IFZA to Plant 20,000 Trees in Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary
Monday, April 29, 2024
09:33:28 AM
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The saplings are being planted between March and the launch of COP28UAE in November 2023 for Phase Two of its GROW initiative
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Following the successful completion of Phase One, the Free Zone aims to grow a network of IFZA Forests across the UAE, GCC, and internationally
IFZA Dubai, the UAE’s most dynamic and truly international Free Zone, announces plans to create a second IFZA Mangrove Forest at the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, with the aim of planting 20,000 mangrove trees by COP28UAE. In line with the Year of Sustainability, IFZA pledges to expand its network of forests, re-enforcing its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and raising further awareness of the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
In line with IFZA’s pledge and a partnership with The Storey Group’s One Billion Tree Planting Initiative (OBTI), the first 200 mangrove saplings were planted during a Grow Community Event held at Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary in March 2023 in partnership with Emirates Marine Environmental Group (EMEG) in Dubai, with the participation of Martin G. Pedersen, Chairman of IFZA, alongside Jochen Knecht, CEO of IFZA. Employees, partners, and their families were invited to visit the forest and plant saplings. The GROW initiative aims to provide a platform for IFZA Licensees to further engage in environmental sustainability.
Commenting on the achievement, Martin G. Pedersen said, “We are proud to announce the second phase of our GROW initiative as well as the successful completion of Phase One, since planting our first sapling in June. We are deeply committed to achieving carbon neutrality, in line with the Net Zero initiative, as we work to create a network of forests across the UAE and potentially around the world. At IFZA, we will continue supporting the UAE’s goals and we hope this initiative will further embed a sustainable mindset for our Partners, Licensees, and Employees.”
Launched to encourage the IFZA Community to be more conscious of their impact on the planet, the GROW initiative enables the business community to create a lasting contribution to combat climate change. Phase one of the project saw the successful plantation of more than 10,000 mangrove trees in the Jubail Mangrove Park, Abu Dhabi over the last six months. This forest will contribute to the development and growth of the diverse ecosystem in the UAE and is estimated to sequester 2.3 million kg of CO2 throughout its lifetime.
Through the GROW Initiative, every IFZA Employee received one sapling to launch the IFZA Forest. Using a digital blockchain-based platform powered by EcoMatcher, the owner of each mangrove tree can locate and track their tree growth conveniently. Users can also virtually “visit” their trees through satellite imagery and learn more about every tree planted, including a unique picture of the tree, date of planting, geolocation, species, CO2 sequestration, real-life pictures, and the person caring for the tree.
In line with the UAE’s 2030 vision of achieving sustainable development, the initiative was developed under the Free Zone’s CSR arm, IFZA Cares. Under the pillars of the Environment, Community, and Economy, IFZA Cares strives to contribute to the greater humanitarian focus of the UAE’s leadership and has created numerous opportunities to this end.
About IFZA Dubai
IFZA Dubai is the most dynamic and truly international Free Zone Community in the UAE, optimising the country’s strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. IFZA differentiates itself through its multi-national approach, providing personalised business establishment solutions through its network of Government Authorities and Professional Partners.
Business owners and Employees can also benefit from a wide spectrum of value-added services within the IFZA ecosystem, including but not limited to property solutions, visa packages, and training and development. The IFZA Business Park offers a wide variety of cutting-edge office facilities tailored to meet each Licensee’s individual needs and provides a professional, welcoming environment to greet clients, network with other businesses, and thrive.