Plant-for-the-Planet Academy organized by
SynergY plant 120 trees at Landfill in Dubai
By- Simran Vedvyas Plant-for-the–Planet Academy Organizer UAE
Dubai, UAE, April 20th 2013- Earth Week 2013
Celebrating the Earth Week 2013 in UAE, SynergY Youth Group after months of thoughtful planning and preparation successfully organized a Plant-for–the-Planet Academy at The Address Dubai Marina Hotel on Saturday 20th April 2013. “Stop talking. Start planting.” promoted by SynergY Founder Simran Vedvyas, a 14 year old student found support of Dubai Municipality for the green initiative of SynergY to plant trees at the Landfill with Purpose.
85 Youth and Children from more than 15 schools and institutions from Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi conducted the day-long event and planted a total of 120 trees near the landfill with purpose to educate the youth about landfills being an evil necessity currently, which need to be reduced faster than ever before on one hand and on the other providing more oxygen by planting trees near the area to reduce the toxins and their effects. SynergY, with local support arranged for digging the pits two days in advance to facilitate effective planting at the site and arranging a special watering pipeline which will use treated waste water only to the site so as to ensure the survival rate of these trees.
The Academy event venue ‘The Address Dubai Marina’ gave the young generation a celebrated chance to synergize their potential by indulging in planting trees, learning about climate change, team-building, aspiring and planning to move forward in days to come for contributing in shaping the Green Economy initiative of Dubai, UAE. The day started with the Registrations and
‘Meet and greet’ followed by a welcome address by Simran Vedvyas – the Academy Organizer.
The participants then boarded the pre-arranged buses escorted by few adults on each bus ensuring the safety. The Trees we planted with great enthusiasm seen and then the team returned back to the hotel. At the beautiful Constellation Ballroom the presentation about Climate Crises was done by Simran followed by the Film on ‘Plant-for-the-Planet’ and then ‘The Man who Planted Trees’. The presentation was inspiring and interesting and then everyone had a sumptuous lunch. After the Lunch some energizers, world café games and Climate Quiz were conducted. All the participants also marked their presence by putting up “Green Imprints”.
The Organizer chose to name the 9 teams; as ‘Endangered Trees’- Elm, Bamboo, Ghaf, Banyan, Oak, Pine, Willow, Mangrove and Acacia. Elm team scored the maximum points and was declared the winning team. However the enthusiasm of all the teams was great and the Ballroom could see flags raised to answer the questions. The participants were enthused and stimulated as the event became livelier during the Grand Finale with SynergY members and participants’ along with the supporters and invited guests drumming freely and believing that the world needs –
'Unity though Rhythm', supported by Dubai Drums. The Future Action Planning was thoughtfully conducted and the SynergY Club Members unified to work together in future. Some of the participants willingly also made small donations for the initiative which has been sent by Telegraphic Bank Transfer to the Foundation.A young participant also offered an Italian Opera Earth Rendition.
The event concluded after scores of Climate Justice Ambassadors were awarded their Certificates from Plant-for-the-Planet endorsed by UNEP and organized by SynergY.
Plant-for-the-Planet as we all know is a global children's initiative through which children generate awareness among other children by enlightening them about climate crisis and environmental protection urging them to take action by planting more and more trees. It is also an endeavor of the children to sensitize the adults while they talk; by saying: “Stop talking. Start planting.” So in Dubai this wave was created well with the help and support of friendly media.
Commenting as one of her dreams ‘to conduct a successful Plant- for-the-Planet Academy of this big magnitude’ being fulfilled today; -Simran Vedvyas, the Founder and Chairperson of SynergY said ‘Planting Trees is the ultimate and definitive joy and we are happy to join the powerful global family and enter our count of trees through the tree counter at Plant-for-the-planet. An event like this cannot happen overnight. The wheels start rolling weeks ago. It requires planning and a bird’s eye for details and I thank everyone involved for their support.’
Students from across UAE were invited opening to participate in the Event by signing up an online form at http://bit.ly/Y4r0Lq
An opportunity to Learn, plant trees and become Climate Justice Ambassadors and most important Make a Mark
Age 10-17 years
A Unique Academy
This was a unique opportunity for all students to participate and there was no payment required as SynergY had worked and planned over months to get consent from some elite sponsors who supported us. The Address Dubai Marina Hotel generously offered their prestigious Constellation Ballroom for the full day with sumptous buffet lunch and refreshments