Dubai: Gift Wrapped in Green

Where do the soil, moisture and other nutritional requirements that support these flowers and emerald grass carpets come from? What does it take to keep them looking consistently green and fresh? A lot! In terms of human effort, financial resources, 'sweet soil' and 'sweet water.' Certainly deserving of wonderment, appreciation, and a huge amount of respect.

There are stretches in the city that give an insight into what it must have looked like before Dubai was built up and ''greened'' - sandy, gravely, desolate stretches, sporting patchy shrub clumps. That is how it was in 1960. By the close of that decade, however, initial, tentative moves to vegetate the emirate had begun. But it was in the 70's and more so, the 80's, that greening really took off with the establishment of a host of parks as well as plantations along roadsides, traffic roundabouts and other places. This process still continues; in fact, since 1995, in a far more systematic and scientific way. Today there are large public parks (five), residential parks (six), city-centre parks (five), a dozen public squares (parks are classified by Dubai Municipality according to size and function) and miscellaneous green cover outside the parks - an overall total of 381 hectares. They contribute to Dubai earning an additional attribute - 'Fascinating Parks City,' one with the largest number of organised parks in the UAE. "Greenery is a culture," says Mohammed Obaid Al Mulla, director, horticulture and public parks department, Dubai municipality, as he explains the deep, abiding interest of Their Highnesses, the rulers, in greening the Emirates; a culture that they, as citizens and public executives, have imbibed.

The mother stock nursery in Al Garhoud from where cuttings are taken and planted in different parts of Dubai

Creation of recreational facilities and environmental protection against pollution are the basic reasons for the greening effort. An effort made against all odds - poor soil, dearth of water and climatic rigours. '' If the growth of Dubai had stopped five years ago, we would have achieved the target of greening 8% of it's settlement area (which is as per international standards)! As things stand we have achieved 4% so far, and although a lot has been done, it is just the beginning,'' says Al Mulla, emphasising that they continue to handle over 40 big projects and some 50-60 small ones every year. That should certainly give Dubai even greater 'lung power' in the years ahead!

Interestingly, the horticulture and public parks department has adopted a green approach, in more ways than the obvious.

For one, using seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) as a natural pesticide, and phasing out dangerous (to human health and the environment) chemical pesticides. The incredible neem (native to India, where the tree has been called a ''village pharmacy'' because of its therapeutic values) is known to repel or kill over 200 insect pest species. Introduced into the UAE years ago as an ornamental tree, the propagation of neem was welcomed because it is perennial, well acclimatised to dry conditions, provides ample shade, serves as a windbreak and checks soil erosion. Now it is being used in Dubai for pest control. About 300-500 kgs of neem seeds are collected annually, ground into powder, mixed in water, strained, and the solution sprayed on plants. The powder residues, left after straining, are further dried and worked into the soil to condition it and keep it free of pests. Neem plantation continues to be encouraged not only because it ''kills flies, worms, mites and other bugs while saving the environment from chemical pesticides pollution, but also because it encourages greenery.'' Only when there is no alternative, are synthetic organic chemical pesticides resorted to, such as in the case of the red weevil afflicting date palms.

Next, fertiliser and water for plantations are both products of Dubai's wastewater treatment plant, being brought in from Al Aweer, 30 km outside the city. Over the years, as volumes of sewage requiring treatment have increased, so has the sludge available for landscaping and gardening. Its treatment for application in horticulture involves subjecting it to temperatures exceeding 700 degrees Celsius - ''It's like treatment in a microwave! So there is no smell in the fertiliser derived from sludge," says Al Mulla. There is surplus sludge for sale to the public too, at a reasonable price. But 'sweet soil' is something else. It is natural soil that is transferred from fertile tracts elsewhere, such as oases. Controlled quantities of commercial inorganic fertiliser (containing nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium), however, are used; but only where absolutely necessary. Their use has been declining over the years.

Further, no natural water (such as groundwater) or desalinated water (for human consumption) is used for irrigation. All of it is treated wastewater that is applied, using water-saving drip irrigation, and sprinkler and bubbler systems. Priority is being given to indigenous species that are well adapted to desert conditions; species that survive on two themes - ''Beat the heat'' and ''every drop of water counts.'' Roots of ghaf (Prosopis spicigera), for instance, penetrate depths of as much as 20 metres in search of water. Athel (Tamarix aphylla) also called salt tree, is valued for its ability to withstand drought, soil salinity and is useful as wind breaks in desert climes. There is the tough, resistant to termites, gazorina (Casuarina equisetifolia), that has needle leaves and long hairs in groves along branches to cut down evapo-transpiration. Growing beautifully on coarse, sandy soils is arta (Calligonum comosum). These are but examples. There are other native species that are being raised in nurseries and planted all over because, ecologically speaking, it is the right thing to do. So, what does it take to maintain 'Green Dubai'? A whole department dedicated exclusively for its upkeep - the horticulture and public parks department - working in co-operation and co-ordination with various municipal divisions. Also working with other concerned government authorities including the police, who have the authority to impose fines for violations of rules - cutting trees, damaging landscaped areas, walking or lying on grass! Macro-planning and micro-planning the greening of all 14 horticulture units (seven each in Deira and Dubai) and executing plans with the help of a labour force comprising, in all, 1600 individuals - two engineers and one inspector for each unit; one labourer for each 6000 sq m of green, and one gardener for every group of 11 labourers. Planning, landscaping, laying out the soil and irrigation system, planting, fertilising, keeping pests away, grass cutting, de-weeding…and that is just touching upon the extent of work involved.

It is hardly surprising that packaging Dubai in green, costs. Each sq m of grass costs Dh.11.25 to produce and Dh.13.84, annually, to maintain. This means that Dubai's 3 million sq m of grass cover (1998) has cost Dh.34 million to produce; and it takes Dh.41.5 million per year to maintain it. (Think about this when you step on the grass next time!)

Annual maintenance costs (these are higher than production costs) of some of the other vegetation types: palm trees - Dh.86.50 per tree (Dh.2 million); flowers - Dh.9.80 per sq m (Dh.1.5 million); and ground cover comprising small plants and bushes - Dh.9.80 per sq m (Dh.5.9 million). The 'fascinating parks' involve greater expense. Dubai Creek Park, for example, cost Dh.106 million to lay out; and Al Mumzar Beach Park, Dh 100 million. (So, why do we crib about paying an entry fee?) What is more, at least 50% of the annual maintenance cost is for water. It just goes to show the expenses involved in treating wastewater.

Let's just value those greens! It's not only because they look beautiful. They are the lungs of Dubai; its stress-soothers; noise-buffers, heat-relievers, bird havens, soil-protectors and so much more. They also cost the earth.

LOCAL NEWS

Environmental Law

A 10-article law on prevention of abuse of pesticides and chemical fertilisers has been issued by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. It will come into effect from the date of its publication in the official gazette. The competent authorities, in co-ordination with the Environment Research and Wildlife Development Agency (ERWDA), Abu Dhabi, will determine, sort (according to the international toxic ratings), and issue lists of permissible pesticides and fertilisers. The law bans production, marketing or use of any pesticides and chemical fertilisers without prior approval by the competent authorities. Permissible pesticides and fertilisers from the original manufacturer only will be approved, and not substitutes manufactured by other producers. It also stipulates that the safest ways of fighting and preventing pests shall be used. Inspectors will monitor shops, farms and also domestic pest control firms to ensure adherence to the rules and prosecute offenders, who will be jailed for a maximum of three months and/or fined up to Dh3000. In 1994, the government had reportedly banned some pesticides that were sold in the Emirates under several brand names, but considered hazardous for human and animal health. Limited low-poison and poison-free pesticides only were permitted for use under the supervision of agricultural officials. But the banned products still continue to be imported and sold illegally. Some companies have also been known to be selling their old stocks of prohibited pesticides. Enforcement of the new law should put an end to such activities.

EARTH DIARY

Dubai

For the two months in a year that Sudha Shrikhande visits her family in Dubai, nothing from their kitchen is wasted. The plants in their garden are fed kitchen refuse - all vegetable peels, naturally, but also eggshells, bones and fat. Small pieces of paper, nails, hair are some other garden additives. '' Don't put in tins, bottles, foils and plastic,'' cautions Shrikhande '' and, if you are short of space and want to reduce bulk, just churn all the organic stuff in a blender and use it. Ideal for flowerpots in apartments!'' She has a compost pit of course, but frequently just digs up the soil with her little red spade and buries peels around the plants. Lemongrass, drumstick, mint, a variety of flowers, all are flourishing under Shrikhande's therapy for, I have seen her doctoring her plants. ''This plant seemed to be drying up, so I have been giving it tomato skins and a few orange peels. I put lemon skin in the money plants. When it's good for us why shouldn't it be good for them? Orange peels do good to hibiscus.'' Finally, an important tip: wash your vegetables, pulses, meats and other foods in a large vessel, and use the water for your plants or your lawn. Don't pour it down the drain.

LETTER

RESPONSE

From Shaikh Adam, Dubai, This letter is regarding your column published in Friday magazine (Gulf News) a couple of months back. The write up was about recycling of different types of waste materials. Such a write up was also published on plastic waste like PET bottles. I need more information on how these plastic bottles/PET jars are processed, and whether the caps are recyclable or not. I also need addresses of recycling units where such waste is processed. I also suggest that Gulf News start a column on how to make the best use of such recyclable waste at home. Besides this, for a home project I need bottle caps of various colours. Could you please provide me with the addresses of recycling units who would be willing to provide such bottle caps? I would also like to do my bit for the environment and a green Dubai.

1. Information on how plastic bottles and PET jars are processed. You can get information from Eco Plastic Industries (Khwaja Nazesh Mirza Tel. 04-814482 Fax. 04-813189); Anmol International Trading Est. (Mohammed Abid Ali Khan Telefax. 06-357795 Fax. 06-357740); and Seven Stars General Trading Co. (Tarun Agarwal Tel. 04-516899 Fax. 04-556450) 2. Whether caps are recyclable or not. Yes they are. By and large, they are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or polypropylene (PP). All are recyclable and are being recycled here. However, one problem for cap recycling is that some, particularly fizzy drink bottles, have an additional plastic seal inside the cap for better containment of the fizz. This seal is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It has to be manually removed from each cap for purposes of recycling. This makes it problematic and uneconomical to recycle. 3. Addresses of recycling units Some are listed under item 1 (above) and others can be found out from the same individuals/companies. You will have to contact these and other companies directly and ask them how you can get hold of caps in various colours and whether they would be willing to provide some to you. 4. A column on how to make the best use of waste. We would welcome such ideas and would be happy to use them in the column. If you read this column regularly you may have noticed that we already do.

WHAT ON EARTH CAN WE DO? Reduce evaporation losses by watering lawns and gardens in the early morning or evening, rather than in the heat of midday or when it is windy. Use drip irrigation and mulch for gardens and flowerbeds. Better still, xeriscape (with plants adapted to dry climates). Take advice from the department of horticulture and public parks, Dubai municipality.

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