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Environmental Conservation through Traditional Knowledge - UAE |
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INTRODUCTION Traditional knowledge refers to the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities around the world. Developed from experience gained over the centuries and adapted to the local culture and environment, traditional knowledge is transmitted orally from generation to generation. Traditional knowledge is effectively utilized in the UAE for environmental conservation. Mangroves in the UAE Mangroves provide a great habitat/home and safe breeding ground for some fish species, turtles and even commercially significant shrimp, snapper, grunt fish & sea bream and of course they offer a safe haven for birds nesting, migrating & egg lying. Mangrove forests are found in intertidal areas and are important in the prevention of coastline erosion caused by wave action and ocean currents. They are also a rich source of food and fuel as the wood was used historically for constructing homes and ships due to its hardness and high resistance to rot and termites. The mangroves in UAE are steadily increasing both in area and in size and it is the community and leaders of this country who will need to keep them protected from new developments and urban expansion. Mangrove forests are integral to the preservation of the UAE coastline it is also under constant threat. These threats include coastal development, pollution, sedimentation, changes in tidal flow and human impacted activities. The Ghaf Tree the Ghaf tree is an evergreen tree up to 25m tall trunk un-branched for several meters branches droop, giving the canopy a rounded appearance with short triangular spines between leaves nodes bark is fissured or cracked. An indigenous species, specifically of the UAE, the Ghaf is a drought – tolerant, evergreen tree which is, possibly, the sturdiest plant of the harsh desert environment In the UAE, it can be seen growing on low sand dunes, undulating sand sheets and along margins of gravel plains mostly in the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. The presence of Ghaf in an area indicates that there is water underground. The tree taps water stored deep in the sand, its roots penetrating as deep as 30 meters to access it. Thus, Ghaf is able to withstand very low rainfall and still stay green. How long it can survive if groundwater itself gets exhausted, is yet to be determined. Al Samar Tree (Umbrella Thorn Acacia) Acacia tortilis is native to the Savannah and east coast of Africa, but also occurs on Sir Bani Yas Island and the rest of the Middle East in extremely arid conditions. The tree is usually small and wiry and carries highly aromatic white flowers in tight clusters. Seeds are produced in pods which are flat and coiled into a spring shape. The plant is known to tolerate high alkalinity, drought, high temperatures, sandy and stony soils, strongly sloped rooting surfaces and sand blasting which makes it perfect for Sir Bani Yas Island?s arid environment. USE OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE IN CONSTRUCTION Mashrabiya is the elaborately designed screens used in traditional Arabic architecture.Mashrabiya could help us develop more sustainable ways of dealing with age-old challenges such as a hot climate. Using climate-responsive materials, mashrabiya can be upgraded to combine traditional aesthetics with modern performance. We too often take a brute-force approach to improving our indoor environments, using artificial lighting and air-conditioning. Mashrabiya were developed in the Arab world to provide a building?s inhabitants with shade, privacy and a breeze – akin to Venetian blinds, a similar solution popularised in the West. In an environment with extremely hot and humid summers, ventilation is of the utmost importance. An ingenious design and distinct element that was introduced in the area during the early part of the 20th century were the wind towers or barajils from Iran. These towers encouraged and regulated a downward flow of air and water was sometimes sprinkled at the bottom of the tower to cool down the ambient temperature within the house. By stepping back and learning from past solutions, we can make ends meet in ways that make sense from an environmental, financial, and health perspective. Sources: uaepedia.ae , dreaminginarabic.wordpress.com , thenational.ae |
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2 Comments
You are right mate. Sometimes the traditional knowledge is much more effective and efficient than any technology. We need to be more humble and apply their knowledge in today an future generations. Thank a lot for the report. Keep working green.
Posted 30-11-2015 09:53
I agree with you Harmanjot that traditional knowledge is effectively utilized in the UAE for environmental conservation. I hope modern designers and builders start incorporating concepts of traditional /historical vernacular architecture also. Thankd for the vivid report.
Posted 30-11-2015 03:20