"Ghaf of Zayed" Initiative by Psychology Department Students
Tuesday, Nov 19, 2024
As part of the Psychology Department’s efforts to promote environmental and cultural awareness among students and the community, the department’s students have launched the "Ghaf of Zayed" initiative. This initiative aims to highlight the significance of the Ghaf tree as a symbol of the UAE’s environment and culture while fostering sustainability and nature conservation.
Objectives of the Initiative
Promoting Environmental Awareness: Highlighting the role of the Ghaf tree in the UAE’s ecosystem, including its impact on combating desertification and providing shelter for various organisms.
Encouraging Planting Practices: Offering a practical and enjoyable experience of planting through a complete agricultural kit.
Preserving Cultural Heritage: Educating students and the community about the historical and cultural significance of the Ghaf tree in the UAE.
Supporting Sustainability: Promoting environmental responsibility aligned with the UAE’s vision for sustainable development.
Components of the Initiative
The "Ghaf of Zayed" initiative includes a comprehensive planting kit featuring:
Ghaf seeds: Carefully sourced from local providers.
Specialized soil: To ensure healthy growth of the tree.
Planting pot: Made from sustainable materials.
Detailed instructions: Step-by-step guidelines for planting and caring for the tree.
QR code: Providing access to historical and cultural information about the Ghaf tree, including its environmental and cultural importance in the UAE.
Implementation Steps
Distribution of Planting Kits: Students distributed the "Ghaf of Zayed" kits to their peers, as well as members of the faculty and administrative staff.
Workshops and Awareness Sessions: Practical sessions were conducted to teach participants how to plant and care for the Ghaf tree.
Community Engagement: Participants were encouraged to share photos of their planting experiences on digital platforms to foster engagement.
Environmental and Cultural Significance of the Ghaf Tree
Environmental Significance:
Resilience against desertification.
Enhances soil fertility.
Provides shelter for various organisms.
Purifies air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
Cultural Significance:
A symbol of resilience and strength in desert environments.
Traditionally used as a gathering place for tribal meetings and discussions.
Represented the UAE’s Year of Tolerance in 2019.
Expected Outcomes
Increased awareness among students and the community about the importance of planting and environmental conservation.
Support for national efforts in achieving sustainable development goals.
Encouraging teamwork and collective efforts among students and the community to promote positive environmental practices.
Conclusion
The "Ghaf of Zayed" initiative serves as a living example of the intersection between cultural values and environmental efforts. By involving students and the community, the initiative aims to establish a culture of sustainability and preserve the natural heritage of the UAE.
Prepared by:
Students of the Psychology Department
Supervised by:
Dr. Shaima Basha
