Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA) organized an afforestation campaign in the Al Muntather Reserve, located in Al-Batayeh area, this morning, Thursday 21^st January. The initiative targeted Authority’s employees across all of its branches, as well as employees from government, private, and voluntary organisations, and was met with inordinate approval from all attendees.

Emphasis on social responsibility

Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, said, “The afforestation campaign for Al Muntather Reserve is an initiative aimed at embodying the visions and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, regarding the preservation of wild areas and their biodiversity. The campaign set out to achieve an emphasis on social responsibility in preserving these environments and encouraging local agriculture as a positive social and recreational activity.”

Her Excellency expressed her thanks and appreciation for EPAA’s efforts, along with the efforts of all institutions and authorities involved. These include Al Batayeh Municipality,Sharjah Police General Directorate, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Bee’ah environmental management company, and the Emirates Scouts Commission. H.E pointed out that campaigns such as this would not be possible without the collaboration of these strategic partners.

Several events and activities

The campaign included several events and activities for all of the attendees to participate in, starting with registration and the distribution of ID cards. Participants then enjoyed the opportunity to plant Al Ghaf and Sedr seedlings in their allocated space located in the Al Muntather Reserve. In line with measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, participants adhered to social distancing and all wore masks and gloves.

EPAA has previously organized many similar campaigns which promote the importance of environment and wilderness preservation, with a mission to instil an environmental culture in the hearts of all residents and citizens. Its efforts to do so is in line with its mission to contribute to protecting the environment, and initiatives such as today’s afforestation campaign fall in line with this.

Al Muntather Reserve, which was born in 2007, is distinguished by its desert nature, and the abundance of trees, pastures and wild plants in it. The reserve is considered an ideal environment for birds and certain wild animals such as Arabian Oryx. The reserve is located on Sharjah Maleiha Road, and covers an area of 9 square kilometres. It is home to over one and a quarter million Al Ghaf and Sedr trees and is considered an integrated reserve with its trees and wild plants.