ABU DHABI, 27th February, 2023 (WAM) — The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) revealed the achievements of programmes and initiatives designed to expand Abu Dhabi's green space and tree-planting operations.
The announcement came following President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's declaration of 2023 being the Year of Sustainability in the UAE.
Themed “Today for Tomorrow”, the Year of Sustainability draws upon the UAE’s rich heritage to inspire sustainable practices in various fields and sectors towards a more prosperous future.
As part of its focus on urban well-being and promoting lifelong health in its biodiverse ecosystem, DMT’s strategy focuses on continuously updating master plans, collecting and analysing data, allowing it to identify people impacted by urban development and curbing urban sprawl. To this regard, DMT and its affiliates are promoting forums to identify groups or individuals directly affected by urban development and invite them to participate in collaborative initiatives to determine population growth and future development patterns.
The department highlighted its implementation of the highest international standards when applying the concept of Urban Growth boundaries (UGB), setting rules, policies, and guidelines about urban development and its environmental impact, which represents an integrated procyclical programme that periodically reevaluates the gradual expansion of cities, drawing boundaries to preserve forests, reserves, rural areas, natural resources, historical sites, and agricultural lands.
DMT estimates that the emirate of Abu Dhabi has around 5 million trees of various types within the urban growth boundaries, constituting a ratio of 2.7 trees per capita, covering 7 percent of Abu Dhabi City, 15 percent of Al Ain and 30 percent of Al Dhafrah region.
The department plants trees such as the "Ghaf" and "Neem" trees, also referred to as the (Azdracht) trees, palm trees, the Sammar trees, the "Arak" trees, and the "Markh" trees, as well as other types of local and international plants and trees after studying their ability to interact with the natural surroundings in the emirate.
Furthermore, the department prepares monthly bulletins to educate the community about plant types and guidelines and their integration into the ecosystem. These initiatives are improving the quality of life in the emirate, maintaining its general appearance, and strengthening Abu Dhabi's reputation as one of the world's most desirable places to live, work, and visit.