MOCCAE Engages Female Students in Planting Native Trees at Wadi Wurayah National Park.

Fujairah: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Education, Emirates Nature-WWF, and the Fujairah Environment Authority, organized an event at Wadi Wurayah National Park where female students participated in planting several native tree species. According to Emirates News Agency, the event is part of the 'Plant the Emirates' National Programme, which supports the UAE's agricultural development initiatives. This programme aims to enhance sustainable national food security, foster partnerships with the private sector, and increase green spaces across the UAE. The programme includes various events to educate community members on agricultural practices and engage them in the food production system. Hajar Bakhit Alketbi, Director of Government Communications at MOCCAE, stated that the event aligns with the programme's objectives to involve all society segments in enhancing national food security. Alketbi emphasized the importance of familiarizing femal e students with local tree species and teaching them planting techniques. She noted that these skills could be instrumental in fostering afforestation activities and sharing knowledge within communities. Hessa Al Awadhi, Director of Talent and Innovation at the Ministry of Education, highlighted the ministry's commitment to raising awareness of agriculture's importance among students. Dr. Ali Al Hamoudi, Manager of Wadi Wurayah National Park, reaffirmed the Fujairah Environment Authority's dedication to collaborating with society to achieve the programme's goals. Arabella Willing from Emirates Nature-WWF praised the collaborative effort in the event, which forms part of their Leaders of Change programme. This initiative engages youth in nature restoration and conservation activities. Thirty female students from Al Marefaa C2 Girls School participated in planting seedlings of Ghaf, Sidr, Samar, and Moringa trees. They learned about the life cycles and care of these species as well as their future uses. Wad i Wurayah National Park, located in the Hajar Mountain range, is known for its unique biodiversity and geological formations. The park spans 220 square kilometers and is the UAE's only location where the native orchid is found. It serves as a sanctuary for rare species and is a significant site for ornithologists with 94 endangered bird species recorded. Recent surveys indicate that it hosts a majority of the UAE's wild dragonfly species.