The Year of Zayed was celebrated by the United Arab Emirates in 2018 and that is the year I learnt more about the Father of this Nation - The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Zayed is one of the world’s greatest conservationists. He was born into an inhospitable, arid environment, so when he was appointed to serve as the Ruler’s Representative to the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi in 1946, he immediately started to secure a more reliable and sustainable supply of water for its people. Sheikh Zayed used to love falconry so he set out to preserve the heritage of falconry and hunting and, at the same time, ensure the long-term survival of falcons and their prey. He also introduced a humane face to the sport, which he considered art and an invaluable heritage. Long before the need for sustainable development became widely recognised, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan was achieving an environmental miracle: he was transforming the desert into a green haven. After much research, Sheikh Zayed discovered that 15,000 years ago, the Arabian Peninsula was a very different place. Enveloped in thick forests and full of greenery, the land got transformed to a desert only after it was exposed to a long spell of drought that also forced its inhabitants to move in search of water. And so began the leader's enduring quest. From promoting agriculture and wildlife conservation to literally pushing back the desert, he changed the face of the UAE and gave the country an environmental conscience. In 1946, Sheikh Zayed launched a pioneering project for the development of a water resources management system that was centred in Al Ain. By using both the traditional 'aflaj' or underground canal system of irrigation and modern technology, he was able to raise productivity in existing agricultural lands and introduce new varieties of produce in farmlands. Water was UAE's most precious natural resource, according to Sheikh Zayed. He encouraged finding new mechanisms for effectively conserving water and was always looking for ways to boost ground water reserves. One of the most visible and enduring results of Sheikh Zayed's efforts can be seen on both sides of the road between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. A tree-planting project that began at the end of the 1960s continues to prosper even today, with more than a 100 million trees currently existing within the borders of the UAE. The city of Al Ain alone has more than 75 modern forests, each with an average area ranging between two to three square kilometres. The variety of trees planted were chosen carefully and assessed for their ability to survive in the harsh summer climate of the region, with greater emphasis on local breeds. It is no wonder Al Ain is known as the "Garden City" of the UAE. Sheikh Zayed set out a vision a long time ago because of which the uae has turned from a desert land into a green country. This is why the UAE excels at all field like agriculture and wildlife. Back then sheikh Zayed realized that the uae could be much more than just a desert. And ultimately became successful as in 2014 UAE became the 25th greenest country in the world . He inspired me to be the change, to take charge, to inspire others and students for the earth gives me a forum to voice out my thoughts and reach a larger audience.
Sean Sanoop George
Students For The Earth
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