RIYADH, 23 October 2004 — Arrangements are under way for weeklong Kingdomwide programs that will highlight protection of environment and conservation of wildlife in Saudi Arabia.
“The decision to observe a ‘Environment and Wildlife Week’ is being implemented in accordance with a royal decree issued five months ago,” Secretary-General of the National Commission For Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) Dr. Abdulaziz Abu Zinada told Arab News.
In accordance with the decree, a special committee has been formed to chalk out a comprehensive program. The committee is composed of representatives from NCWCD, National Guard, Presidency for Meteorology and Environment and ministries of education, defense and aviation, interior and agriculture. The program dates will be determined by the committee, Dr. Zinada said. He added that the program will target all strata of people from farmers to executives since everyone could contribute toward a cleaner environment and conservation and development of wildlife.
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Abdullah urged all government and non-governmental organizations to cooperate with the organizers to observe the week in a fitting manner. In a message addressed to NCWCD on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the ‘ Al Wudaihi’ — Arabic magazine for widlife and environment — Crown Prince Abdullah hoped that the maiden celebration of the week will benefit the people and the country in general.
“Conservation has become a necessity for sustainable development which would eventually contribute to the welfare of the people,” Crown Prince Abdullah said pointing out that protection of environment is enshrined in Islamic law for the welfare of human beings.
NCWCD carries out a special program with the National Guard to bring the people under one umbrella to maintain a healthy environment and conserve wildlife in the Kingdom. “The program ‘ Let’s Unite together for the sake of our country’,” should be more meaningful in the coming years,” Prince Abdullah said.
Early this year, the commission launched a massive public awareness campaign among students and teachers in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, in regions surrounding the 16 protected areas in the Kingdom.
