JEDDAH, 28 July 2005 — Over 200 qualified divers will descend on the reef off the Corniche today as the “Leave No Trace” campaign launched by the Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT) gets under way here.
SCT Secretary-General Prince Sultan ibn Salman said the event was an important step forward in creating public awareness of the need to protect and improve the environment. “I wish to thank the sponsors, the organizing committees and the divers and all concerned for their dedication and the hard work they have put into this project.”
The clean-up campaign is part of the operation to restore one of Jeddah’s main tourist attractions — the Corniche — to its original pristine clean condition.
The day begins at 7 a.m. with the first in a series of dives to attack the garbage on the reef, with a maximum of three dives planned for the day. The day includes something for everyone, including a swimming pool for learner swimmers, displays and opportunities to view and buy diving gear and a competition to guess the total weight of garbage retrieved.
After the final dive — scheduled for around 4 p.m. — Prince Sultan will close the activities and present the prizes.
