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Ajman University and Al Zorah Golf Club, affiliated with Al Zorah Development Private Company, Launch Mangrove Planting and Golf Tour Initiative
Ajman University in collaboration with Al Zorah Golf Club, launched the "Mangrove Planting and Golf Tour" initiative at Al Zorah Golf Club in Ajman. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s ambitious goal to plant 100 million mangrove trees by 2030, Al Zorah City’s pledge to double the existing mangrove forest in the Al Zorah Natural reserve area to 2.4 million trees and is a testament to the University’s dedication to its 2022-2030 climate and sustainability strategy.
The initiative, which kicked off on January 16th, 2024 and will span 13 weeks has drawn enthusiastic participation not only from within the University but also from schools and other external groups. More than 70 individuals have so far actively participated and contributed to the aim of planting around 1,000 mangrove trees. This endeavor reflects the community members’ commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
The primary objective of this initiative is the restoration of mangrove ecosystems, crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate change. These trees play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance and enhancing sustainability by supporting biodiversity, protecting coastlines from erosion, providing critical habitat for fish and other marine life and absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide, thus offering a natural solution to climate challenges.
Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, emphasized the alignment of the planting mangrove initiative with the UAE's strategy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. He commended the Office of Sustainability for establishing effective partnerships with various entities and sectors. Additionally, he underscored the importance of collaborating with Al Zorah Development Private Company to achieve the university's environmental goals. Dr. Seghir highlighted the significance of community efforts in environmental protection and the role of universities in promoting scientific research and innovation in the field of sustainability.
In addition, Mr. Stephen Payne, Golf Operation Manager of Al Zorah Golf Club in Ajman has stated “As part of our outreach and education module to become Audubon Golf certified, one of our tasks is to engage with the local community members. We are delighted to find an amazing opportunity to collaborate with Ajman University in sustainability efforts.
The collaboration will see students come to the Golf Club every Tuesday over a four-month period, in these sessions, an educational 30 minutes is held at the planting site location followed by the student planting between 50-75 mangroves each week. This project will see over 1,000 baby mangroves planted in sustainability efforts which is a fantastic feat.
We are also excited to be hosting a mangrove clean-up in February with the University featuring a 45-minute learning seminar followed by all participants heading to the mangroves and collecting all the disposed waste and litter for a healthier eco system.
We have to thank our Club Partner Quest for Adventure who have made this collaboration possible with the supply of the baby mangroves each week. Without this, this wouldn't have been possible. We look forward to continuing to work with Ajman University on many more projects in the future.'
Quest for Adventure plays an effective role in supporting this initiative, contributing to the supply of 1,000 baby mangrove trees to be planted at the golf club. This reflects its continuous efforts in enhancing climate change mitigation and achieving environmental sustainability. Brian Parry, Head of Community Development at Quest for Adventure, commented that initiative’s like this are precisely why Quest operates a mangrove tree growing Nursery as part of the Al Zorah City sustainability plan for doubling the size of the existing mangrove forest. The Mangrove Nursery is supported by Ajman municipality and the Ministry of Climate Change and corporate sponsors to enable community action and environmental education programmes that contribute to the UAE commitment to combat climate change.
Through partnerships with key stakeholders, the Office of Sustainability, in collaboration with the Office of Community Engagement at Ajman University, drives innovative initiatives to raise environmental awareness and achieve measurable impact on conservation, social responsibility and sustainability practices at Ajman University.
