JEDDAH, 8 April 2003 — The war in Iraq has not caused any environmental problems for Saudi Arabia. Observation centers in the Eastern Province are closely monitoring the effects of the war on the environment.
“Results so far indicate that there is no pollution of any kind,” Prince Turki ibn Nasser, chairman of the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment Protection, said here on Sunday night.
“However, the observation centers continue to monitor the war’s effects on our environment closely so that corrective steps can be taken immediately,” Prince Turki said in his remarks after inaugurating Prince Majed Development Center, near the King Fahd Hospital and Research Center complex.
“Coastal areas in the Eastern Province will be cleaned next year,” he said.
He said the presidency presented a proposal to the Ministerial Council on the Environment to establish a society for the friends of the environment.
“The proposed society can play a major role in shaping the new center to protect and preserve the environment,” the prince said.
He commended the role of environmental organizations in the Kingdom. “They have been making efforts to enlighten the public on environment and health affairs. The new center can benefit a great deal from the efforts of these bodies,” he said.
Prince Turki also opened an exhibition entitled “My Environment Is My Life,” which showcases current and future environmental projects, especially those keeping the air and water free of pollution.
There is a separate section on safe handling of medical waste offering tips on the sources, categories and risks of hazardous materials as well as waste minimization and recycling.
