Today , we went for this ?Give a Ghaf tree planting Program? and learnt a lot about this unique tree and its historical ties with Arab world. I would like to share it with you :      

Arab people and the ghaf go a long way back to when the Bedouins led a nomadic existence in the desert. As the generous provider of shelter, shade, food and medicine for both man and animal, the ghaf was treated as a member of the Bedouin family , loved , cherished and highly respected.                                 

The ghaf played an integral part in almost every aspect of the Bedouin's lifestyle. Camel camps were always located in ghaf groves for a variety of reasons. They provided shade for both man and animal in the hot summer months. Its wood provided fuel and timber while its leaves were fodder for livestock. These leaves and pods even became a regular ingredient in the Bedouins salads. The Bedouins also enjoyed the high quality honey that the bees made from ghaf. The ghaf also often played doctor due to its numerous medicinal qualities, which are famously known to cure everything from dysentery to leucoderma.

Ghaf tree is a trusted source of nutrition and medication in the desert. This ancient tree has earned much of love and respect of UAE due to its bonding with Arab world. There is a law in the UAE forbidding the cutting of ghaf trees. Infact , in recognition of UAE?s love for ghaf trees , 2 schools were named after the tree viz. Oud Touba School and Umm Ghafa School. In the local Arab language , there are many affectionate names given to the ghaf. As a sapling it?s known as ?haddeb? , ?nashwa? as a young tree. After it has grown to become a sturdy tree it is called ?ghaf?. Many Arab residents have shown their love for their tree by even naming their children after the tree-Ghafa , Ghafan , Ghuafa and Buhadoub.

It is found in eastern part of Abu Dhabi Emirate extending northwards into Dubai and the northern emirates. Apart from the UAE, it is also found in other eastern desert regions as well, such as Iran, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan.

Found growing individually as well as in small groups and woodlands, the ghaf is perfectly adapted to the arid desert environment. It is supported by a remarkable extensive root system, which can reach depths of up to 30 meters to tap groundwater, develop shoots when exposed to the air and even fertilise the soil by releasing nitrogen when it dies or gets damaged. Additionally, with the ability to withstand prolonged drought and high salinity, it remains evergreen throughout the year - a quality that places it extremely high in the desert ecosystem.

In days gone by, the ghaf has been the unfailing crop - an essential food source for indigenous peoples, domestic animals and wildlife. In hot summer months, and particularly during periods of drought, it is known to have been the only source of food and shade for wild and domestic animals. In fact, the ghaf is often been referred to as nature?s version of air conditioning, before the oil boom!

Even in these modern times, people use ghaf wood for constructing thatched houses, cattle sheds, culverts etc. Dead trees and stumps are used as fuel wood, especially during barbecues. Their beauty and durability have even earned them a place as avenue and ornamental trees in the city.

With the large role played by the ghaf in their history, the Arab people and we the residents of UAE will always have an innate love and respect for the ghaf. The time has come now for us to take action on preserving and protecting the Ghaf tree. Else the ghaf could truly become history.

During todays program , we walked through a beautiful nursery to reach the desert area around the Emirates road and looked for Ghaf seedlings at the sandy bottom , collected big piles of seedlings and later segregated seeds out of them. It was a very unique experience.

It was great to see the enthusiasm of individuals and many environmentally active groups like Students for the Earth , Green Globe and SynergY.

ThanQ SynergY for inviting and involving me in this great , fun filled and unique event.