Forest takes shape in dubai school
dubai — To reduce carbon footprint and revitalise the environment, the Indian High School (IHS) showcased the urban forest developed on its premises on Monday. Known as the Forest Bathing Corridor that spans an area of 30,000sqft, the one-kilometre long green sanctuary is divided into six zones — Ghaf Avenue, Madhuban, Green Heart (h), Enchanted Forest, Pluck and the Sophrology SenTer.
Forest bathing or Shinrin-yoku is the practice of taking a short, leisurely visit to a forest for health benefits. The school has planted 2,000 saplings — horizontally and vertically on its premises. These consist mainly of ghaf and banyan trees that were picked for their benefits as well as cultural significance in the UAE and India.
The event saw a troupe of Indian dancers and musicians from the school welcome chief guests Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister for Climate Change and Environment; Dr Abdulla Al Karam, chairman of the board of directors and director-general of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA); and Vipul, ConsulGeneral of India to the UAE. The minister and the consul-general also planted a couple of saplings on the school premises.
“The idea of reducing the carbon footprint and turning towards sustainable development and renewable energy is the need of the hour. IHS’ Urban Forest is a step ahead in the direction,” said Vipul.
“We gather here to mark two occasions, the Year of Giving and India@70 that celebrates India’s 70th anniversary this year. The UAE and India are both committed to the Paris Agreement on climate change that lays out commitments for nations to limit their greenhouse-gas emissions and contain the impact of global warming,” said Sunil Umrao Singh, chairman of IHS.
Calling it a walkway to relieve stress and introducing wellness in students, Ashok Kumar, CEO of IHS, said: “The move aims at enhancing growth, good health, studies, of our future citizens, our children. Children are mostly indoors, sitting in air-conditioned rooms, travelling in buses or stressing about studies. We wanted to do something beneficial for them and the environment and that is why the whole idea of forest bathing came along so they can relax, destress and connect with nature.”
The Forest Bathing Corridor will continue to see addition of more plants and trees, and aims to grow into a little wild sanctuary eventually resembling a miniature forest.
saman@khaleejtimes.com
The UAE and India are both committed to the Paris Agreement on climate change that lays out commitments for nations to limit their greenhouse-gas emissions.” Sunil Umrao Singh, chairman, IHS The idea of reducing the carbon footprint and turning towards sustainable development and renewable energy is the need of the hour. IHS’ Urban Forest is a step ahead in the direction.” Vipul, consul-general of India to UAE. Children are mostly indoors, sitting in airconditioned rooms, travelling in buses or stressing about studies. We want to do something beneficial for them and the environment.” Ashok Kumar, CEO, IHS