JEDDAH: The national program for environmental awareness and sustainable development entitled “My Environment: Green Flag and Green Country” was launched in Jeddah Sunday by Prince Turki Bin Nasser Bin Abdul Aziz, President of the Meteorology and Environmental Protection Authority and chairman of the Saudi Environment Society. He launched some programs and activities focusing on the environment and waste management under the motto, “The National Enlightenment Campaign for Cleanliness of the Kingdom's Cities”. He also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Jeddah Governorate and the Saudi Environment Society to carry out activities related to the national program. In his address he stressed the determination of the Kingdom to apply the concept of “environmental conservation in all aspects of life based on Islamic teachings” and to enforce the General Environment System issued by the Council of Ministers in 2001. He said the Saudi Environment Society wanted to improve conditions for all residents suffering from environmental problems by introducing sustainable development programs. He said the new strategy of the Saudi Environment Society has been approved. It wants to launch several projects in collaboration with the private and public sectors. Meanwhile, Dr. Hani Abu Rass, Mayor of Jeddah, said that the Kingdom was at a stage where it was necessary to “reinforce the principles of partnership, cooperation and understanding between the various sectors of society” in terms of environmental awareness. He said the signing of the MoU is part of the partnership between the mayoralty and Saudi Environment Society to increase the awareness of citizens and expatriates about the importance of preserving the environment, to upgrade the standard of cleanliness and preserve the distinguished cultural characteristics of Jeddah.
