Seeding sustainability: AUS’ Ghaf Seed Planting workshop nurtures environmental consciousness

Honoring the profound cultural significance of the ghaf tree, revered as the national tree of the UAE, American University of Sharjah (AUS) strengthened its dedication to sustainability through hosting the Ghaf Seed Planting Workshop delivered recently by Goumbook on campus.

The workshop coordinated by the AUS Office of Sustainability and the AUS Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, in partnership with Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation (AGF) and UAE Ministry of Education (MOE), is part of the Greening Communities Program launched in September 2023 by AGF. The program falls under the fourth pillar of the UAE’s Green Education Partnership Roadmap developed by the UAE MOE. Goumbook, the implementation partner of this program, committed to running 24 workshops, including the AUS workshop, engaging more than 1,300 UAE community members with an aim to instill environmental consciousness and sustainability practices. 

"AUS is proud to be a part of this program. Not only does this activity help to foster environmental stewardship and climate awareness among AUS community members, but it also educates participants on the cultural significance of the ghaf tree, the nation's emblem of climate resilience. We are excited that this workshop unites students, faculty, staff and campus residents around a shared vision, which is to have a tangible impact on sustainability both on campus and beyond," said Julia Carlow, Acting Head of Sustainability at AUS.

The workshop attracted over 50 participants from diverse age groups, focusing on highlighting the cultural significance of the ghaf tree. Each participant was given a chance to plant seeds and learn about the importance of preserving the country's heritage and environment while making tangible contributions to sustainability efforts.

 "Our primary goal is to raise awareness, inspire and empower participants to become active agents of change in our collective fight for a liveable climate and a sustainable future for everyone. With the different activities we offer—from planting trees to collecting marine debris or saving edible food from going to waste—we aim to open participants’ eyes to the intricate connections between individual actions and the global climate crisis. We emphasize that every small daily decision has the power to create ripples of change that eventually, collectively, create the transformative impact we need," said Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Goumbook.

Post-planting, the seed pots will be transferred to a nursery partnered with Goumbook for two years of care before being planted.

"The Ghaf Seed Planting Workshop was an inspiring experience that went beyond imparting knowledge about biodiversity and cultural heritage; it actively engaged us in planting ghaf seeds. This hands-on involvement highlighted the tree's crucial role in environmental sustainability, fueling a deep, personal commitment to conservation efforts," said Amira Eldomiaty, marketing student and AUS EcoRep.

American University of Sharjah (AUS) is ranked third in the UAE and among the world’s top 600 universities in sustainability, according to QS World University Rankings: Sustainability (2024). This marks AUS’ debut appearance in this ranking, emphasizing AUS' unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and its leadership in fostering sustainability education in the region.

For more information about AUS’ sustainability initiatives, visit www.aus.edu/sustainability.