MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)

At the heart of the UAE desert, the Ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria) stands as an oasis of life, providing essential shelter and nourishment for various wildlife.

The ecological endurance and generosity of this drought-tolerant tree earned it accolade as the national tree of the UAE.

A Botanical Marvel
In an interview with Aletihad, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) explained how Ghaf trees contribute significantly to the health of the desert ecosystem in the emirate.

Their extensive root systems stabilise the soil, preventing erosion and maintaining soil fertility.

They provide shade, which reduces ground temperatures and creates a more hospitable microclimate for other flora and fauna.

The Ghaf tree, which belongs to the legume family, also has a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its root nodules.

This process enriches the soil with nitrogen, a crucial nutrient for plant growth, enhancing overall soil fertility and stability.

When Ghaf trees shed leaves and branches, they provide organic matter that improves soil structure, enhances moisture retention, and supports beneficial microbial activity, which in return enhances the soil's ability to resist wind erosion. Numerous species benefit from the presence of Ghaf trees.

Birds such as the Desert Lark (Ammomanes deserti) and the Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) find nesting and foraging sites within the trees' dense canopy.

Larger mammals, including the Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx) and Sand Gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa), seek refuge from the desert sun beneath their branches.

The tree's flowers attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, vital for maintaining biodiversity.

The famed Ghaf honey, produced from these pollinators, is a delicious testament to the tree's ecological importance in the UAE.

Cultural Significance
The Ghaf tree is highly drought-tolerant, making it well-suited for arid environments.

With roots that can reach depths of up to 50 metres, the tree taps into groundwater, thriving with minimal rainfall.

This tree can live for over 120 years, making it a valuable long-term component of the desert ecosystem.

Interestingly, its leaves are very rich in Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, and Sulfur, which are beneficial in treating many diseases, primarily high blood pressure and anaemia.

Historically, the Ghaf tree has held deep cultural significance in the UAE.

Its strength, endurance, and generosity are said to mirror the resilience of the Emirati people.

Traditionally, the tree provided wood for construction and fuel, while its leaves and pods served as fodder for livestock, essential for the pastoral lifestyle of Bedouins.

In recognition of its importance, the Ghaf tree was officially declared the national tree of the UAE in 2008, and as a symbol for the year of tolerance in 2019.

Conservation Efforts Underway
The Ghaf tree faces numerous threats in the Emirate, including rapid urban development, illegal logging and overgrazing.

Groundwater scarcity along with climate change and associated temperature extremes, also increase the stress on Ghaf trees, as do invasive species that compete for resources.

EAD has taken various measures to preserve these vital bastions in the face of threats.

All Ghaf trees have been mapped under the EAD Habitat Mapping Project 2020, according to EAD.

The Agency has also digitally mapped over 54,000 individual Ghaf trees in 2021.

Moreover, EAD initiated natural habitat restoration projects in five protected areas to rehabilitate degraded areas and increase Ghaf tree populations.

These projects often involve planting Ghaf trees using the most sustainable mechanisms that allow minimum requirements for supplementary irrigation.

During the first two years of implementation, starting from 2023, a total of 1800 hectares of Ghaf habitats were restored successfully.

EAD also implements educational programmes to raise awareness, while working to strengthen environmental regulations and policies that protect native vegetation, including the Ghaf tree, ensuring compliance and promoting sustainable practices, especially during permitting stages for infrastructure development projects.

Its recent efforts include genome sequencing to enhance understanding of the Ghaf tree's genetics, ensuring effective conservation strategies.

"Genome sequencing is essential for identifying and cataloging plant species, monitoring genetic diversity, and detecting population changes. This critical information supports conservation efforts, guides ecosystem management, and protects biodiversity," according to EAD.

"By sequencing the Ghaf tree, we have created a species database that enhances our understanding of its population structure in the UAE. This reference will provide researchers with opportunities to explore the genetic diversity, traits, and functionality," EAD told Aletihad.

Advanced Monitoring Techniques
EAD employs cutting-edge technologies to monitor the health and growth of Ghaf trees.

Using high-resolution satellite imagery, the agency accurately maps tree locations, followed by ground inspections using GPS-enabled apps.

This data is analysed using GIS tools and other data management tools to identify trends, assess risks, inform conservation strategies, and produce high-quality reports for decision-making purposes.

Legal Protections
Penalties for illegal activities affecting Ghaf trees are outlined within a legal framework established by the "Decree of the Board of Directors of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi - No. 2 of 2021 Regarding the List of Violations and Administrative Fines."

The penalties vary depending on whether the affected trees are located inside or outside protected areas (PAs).

In protected areas, violations such as cutting, damaging, or removing Ghaf trees incur penalties which start at Dh20,000 and can increase to Dh40,000 for repeat offences.

For violations occurring outside protected areas, penalties start at Dh10,000 and may rise to Dh30,000 for repeat offences.