Sharjah 24: The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah has concluded the sixth edition of “Al Ghaf, the Sustainable Tree” Initiative under the slogan “Al-Ghaf is in my Environment” with 126 private and public schools participating in cooperation with the Emirates Foundation for School Education. EPAA also announced the winning schools from the Kindergarten stage, Primary and Intermediate stage schools and secondary education schools.

Inculcate Values of Positive Environmental Behaviour
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, said: “The initiative aims to contribute to spreading a culture of environmental awareness among school students, and highlight the importance of preserving Al Ghaf tree and its benefits in the local environment. Our general goal, which falls under a set of objectives, is to educate and provide students with information about the various types of evergreen perennial trees in the region, including the Al Ghaf trees that inhabit the local environment. We want to educate these students on the vital role that these trees play in human and animal life, and on their important environmental wealth in the emirates.”

Al Suwaidi continued: "The initiative contributes to embodying the visions and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, regarding preserving the natural environment and emphasizing social responsibility in doing so. This is in addition to promoting a culture of environmental sustainability and awareness, and encouraging positive behaviors which benefit the environment.”

Within its strategic objectives and its important role in spreading and instilling a culture of environmental awareness among members of society and the generation of students, EPAA has consistently launched and implemented educational environmental programs and initiatives. The “Al Ghaf, the Sustainable Tree” Initiative is now in its sixth edition and the slogan of this year’s initiative is “Al-Ghaf is in my Environment”. The initiative was held in line with all precautionary measures applied by the government. 

Implementing an interactive, awareness and educational activity plan
Despite the current exceptional circumstances enforcing many students to learn remotely at home, schools and students have excelled in this year’s initiative. 126 public and private schools took part from various emirates and regions of the country, and implemented a plan of interactive and educational activities about the Al Ghaf trees. One example is the many kindergarten children who planted Al Ghaf seedlings in their homes and schools’ yards, and activities included virtual educational lessons, workshops, educational videos, article writing, and art workshops drawing and coloring the Al Ghaf trees.

Winning Schools
The judging of the competition began in late March, where the participants’ program activities were judged based on specific criteria according to their academic stages, with first and second place winners selected from each academic stage. The results were as follows: 

In kindergartens, Al Baraim Kindergarten came in first place, and Al Qarayen Kindergarten came in second place.

Basic Education, Cycle 1: Rumaitha’a Al Ansariya School for Basic Education won first place, while Ethen School for Basic Education won the second place.

Basic Education, Cycle Two: Al-Dhait School for Basic Education C2 came in first place, while Umm Al Alala’a School for Basic Education C2 came in second place. 

Secondary education: Aisha Bint Abibaker School C3 came in first place, while Al Itqan School for Cycle 1 & 2 and Secondary Education came in second place.

The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah seeks to protect the environment and its natural reserves, wildlife and their biodiversity through scientific studies and research. The authority publishes educational awareness material, implements policies for environmental awareness and programs, and launches specialized campaigns in the field of environmental awareness and education.