RIYADH: Al-Baha Municipality launched the Green Baha Heritage initiative as part of efforts to raise environmental awareness.
Mayor of Al-Baha Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Al-Sowat launched the scheme on Thursday in the presence of the Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Al-Baha branch, Fahd Muftah Al-Zahrani, and with the participation of several government agencies, nonprofit organizations, volunteer teams, scouts and more than 700 volunteers, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The initiative aims to plant more than 20,000 native seedlings in Al-Baha city and its neighborhood, including walkways, parks, public squares and medians, enhancing environmental sustainability and improving quality of life.
Al-Sowat said that more than 11 governmental and private entities are taking part in the initiative, and that planting will cover all governorates in the region’s public squares and parks.
He described the integrated efforts of various entities in implementing the afforestation initiatives, supported by volunteer teams led by the municipality, and with broad participation from volunteers.
Al-Baha Municipality continues to implement afforestation initiatives using the best modern irrigation methods, he added.
This contributes to rationalizing freshwater consumption, increasing the use of treated water in tree irrigation to more than 85 percent, expanding green spaces, and achieving financial efficiency in operation and maintenance through smart irrigation technologies.
Al-Baha Municipality also launched its Green Hour initiative and the lights went off last Friday to boost public awareness of the need for energy conservation and environmental protection.
For one hour, non-essential lights in prominent buildings and various neighborhoods were switched off.
The idea, which is in line with the broader Saudi Green Initiative, reflects the municipality’s commitment to enhancing the urban landscape, supporting the Kingdom’s sustainable future and improving people’s quality of life.
SGI Day is observed every year on March 27 and aims to enhance environmental sustainability by planting trees in parks, gardens and public squares.
