Registration now open for the 8th session of the Khalifa International Date Palm award
Submission of applications can be done from 02 June to 31 October 2015 for any of the five categories of Award
Date palms are vital for the livelihoods of people in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other countries in the Near East. They provide sustenance, building materials, shade and a source of income. Since 1965, FAO is proud to be part of the efforts to promote date palms and recognizes that the UAE are at the forefront of regional and international efforts to sustainably produce date palms.
In the spring of 2015, two date palm oases in the UAE have joined the growing number of ecosystems that are formally recognized by FAO for their importance as repositories of genetic resources, biodiversity and cultural heritage. The Al Ain and Liwa oases are now part of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), an initiative that promotes public understanding, awareness, national and international recognition of Agricultural Heritage systems.
The Khalifa International Date Palm Award has been set up by the UAE as a platform to recognize and reward those individuals and institutions who have significantly contributed to this field around the world.
The award is designed to highlight the uniqueness of the date palm as part of the heritage and lives of the people of date-growing countries. It also acknowledges the contribution made by science and modern technology in the propagation, production, protection, processing, packaging and marketing of this unique tree.
Registration is now open for the 8th Khalifa International Date Palm Award. Submission of applications can be done from 02 June to 31 October 2015 for any of the five categories of Award: Best Research, Best Producers, Best New Techniques, Best Development Project and Distinguished Figure.
