JEDDAH, 26 April 2006 — The Presidency of Meteorology and Environment intends to cooperate with various civilian organizations on local, regional and international levels with the aim of building a broad base for environmental protection in the Kingdom.
Addressing a function to mark the World Environment Day at the College of Business Administration in Jeddah on Sunday, Prince Turki ibn Nasser, president of PME, said that “the Kingdom has drawn up several regulations aimed at protecting and preserving the ecological balance and environment while new developmental projects are being started.”
Prince Turki observed that the climatic changes and shooting up temperatures were a global phenomenon and not confined to the Kingdom alone.
An environment preservation expo and a workshop were also held at the college on the occasion.
The prince issued a severe warning to those who did not take the environment protection rules seriously.
“The newly drawn-up bylaws stipulate that new projects that fail to adhere to the conditions for environmental protection will be liable to such penal measures as fine and suspension of commissioning of the projects,” he said.
Abdullah Sadiq Dahlan, chairman of the board of trustees of the college and member of the Shoura Council said on the occasion that the college was prompted to host the exhibition and forum by its keenness to create awareness about the special importance of environment protection amid college students.
Dahlan told Arab News that the Shoura Council in the past few days discussed the Kingdom’s environmental protection strategy and it would be implemented after getting royal approval.
Speaking on the occasion, Abdullah Nasir, regional representative of the Arab Environment Association (AEA), pointed out that a major factor in the environmental pollution in the Kingdom’s urban zones was density of population.
He said the Kingdom’s challenges in the future would be huge and hence needed concerted efforts from both manufacturers and consumers.
An environmental-preservation seminar and exhibition was held on the occasion for the benefit of high school students at the Jeddah Science Club. Speaking at the seminar, AEA chairman Magdy El-Sharkawy said that his organization was planning to establish a regional office in Jeddah this year.
Dr. Nasir, a professor at King Abdul Aziz University, was chosen to head the new office.
