The Emirates Environmental Group, EEG, has continued its quest of increasing sustainable green spaces within the UAE under its slogan, 'Together, We Plant', one of the four constituents under the umbrella of the 'For Our Emirates, We Plant' project.

In collaboration with Sumitomo Rubber Middle East, the EEG planted a total of 65 indigenous saplings at the Gems New Millennium School and Dovecote Green Primary School. Upon maturation - in 5-7 years - the trees will be able to mitigate approximately 0.50 CO2 emissions annually. The tree planting programme was headed by EEG’s Chairwoman, Habiba Al Mar’ashi, who was accompanied by the management of Sumitomo Rubber Middle East along with the principal, faculty and the students.

Al Mar’ashi said that the initiative is a platform to build awareness and appreciation of trees, particularly among the student community.

The hands-on tree planting enables students to understand the importance and lasting benefits to the environment and instils in them the sense of responsibility, she continued. "The planted trees not only engage the youth and communities in learning about their local environment, but it also improves air quality, creates healthier outdoor spaces and restores urban habitats for wildlife, thus advancing global reforestation and intercultural awareness," the EEG Chairwoman concluded.