One Root, One Communi-Tree 2020

• To create awareness at the community level on the need to preserve and protect the environment • To educate people about the importance of proper waste management and recycling practices • To engage all EEG stakeholders in a meaningful project with a hands-on, action oriented and community-based approach • To reduce the volume of waste going to landfills and promote the regular practice of recycling to achieve this goal • To provide opportunities for all sectors of the society to plant trees under their names and promote the idea of urban afforestation and combating desertification. • To support government effort to increasing the sustainable green spaces in the UAE • To create carbon sinks to help reduce the carbon footprint of the UAE The UAE is situated in the arid west continent desert belt of the Southeast region of the Arabian Peninsula, making it susceptible to several challenges. The country faces grave environmental issues including desertification, lack of fresh natural water resources, drought, and land degradation. According to studies, planting indigenous trees is considered the most cost-effective and eco-friendly method to combat these challenges. The 2020 cycle (Phase 1 and Phase 2) witnessed the following deposits by participants: • Paper: 497,378 kg (highest collection since inception) • Plastic: 35,482 kg (second highest collection since inception) • Aluminium Cans: 2,044 kg • Mobile Phones: 2,831 pieces (higher than 2019) • Toners: 2,011 pieces (higher than 2019) • Glass Bottles: 26,109 kg (second highest collection since inception) It was heartening to witness the euphoric participation in the OROC project despite COVID-19 lockdown measures. From the above-mentioned deposits, we were able to measure the following environmental benefits in 2020: • Mitigate of 2,022.65 MT CO2e • Save 13,755.44 Million BTU of energy • Save 3,193.57 m3 of landfill space • Save 10,559 gallons of gasoline • Prevent 10,780 trees from being felled The project was also successful in imbibing UN SDGs 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17, by promoting the concept of sustainable cities and communities, encouraging responsible consumption, helping fight climate change, promote the growth of native plant species on land and protect marine lives from litter and foster effective partnerships in society for a good cause. In the upcoming year, we would like to: 1. Invite regional and international private sector organisations to aid with finances and sponsorships to further increase the reach of this project which leads to the increase of sustainable green spaces in the UAE 2. Initiate collaborations with businesses to support the idea of urban afforestation and the reduction in consumption of resources in manufacturing processes. 3. Instil the sense of civic responsibility amongst the different sectors of the society is one of the important aims which can be achieved with the buy in from the government and private sector institutions. 4. Schools and universities play an important role in mobilising the youth and engaging them effectively, so getting the academia on board will be a win-win situation.