with the Give a Ghaf Tree Planting Programme by Goumbook, Carrefour and you the consumer for its ‘Leave Your Mark’ campaign,” said P&G in a statement on Thursday.
The firm noted that Ghaf trees are not as abundant as they were once across the UAE desert given a high rate of development and other human pressures.
Ghaf trees are a hardy species and survive harsh, arid conditions in the dunes by sinking roots extremely deep into the earth to reach water aquifers ordinary plants can’t source.
“Naturally, Ghaf trees provide a valuable ecosystem to all — including the production of food and water, the provision of shade in a desert climate, and support for nutrient cycles and crop pollination, and cultural, spiritual and recreational benefits. It is a well-known fact that all trees provide oxygen, but the Ghaf tree can also provide shade for other smaller plants, and shelter and food for desert animals. Preservation of the Ghaf tree will enable us to offset our carbon footprint in the UAE, and also to preserve the rich heritage and culture that is attached to the tree,” the firm said.
The company said it will host an event at JA Jebel Ali Beach Hotel on August 2 to attempt a Guinness World Record attempt for the most seeds planted in one hour.
“The target is 20,000 seeds — these will be replanted in a mosaic to show the likeness of the Year of Zayed logo when viewed from above, as a tribute to the Father of the Nation and his vision of a greener future for us all,” the firm said.
