Photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), Sharjah’s initiative to protect the environment by planting trees in every house and government offices took a giant leap as the authority successfully completed its two programmes aimed at furthering the cause.

The EPAA has completed the implementation of the “Tree Planting in Governmental Institutions and Departments” programme and the “Tree in Every House” programme, both of which are initiatives to distribute seedlings to government agencies and residents.

The authority distributed 4,700 seedlings during November and December, of which 2,500 went to six government departments, and 2,200 seedlings to 528 houses in nine suburbs of Sharjah.

EPAA Chairperson Hana Saif Al Suwaidi said, “This initiative was met with interaction, appreciation and approval from all parties, bodies and residents, and we are encouraged by this response. The initiative highlights the importance and value of native plants, and the need to increase green areas in the emirate of Sharjah.”

 Hana Saif Al Suwaidi added, “The programme saw teams distribute Al Ghaf seedlings to government institutions of the emirate in a bid to develop local agriculture. The employees were able to decide where they will plant the seedlings, at home or at work. The Environment and Protected Areas Authority aims to contribute to the education of all members of society about the importance of local plants, and initiatives such as this are part of our mission to do so.”

The idea of a “Tree in Every House” programme was focused on plantation of various local trees and its distribution to the residents of the emirate of Sharjah and its suburbs. The programme began at the beginning of November and continued until mid-December, with 2,200 seedlings distributed to Al Ghaf, Sedr, Samar, Arak, Shuo,’ and Al Markh, in cooperation with Districts and Villages Affairs Department.

A total of 2,500 seedlings were distributed to six governmental bodies, authorities and institutions in Sharjah, namely Sharjah Airport, Al Batayeh Municipality, Districts and Villages Affairs Department, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority “Shurooq,” Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, and Sharjah Museums Authority.

The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah seeks to protect the environment, natural reserves, wildlife and their biodiversity through scientific studies and research.