The Ghaf Tree Project – CAFU has announced the establishment of CEED (CAFU Environmental Engineering for Drylands) as an independent and standalone entity dedicated to global reforestation efforts.
CEED, a climate technology company, seeks to advance robotic and biotech development to combat climate change and address the critical need for reforestation in dryland areas increasingly impacted by it.
CEED will autonomously plant and nurture ecosystems in arid regions, including the use of seedball technology, subsurface planting and integrated irrigation systems to ensure optimal water usage for increased germination and survival rates.
In partnership with United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), the CEED model is built around six key components:
- Leveraging extensive R&D of tree species and seedballs,
- Automated seedball production,
- Planting location analysis,
- Advanced unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs),
- Monitored irrigation systems, and
- Ongoing biomass monitoring.
The UGV technology enables CEED to plant multiple tree species, creating rich and diverse ecosystems with native plants, supporting resilient ecosystems with better capabilities for withstanding environmental stresses.
CEED will reportedly use its bespoke seedball moulding machine to ensure consistency in the size, shape, and seed content of each seedball, enabling integration with the CEED UGV for efficient mass planting.
“CEED is another example of how we are putting our technological expertise to work for the good of our community. We believe that technology is a catalyst for unlocking powerful ways to make a positive impact. Innovation enables us to meet evolving demands and create a better future, addressing new societal and environmental challenges as they arise,” said Rashid Al Ghurair, Founder and CEO of CAFU.
“We take pride in our transparency and commitment to creating a sustainable future through innovative environmental, social, and governance initiatives – and we will continue to focus on making a lasting impact by using the power of technology for good,” added Al Ghurair.