The "Tree Day" is meant to commemorate the strong ties that exist between human beings and the living world around them.

Trees bring human beings nearer to nature and thus nearer to Allah. Trees males us aware of the greatness of the Almighty who created us and the beauty of nature that surroundedus, so that we may appreciate His creation and give it the admiration it deserves.

His Highness, The President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan AI Nahyan some years ago, set a shining example, when he inaugurated a tree planting programme along with groups from the Ministry and students, so that the trees may protect the environment.

Trees have been playing an important role in the life of human beings since the time of creation, and have been mentioned in all the Holy Books revealed.

The uses of trees are many: they protect the soil from erosion, give shade, act as wind-breakers against storms, beautify the towns and villages, and guard the land against the advancing desert.

Some scientific facts about trees and green areas:

1. An acre of planted trees or greenery produces about 4.5 million cubic meters of air, and are thus considered as natural producers of fresh air.

2. Physicists say that the only method of protecting new townships is by creating gardens, where the share of each inhabitant should not be less than 2.3 meters. Advanced planning puts this figure to 2.5 meters per individual.

3. A human being needs daily: 1.5 Kg. of food, 2 Kg. of water and the body cells need 9 Kg. of fresh air.

4. Trees are able to absorb one-third of the noise created by cars and aeroplanes which is known to affect human beings, animals and birds.

5. Trees are considered a measure of the progress and development of nations. The increase in green areas in any country shows the progress and civilization of the nation concerned.

It is heartening to note that the agricultural situation in the United Arab Emirates has changed rapidly. The agricultural area has today increased from 2500 hectares to almost 31,318 hectares, besides 70,000 hectares of forests.