In regards to environmental sustainability, one cannot find many people who actually practice what they preach in this world of so-called experts. However, Dr. Kasia Sterriker is not just a talker; she is a walker. She’s a landscape architect, environmental engineer, and dendrologist all rolled into one, and she’s on a mission to protect the native plants of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). But that’s not all—she’s also bringing communities together through environmental art. It’s not just her knowledge that sets her apart; it’s the way she uses it to inspire change, blending science, creativity, and community impact in a way that feels refreshingly genuine.
Dr. Kasia’s journey is rooted in a solid academic foundation. She’s got degrees in landscape architecture and environmental engineering under her belt, but she didn’t stop there. Driven by curiosity and a passion for nature, she went on to specialize in dendrology. This gave her the perfect toolkit to take on the environmental challenges unique to the UAE, a region where only the toughest plants survive.
But Dr. Kasia Sterriker isn’t working alone. She collaborates with Dr. Suzan Shahin and a dedicated team of researchers who all share her commitment to environmental conservation. Together, they’re figuring out which native species are vital for the UAE’s ecological health. And they don’t keep this knowledge locked up in academic journals. They bring it straight to the community, helping people understand why these native plants matter and inspiring them to play an active role in conservation.
On the other hand, what sets Dr. Kasia apart is her ability to mix science with creativity in a way that genuinely connects with people. She uses sustainable art to create experiences that resonate on a personal level. Her workshops and exhibitions aren’t your typical environmental lessons. They’re immersive journeys that bring together science, art, and activism, leaving a lasting impact on anyone who takes part.
Dr. Kasia employs the ancient art of bonsai, but she puts her own spin on it. Using native trees from the UAE, she crafts living sculptures that tell stories of survival and resilience. Each bonsai isn’t just a beautiful piece of art; it’s a celebration of the local flora’s strength and adaptability in the harsh desert environment. These living sculptures are powerful reminders of the region’s rich ecological history. By showcasing their beauty and toughness, she gets people talking about sustainability and conservation in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.
Plus, she’s actively working to make real, lasting changes in urban development. She partners with local organizations and government bodies to push for sustainable urban planning. By working closely with policymakers, she makes sure that scientific research isn’t just left on paper but is actually applied in real-world projects.
One of the most impactful areas of her advocacy is her push for native vegetation in landscaping. In a time when urbanization is booming, there’s often a trend to use exotic, high-maintenance plants that don’t fit the local climate. Dr. Kasia is challenging this mindset. She promotes the use of native species that are perfectly suited to the UAE’s harsh climate. By using plants that naturally thrive in the local environment, she’s helping to reduce water usage, support local wildlife, and create greener, more sustainable cities.
Together with Dr. Suzan Shahin, she inspires people to see the beauty and value in their native landscapes. She helps them understand that these aren’t just patches of green but living ecosystems that need protecting. More importantly, Dr. Kasia Sterriker’s work makes you look at your surroundings differently, realizing that sustainability starts at home, in your community, with small actions that add up!
