2024-01-21 22:22:20
Environmental specialists have warned against pruning Ghaf trees in random and unscientific ways, stressing that this tree is considered one of the original cultural resources that has lived through the history of the Emirates.
They reported that the Ghaf tree is environmentally friendly and adapts to the country’s climate. It defies humidity, drought and heat, and contributes to enhancing the environmental and aesthetic aspect of cities. It also preserves popular heritage. Because of its social and environmental importance.
This came after a number of concerned authorities in the emirates of the country launched campaigns concerned with how to prune Ghaf trees, with the aim of enhancing the participation of community members in preserving the environmental and aesthetic aspect of the country’s cities.
Environment components
A number of specialists confirmed to Al-Bayan that Ghaf trees are a component of the desert environment in the Emirates, and play an important role in the environmental balance. They are also characterized by their strength to withstand all conditions surrounding the desert environment.
It is noteworthy that the municipality of the Al Ain region announced last December the launch of the “Pruning Ghaf Trees” campaign, which will continue until this January, noting the necessity of adhering to the specified period for pruning Ghaf trees, and using only the “khaseen – small axe” tool in the pruning process.
The municipality revealed the most important guidelines for pruning Ghaf trees, which are not to allow pruning on main streets and sides of walkways, and that the pruning percentage should not exceed 20% of the tree’s branches, and that pruning should be in secondary branches of trees, and avoid cutting the main branches of trees, and that pruning should be uniform. Regular from all sides of the secondary branches to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the tree.
For his part, Dr. Ibrahim Ali Mohammed, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirati Friends of the Environment Society, warned against not adhering to the instructions of all concerned authorities in the country not to cut and prune Ghaf trees in a random manner, stressing the necessity of the pruning process to be carried out without harming the body of the tree, which is an important part of the environment. Desert ecosystem.
He added that such purposeful campaigns contribute to reviving authentic practices that fall within the scope of the popular heritage of the UAE, in an organized manner, away from the unjust cutting of trees that harms the environment and poses a threat to the survival of certain types of trees, of which Ghaf is considered one of the most important.
For his part, Dr. Abdullah Al-Hamad, a member of the Board of Directors of the Emirati Friends of the Environment Society, stressed not to prune Ghaf trees in random ways, stressing that the Ghaf tree is considered one of the original cultural resources that lived through the history of the Emirates, and that this tree requires special attention and care. Because of the environmental and heritage value it represents, which we notice through the responsible and concerned authorities in the country during the current period launching specialized initiatives and campaigns concerned with caring for and pruning it.
He pointed out that pruning trees generally contributes to strengthening and preserving them, while taking into account the principles of pruning issued by the relevant authorities in the country.
Ahmed Al-Hafiti, an Emirati farmer and owner of the Wadi Dafta nursery, pointed out that the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, recommended that Ghaf trees be taken care of and cared for, and directed that they should not be cut down. Therefore, the concerned authorities take it upon themselves to implement the directives of Sheikh Zayed, may God have mercy on him, by paying attention to these trees, in order to preserve their historical and environmental value.
Al-Hafiti added: “On the other hand, the campaigns launched by the concerned authorities in the country targeting Ghaf trees are aimed at preserving the Ghaf, pruning them according to scientific principles and the correct conditions, and also contributing to preserving the aesthetic aspect of the Ghaf.”
He added that the Ghaf tree is an environmentally friendly tree, and one of the best trees that adapts to the climate of the UAE and challenges its consequences of humidity, drought and heat.
An inherited habit
In a related context, Abdullah Al-Murr Al-Kaabi, a researcher in Emirati heritage, confirmed that the campaigns to trim Ghaf trees essentially come within the framework of reviving an inherited custom that was practiced by the citizens of the country in the past, especially the senior citizens, which is pruning Ghaf trees in the winter.
Al-Kaabi added that the pruning process is carried out through the use of “khaseen”, which is the tool used to cut down trees. It is also known that the Ghaf tree represents great importance in the cultural and agricultural heritage of the country, in addition to the important role of the ancient lifestyle in maintaining the sustainability of resources.
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