RIYADH, 8 May 2003 — The National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development is to start a two-week-long project for the rehabilitation of the juniper forest in Abha, which is home to several indigenous species of birds and the Arabian leopard.
“We don’t know why, but we have noticed either dead trees or dead branches. It could be due to the impact of human activity or environmental degradation. We want to find out what is responsible for the phenomenon,” Dr. Abdul Aziz Abuzinada, secretary-general of the NCWCD, told Arab News.
He said the rehabilitation program, from May 24, would involve transplanting saplings in place of dead trees in the affected areas.
He also announced that Prince Muhammad ibn Nasser Week would be observed in Jizan from May 10 to promote environmental tourism in Jizan Province in the southwestern part of the Kingdom.
The event, named after the Governor of Jizan, was intended to create environmental awareness among schoolchildren and the public.
There will also be a lecture by Dr. Abuzinada on the importance of environmental preservation as a basis for the sustainable development of tourism.
Situated at a height of over 2,000 meters in the Red Sea region, Jizan has a mountainous terrain noted for the presence of acacia and arrack trees at lower heights.
