JEDDAH – The 9th Environment fest for “Corniche Friends” began in Jeddah on Friday. The opening ceremony under the banner of “I love Jeddah” was held at the north Corniche in the presence of Dr. Sami Badawood, director general of health affairs in Jeddah region. The festival is organized by the Saudi Environmental Society (SENS) and the Jeddah Mayoralty. Dr. Badawood said that the Ministry of Health “is giving top priority to health and environment and is taking part in several programs and activities aimed at enhancing environmental awareness among all sections of people. Protection of environment requires deepening foundations of partnership, cooperation and understanding among all the concerned sectors. The ministry is striving to support awareness and cultural programs that aimed at protecting environment and preserve it for future generations.” He also urged Saudis and expats to shoulder their responsibility in keeping the city clean and tidy. Dr. Majida Abu Ras, deputy chairperson of SENS, said that health and environmental agencies are moving along parallel lines in order to realize common goals of protecting humans. “The carnival, which has proved a success in Jeddah, would be introduced in other cities in future. These cities included Makkah, Madinah, Abha, Al-Baha, and Taif,” she said. SENS announced plans to set up environment clinics across Jeddah. The society is currently carrying out studies to establish clinics at some 45 primary health centers in the city. The opening ceremony was attended by around 1000 people. The number of people expected to witness activities of the carnival would be in excess of 35,000. A 30-km long procession started off with many participants holding “I love Jeddah” signs. The procession is aimed at spreading the culture of social responsibility in protecting environment and the future generations through realizing a model environment. Members of the Jeddah Friends Club and Golden Youth Academy also distributed trash bags to some 300 families who were on the Corniche at the time.
