Dubai: On the occasion of World Environment Day 2026, Aster Volunteers UAE, the global CSR arm of Aster DM Healthcare, marked the occasion with two key sustainability initiatives focused on afforestation and responsible e-waste management under the “Aster Green Choices” programme, planting 67 trees and recycling 1,043 kgs of electronic waste across the UAE.

As part of World Environment Day celebrations, Aster Volunteers from Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres UAE, in association with the Agricultural Department of Dubai Municipality, conducted a tree plantation drive at Al Khawaneej Park, Dubai, planting 67 trees. The initiative was led by Mr. T. J. Wilson, Executive Director & Group Head – Governance & Corporate Affairs, Aster DM Healthcare, whose leadership continues to guide the organisation’s sustainability vision across the region. The plantation drive featured a diverse range of native and ornamental species including Washingtonia robusta (Mexican Fan Palm), Prosopis Spicigera (Khejri), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Delonix regia (Gulmohar), Pongamia glabra (Indian Beech Tree), Millingtonia hortensis (Indian Cork Tree), Tabebuia argentea (Golden Trumpet Tree), Cassia fistula (Golden Shower Tree), Ficus infectoria (White Fig), Olea europaea (Olive), and Alstonia scholaris (Devil Tree).

Each Tree planted represents a long-term investment in environmental restoration, contributing to cleaner air, enhanced biodiversity, improved climate resilience, and a reduced carbon footprint. With this initiative, Aster Volunteers’ cumulative plantation efforts across the GCC have reached 4,867 saplings. Once fully matured, these trees are expected to offset more than 140 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

In continuation of its environmental sustainability efforts, Aster Volunteers UAE conducted the 5th E-Waste Collection Drive, recycling 1,043 kgs of e-waste across select Aster and Medcare units in the UAE under the “Aster Green Choices” initiative. The initiative builds on the success of previous editions, reinforcing Aster’s continued commitment to responsible electronic waste management and circular economy practices. Following the 4th edition, which recycled 750 kgs of e-waste and brought the cumulative total to 1,998 kgs, the latest drive recycled an additional 1,043 kgs, increasing the programme’s overall e-waste collection and recycling impact to 3,041 kgs. The initiative continues to strengthen community participation and environmental awareness across the UAE. The initiative is conducted in partnership with “Clear Earth”, ensuring safe, certified, and environmentally compliant recycling of electronic waste collected from households, workplaces, and healthcare facilities. Collection boxes were placed across designated Aster units, enabling active participation from employees, patients, and community members. The E-Waste Collection Drive forms part of Aster DM Healthcare’s broader environmental strategy across the GCC and India, focused on reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy adoption, and strengthening circular economy practices.

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said: “Environmental sustainability is a fundamental pillar of Aster’s mission and is deeply embedded in our ESG framework aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our World Environment Day initiatives reflect the power of sustained collective action in addressing environmental challenges. While tree plantation drives contribute to long-term ecological restoration, responsible e-waste recycling addresses an urgent environmental concern today. Through Aster Volunteers, we remain committed to scaling these efforts across geographies and strengthening our contribution to a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future.”

Aster DM Healthcare has consistently been recognized for its sustainability leadership, including accolades such as the Dubai Chamber CSR Label, Arabia CSR Award, GESGA 2023 Platinum Award by Global ESG Awards, International Best Practice Award 2025 by IBPC New Zealand, and recognition among global sustainability benchmarks. The organization integrates 10 UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) into its ESG framework, reinforcing its long-term commitment to responsible growth and community well-being.

Over the last 9 years, Aster Volunteers has grown into a global movement powered by over 100,000 volunteers, positively impacting more than 8 million lives across 22 Countries, positively impacting in Healthcare, Education and Social Empowerment, Disaster Aid and Environmental Sustainability.