The first great promise of the New Year began with EEG conducting their first tree planting event on January 24. Fifteen trees were planted in Al-Sa'ada school for basic education in Dubai, sponsored by Union Properties, in continuation of the Million Tree campaign launched by the Group in 2007, and under the aegis of UNEP's Billion Tree Campaign.

The Group also planted 7 trees in the Dubai Autism Centre sponsored by Atkins Global, surpassing its target by planting more than 1,614,555 of indigenous trees throughout the country.

Students and teachers in Al-Sa'ada school accompanied by EEG's chairperson participated with much enthusiasm in the tree planting event. They all enjoyed contributing towards the discussion about the importance of planting trees and increasing green spaces throughout the country.

Member of the Executive Committee, Sara Baker, was present to assist the children of Dubai Autism Centre where 7 trees were planted in the centre's grounds. She expressed her happiness to see the children partake so enthusiastically in the cultivation of trees.

EEG opted to start this year's campaign with Dubai Autism Centre, whose maiden activities for this crusade drew smiles on the faces of the children, and bought them a sense of community.

The Group noted that after the failure of the Copenhagen Conference it has become even more important to pay attention to environmental efforts against global warming and desertification, and that if it was difficult to agree on the reduction of harmful emissions resulting from industrial development, it is necessary to resort to tree planting and enhancing green areas to act as carbon sinks.

The benefits of tree planting are immense, one tree can on average, absorb 12 kg of carbon dioxide and release enough oxygen for a family of four in a year. Furthermore, a single tree can absorb the carbon produced by a car travelling a distance of 26 thousand miles per year and one hectare of trees can absorb 6 tons of carbon dioxide per year. EEG's (One Million Tree) campaign is aiming at joining the global efforts to deal with climate change and global warming, as well as to support the national strategy of the Government of the State to preserve and protect our ecosystems.

EEG is working through this campaign to encourage the planting of indigenous trees which can grow in harsh desert conditions, bear high temperatures and overcome the scarcity of water. They are also an integral part of our national heritage associated with this land, strengthening the cause for the campaign.

The group continues in the implementation of this campaign in 2010 as part of its support for the Billion Tree Campaign of the United Nations Environment Program, and encourages companies to contribute to these environmental and community programmes. The group always welcomes the involvement of companies in support of these environmental campaigns to protect the environment of the UAE and its ecosystems

Source:www.ameinfo.com

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