Over the weekend, a group of thirty-five volunteers from various backgrounds and nationalities came together to restore nature trails and plant saplings in Masfoot, an exclave of Ajman. The recent heavy rains had damaged many tourist spots, prompting these volunteers to take action and help restore the natural beauty of the region.
Equipped with shovels, rakes, and brooms, the volunteers worked tirelessly to clear debris and restore nearly 300 meters of the nature trail. The event was organized by Emirates Nature-WWF and was open to the public free of charge. The goal was not only to restore the trails but also to benefit local farmers in Masfoot.
Project manager Altaf Habib emphasized the inclusive nature of the program, welcoming volunteers of all backgrounds to contribute to the restoration efforts. Volunteers played a crucial role in rehabilitating the natural environment of Masfoot, dedicating their time and effort to the cause.
After clearing and restoring the trail, the volunteers visited a local farm and engaged in planting Arabian moringa saplings. This activity holds promise for short-term recovery and long-term sustainability, offering benefits such as moringa oil and honey production while supporting biodiversity.
UAE youth ambassador for nature, Tejasvi Prakash, highlighted the importance of planting saplings to provide farmers with an additional source of income. The Arabian moringa tree has high medicinal properties and is naturally suited to the environment, ensuring a fruitful future for both farmers and the land.
First-time volunteer Lisa Kassem, a Canadian faculty member in Sharjah, shared her enlightening experience participating in the restoration project. She expressed her eagerness to continue contributing to positive change in the community and be part of meaningful impacts beyond just tourism.