RIYADH, 19 April 2006 — The Kingdom is to observe a “Wildlife Week” annually with private and public sector participation. The announcement was made by Dr. Abdul Aziz Abu Zinada, secretary-general of National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD), and Prince Bandar ibn Mohamed Al-Saud, general supervisor of protected areas and consultant to NCWCD, at a press conference here.
“Following a decision taken by the ministerial council, a national steering committee has been appointed to carry out the programs of the ‘Saudi Wildlife Week’ at the national level,” Dr. Abu Zinada said.
He said the committee comprises representatives from the ministries of education, defense, culture and information and agriculture, the Presidency of Meteorological and Environmental Protection, Saudi Council of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Supreme Commission for Tourism.
Abu Zinada said the purpose of devoting a week for wildlife is to tell the public how important it is to protect and conserve wildlife in the Kingdom for sustainable development.
From March 23, 2007, the Kingdom will observe the “Saudi Wildlife Week”, he said. The estimated cost of the project will be around SR7 million, which will be generated from the private sector and non-governmental organizations in the Kingdom, he added.
The week’s program will include lectures, dialogues, seminars, workshops, exhibitions and TV and radio programs.
Prince Bandar said the national committee would provide equal opportunity for women to participate in the annual event.
“We have appointed a separate women’s committee headed by Mai Al-Jasser to organize family programs related to mothers and children,” the prince said.
