Sheikh Zayed Protector of the Environment

by Mir Faraz, Year 6H

We all know that our Earth is a unique planet – the only one we know of that can sustain life. With the rise in population, the onus on this fragile planet is growing day by day. Global warming, deforestation, rising sea levels, ozone layer depletion are words which we read everywhere- and it’s good that we do! The more awareness spread about safeguarding the planet, the better.

But did you know there once lived an extraordinary man who talked of sustainability long before this word was even known to most people? He talked of environmental protection almost 50 years ago when not many could fathom that the environment needed any extra attention! That great man was none other than our exemplary His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first President of the United Arab Emirates and the Father of the Nation.

As His Highness Sheikh Zayed dreamt of taking the country from strength to strength, he also aimed to imbibe the principles of sustainability into all developments in the country. He was a supporter of an ecosystem which was healthy and green and revelled in preserving its natural resources. The great visionary that he was, Sheikh Zayed understood that the environment is inherently susceptible to vulnerabilities if not taken care of in a responsible way. He believed that the protection of the environment is a precursor to a sustainable, balanced, and inclusive growth.

Forever an advocate of lush green spaces, Sheikh Zayed saw to it that the masterplan of Abu Dhabi had meticulously planned open spaces and plantations. His Highness ensured that the country’s rich coastal mangrove trees were preserved and given the optimum conditions to thrive. Fast forward to this day, the UAE now has the largest mangroves in this region. Mangrove trees prevent coastline erosion caused by ocean waves and reduce carbon emissions considerably.

Did You Know?

In his life time, Sheikh Zayed is credited to be the driving force behind the plantation of 150 million trees! These trees helped combat desertification to a large extent and acted as aids to keep the city temperature lower by creating barriers against the hot desert winds.

All of us know that the Arabian Oryx is the national animal of the UAE. Here’s an amazing fact – by 1970, the Arabian Oryx was declared to be on the brink of extinction. It was His Highness Sheikh Zayed who took upon the challenge to preserve the species. He started a conservation program at Sir Bani Yas Island to protect these animals. Today Sir Bani Yas Island is home to the largest number of Arabian Oryx population in the entire world.

Sheikh Zayed’s unwavering passion for the environment brought him the prestigious laurel of being the first head of state to be the recipient of the Panda Award from the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The UAE continues to follow the footsteps of the beloved Baba Zayed. The Masdar City in Abu Dhabi is a glowing tribute to Sheikh Zayed’s commitment towards the environment. This development is a major milestone of green architecture and sustainable development which relies completely on renewable energy sources. Also, various government agencies have been set up spanning the entire country to protect the environment.

To see nature thriving and a healthy planet was one of the goals of His Highness Sheikh Zayed. As we celebrate the legacy of one of the greatest leaders that this world has witnessed, let us all make a promise to ourselves to always work in favour of this beautiful planet- to love, respect and nurture it just as our Baba Zayed envisioned. His Highness’s own words sum it up the best –

“On land and in the sea, our forefathers lived and survived in this environment. They were able to do so only because they recognized the need to conserve it, to take from it only what they needed to live and to preserve it for succeeding generations.”