SAVE TREE DIVERSITY

SAVE TREE DIVERSITY
A Barony Future Lab Initiative at SRTIP, Sharjah
La Baronia · Pyrenees · Spain
Founded by Koncha Pinós
A Living Archive for the Next Generation
SAVE TREE DIVERSITY is a scientific and educational initiative of Barony Future Lab at SRTIP, Sharjah, created to connect advanced innovation with one of the world’s most important living resources: tree genetic diversity.
The initiative proposes the creation of a Living Tree Genetic Archive at La Baronia, in the Pyrenees of Spain, beginning with one hectare within an 80-hectare forest territory.

The purpose is not simply to plant trees.

It is to create a living scientific classroom, where trees become a platform for research, education, technology, biodiversity and international collaboration.

A Global Challenge
Trees are an essential component of global biodiversity, yet a significant proportion of tree species are threatened. The IUCN Global Tree Assessment has identified more than one-third of assessed tree species as threatened with extinction.
Beyond species loss, the loss of genetic diversity reduces the capacity of forests to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

SAVE TREE DIVERSITY responds to this challenge by focusing on living genetic resources, combining conservation, scientific documentation, education and responsible propagation.

The First Living Archive
The first hectare will establish a carefully documented collection of approximately 20–30 species and 30–50 accessions or genotypes, selected for scientific, ecological, conservation, cultural or climate-resilience value.
Each tree will become part of a digital scientific record.

Students and researchers will be able to follow the life of individual trees over time, observing growth, phenology, environmental conditions and other measurable characteristics.

The archive will therefore become a long-term educational and scientific dataset, continuously enriched as the trees grow.

Students as Young Tree Scientists
Education is at the heart of SAVE TREE DIVERSITY.
We propose a new model in which students do not simply visit a forest.

They participate in its scientific life.

Through the Young Tree Scientists Programme, students can be assigned individual trees and follow them throughout the academic year and across multiple years.

They can learn how to identify tree species, understand genetic diversity, collect and analyse observations, monitor growth, document seasonal changes, study soil and water, understand climate impacts, learn the principles of propagation and use digital biodiversity tools.

The tree becomes a living teacher.

Connecting Sharjah and the Pyrenees
One of the most distinctive aspects of the project is its potential to create a Spain–UAE educational bridge.
Through digital technologies developed and connected through Barony Future Lab at SRTIP, students in Sharjah could follow trees growing in the Pyrenees while students in Spain could learn about the ecological environment of the UAE.

Two very different climates. Two regions. One shared scientific question:

How can we protect biodiversity and prepare forests for the future?

From Classroom to Research
SAVE TREE DIVERSITY creates a progression from early education to scientific research:
School → Field Science → Citizen Science → University → Research → Conservation

Students can progressively develop knowledge of ecology, genetics, biotechnology and environmental science.

The project has the potential to inspire future careers in biology, biotechnology, forestry, climate science, ecology, conservation, data science and environmental engineering.

International Scientific Collaboration
The Living Archive will provide a platform for collaboration between universities, schools, botanical gardens, forest research institutions, biotechnology laboratories, conservation organisations, specialist nurseries and technology companies.
Future research may include genetic characterisation, propagation, climate resilience, phenology and long-term ecological monitoring.

A Platform for Innovation
Barony Future Lab at SRTIP provides the innovation layer connecting the physical forest with digital technologies, scientific networks and international partners.
Potential applications include:

AI-assisted biodiversity monitoring · digital tree records · environmental sensors · genetic databases · remote monitoring · educational technology · citizen science

A Cultural Dimension
Through Biophilia & Art, the project can engage artists and creative communities in exploring trees as living heritage.
Through The Wellbeing Planet, the initiative can explore the relationship between biodiversity, nature connection and human wellbeing.

Science remains at the core, while creating new ways for society to understand and connect with what it is protecting.

Long-Term Vision
The one-hectare pilot is the beginning of a much larger vision.
Over time, La Baronia could develop into an international living campus incorporating a Living Tree Genetic Archive, Research & Propagation Centre, Tree Nursery, Biodiversity Observatory, International School Programme, Young Tree Scientists Academy, Scientific Residency Programme, Biophilia & Art Centre and Regenerative Innovation Hub.

The ultimate ambition is to connect Sharjah and the Pyrenees through a living international network dedicated to tree diversity.

Our Proposition
We are seeking scientific, technological and educational partners to develop the first phase and establish the scientific framework for the Living Tree Genetic Archive.
We believe the most important legacy of this project will not only be the trees preserved.

It will be the generation of young people who learn how to protect them.

SAVE TREE DIVERSITY
Protect the genetics. Educate the next generation. Connect science and nature. Grow the future.
Koncha Pinós
Founder, Barony Future Lab — SRTIP, Sharjah
Founder, The Wellbeing Planet
Founder, Biophilia & Art

Sharjah, UAE · La Baronia, Pyrenees, Spain