RIYADH, 9 December 2002 — Thirteen volunteer groups and individuals from nine countries in the Gulf-Levant region, including two from the Kingdom, have been awarded the prestigious Ford grants for research projects dedicated to environmental causes. The US automobile giant Ford announced the annual grants as part of its initiative to support efforts to protect the region’s environment.
“The Ford grants are celebrating their third year of success in the region and the quality of this year’s nominations reflects the importance of this global initiative,” said Jim Benintende, managing director of Ford Middle East and North Africa. He said it was immensely gratifying that “the local volunteers are continuing the good work on different environmental subjects.”
Saudi environmentalist Mohammed S.A. Sulayem has received the grant for studying the prospects of sustainable management of acacia tortilis in Saudi Arabia. Acacia tortilis, often called the “umbrella thorn” for its distinctive spreading crown, is one of the most widespread trees in seasonally dry areas of the region.
Another Saudi expert, Tarek Muhammad Ameen Al-Abbasi, has been named for the grant for pursuing his pioneering work on the rehabilitation of Arar trees in Reydah Protected Area and Sehab Park in the Kingdom.
The Ford grants offered in some 50 countries in the Mideast, Asia, Caribbean and Central and South America. Its panel of judges includes Dr. Abdulaziz Abuzinada, secretary-general of the Riyadh-based National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development.
