Land clearance for developmental projects Many Ghaf trees among others are ruthlessly chopped down to make way for modern projects in the desert.

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2 The Ghaf Tree An indigenous species, specifically of the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia, the Ghaf is a drought tolerant, evergreen tree which is, possibly, the sturdiest plant of the harsh desert environment In the UAE, it can be seen growing on low sand dunes mostly in the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. In the local language, there are many affectionate names given to the Ghaf. As a sapling, it's known as 'haddeb', 'nashwa' as a young tree. And only after it has grown to become a sturdy tree is it called Ghaf'. Many have shown their love for their tree by naming their children after the tree - Ghafa, Ghafan, Ghuafa and Buhadoub. In fact in the UAE, the great Sheikh Zayed, founder of the UAE, even passed a law forbidding the cutting of Ghaf trees. 2

3 Heritage Arab people and the Ghaf go a long way back to when the Bedouins led a nomadic existence in the desert. As the generous provider of shelter, shade, food and medicine for both man and animal, the Ghaf was treated as a member of the Bedouin family, loved, cherished and highly respected. The presence of Ghaf in an area indicates that there is water underground. The tree taps water stored deep in the sand, its roots penetrating as deep as 30 meters to access it. Thus, Ghaf is able to withstand very low rainfall and still stay green Its wood provided fuel and timber while its leaves were fodder for livestock. These leaves and pods even became a regular ingredient in the Bedouins salads. The Bedouins also enjoyed the high quality honey that the bees made from Ghaf. The Ghaf also often played doctor due to its numerous medicinal qualities, which are famously known to cure everything from dysentery to leucoderma. No one better appreciated the tree's value to Arab culture and heritage than the late president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a true conservationist. Besides preserving existing natural vegetation, Sheikh Zayed undertook extensive plantations, including Ghaf and other native species, in both private reserves and the open desert. 3

4 Benefits Ghaf trees help in the fixation of sand dunes, as well as blocking the wind, and they also help in nitrogen fixing in the soil, which increases its fertility. They also produce oxygen and reduce the levels of carbon dioxide in the air. In general, trees.. Manufacture 5 pounds of pure oxygen per day. Consume CO2 to fight the Greenhouse Effect that threatens our survival. Provide the cooling equivalent of 10 room-sized air conditioning units. Reduce fossil fuels used for heating & cooling. Collect pollutants from the air. Reduce noise pollution. Produce homes for birds and small animals. Enrich surrounding soil. Prevent soil erosion. 4

5 Dangers Excessive water extraction Ground water is the major source of water for the Ghaf which it needs to sustain itself. Unfortunately, ground water is also required to sustain urban development. This has led to excessive water extraction, which causes the groundwater to drop lower than the Ghaf roots are able to reach, which is deeper than the 30 meters the roots can extend to. Over lopping The wood of the Ghaf tree is perfect for fuel during a campfire or a barbecue and is among the few trees accessible in the desert. This has led to the mindless lopping of hundreds of trees every year. Land clearance for developmental projects Many Ghaf trees among others are ruthlessly chopped down to make way for modern projects in the desert. Overgrazing With fewer and fewer trees available to feed the ravenous mouths of livestock and wildlife, the load on each tree is getting heavier and heavier, resulting in the death of the tree. In some places, the Ghaf has been completely eradicated without even a chance of regeneration. 5

6 Conservation Efforts The Give a Ghaf Tree Planting Programme was initiated by Goumbook to raise public awareness about the Ghaf tree and its values, while encouraging people to plant indigenous trees and save water. 6

7 The Give a Ghaf program Only 1 out of 5,000 seeds becomes a tree in the wild. The program was launched in 2011 Seeds planted Sor far over 16,000 seeds have been donated Success rate We have achieved an incredible 45% success rate! 7

8 How does it work? 8

9 Partners 9

10 Goumbook's desire is to create a new global community is focused on environmental responsibility, uniting environmental experts, organizations, businesses and consumers from the Middle East and North Africa: We all live on the same planet, and unlike almost any other movement, environmentalism is proving to be a worthy mutual goal, one truly transcending borders, cultures and people in the MENA region and beyond. Preserving and protecting our planet may prove to be what actually links us together - Tatiana Antonelli Abella 10