FLUSHING, QUEENS In commemoration of the Year of Zayed, South African Arts International announces a tree planting ceremony as a part of the global campaign called the Year of Zayed, which is honoring the United Arab Emirates founding father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. 

Before this activity, the Zayed Mile Week will kick-off from the United Nations on July 3. Queen's resident, Don Victor Mooney will cycle thru the Bronx, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. In each borough he plans to plant a tree in memory of Sheikh Zayed love of the earth. Intermittently, he'll make stops and share the legacy of Zayed. The last tree will be planted at Queens Botanical Garden. 
 
In 2005, the United Nations Environment Programme honored Sheikh Zayed posthumously with the ‘Champion of the Earth’ award for his outstanding wildlife conservation, agriculture, forestation, and preserving biodiversity efforts both inside the U.A.E. and around the world. 

The United States and United Arab Emirates have been reliable allies for over forty-one years. They share a future-oriented outlook of tolerance, gender equality, diversity, educational advancement, free markets, and the promotion of arts and culture. Tens of thousands of Americans work in and visit the UAE every year. Thousands of young Emiratis are studying in US universities. And hundreds of health care, cultural, science, and educational partnerships and exchanges link the people of both countries.   

Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) is an urban oasis where people, plants, and cultures are celebrated through inspiring gardens, innovative educational programs, and real-world applications of environmental stewardship.

On the net: thezayedmile.info