Private education company Innoventures Education has unveiled a new environmental initiative this week to plant 20,001 trees in alignment with the UAE’s recently launched ‘Plant the Emirates’ initiative.
The national program was announced this month by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, aimed at boosting agricultural output and enhancing food security.
According to Innoventures Education, its tree-planting initiative will be complemented by the development of urban farming practices across its campuses.
These include vegetable and herb patches, hydroponic systems, and honeybee colonies at Dubai International Academy Al Barsha (DIA AB).
According to the company, the school vegetable and herb gardens, coupled with the school’s beekeeping efforts, have resulted in a 30 per cent increase in crop yield due to improved pollination.
The produce is used in the school cafeteria, shared in the school community or used by cooking clubs, while food waste from the cafeteria is used for composting and nurturing the organic farm.
Poonam Bhojani, CEO of Innoventures Education, said: “As we celebrate two decades of delivering world-class education, we are also embracing the responsibility to contribute to the UAE’s sustainability goals. We launched the 20,001 Trees for a Greener UAE initiative, aligned with the UAE’s drive to address climate change and food security through sustainable actions.
“By integrating urban farming, biodiversity projects, and environmental education within our schools, we are empowering our students and the community to take meaningful action for the planet.”
The 20,001 Trees initiative will officially begin on October 21, 2024, with a community planting event in collaboration with Emirates Environmental Group.