For decades justice has not been done to its beauty, either by the strokes of an artist’s brush or by the scratch of a poet’s pen. Universally known as “The Bride of the Red Sea,” Jeddah attracts millions from all over the world for its amusing elegance. The city’s name originates from an Arabic word which means grandmother. This admirable grandma has taken care of young and old for generations.
Even after traveling to many places around the globe, returning to Jeddah gives one an inner peace and happiness. It is like coming back into the arms of grandma! It is distressing to note that this lovely city is now, however, showing signs of fatigue and neglect. In the last decade, a great deal of new construction has taken place and it continues to do so. In some areas rubbish does not get collected regularly. It is incomprehensible to realize that our nation does not have a proper sewage disposal system. Due to this, the level of the water table is increasing. A high water table can lead to flooding.
According to a recent article in this newspaper, experts have “raised concerns about the possible extinction of species of sea snails that breed along the Red Sea coast.” It is not just the snails which are endangered, sadly most of the marine world is threatened by pollution in the coastal areas. The city lacks a cohesive landscape.
We have harmed the habitat and polluted the environment by cutting down healthy trees — which provide us with valuable oxygen — in order to make way for bigger buildings. Trees over 50 years old are logged in minutes.
In Jeddah, if one is looking for a house with a green space, it is extremely difficult to find. There are many residences, built in different styles, without any idea or even possibility for gardening. It is surprising how some of these got the permission to build. They lack natural light, privacy and are built too close to neighboring buildings. Residents feel insecure and are deprived of sunlight in a land where it is most abundant.
Families spend their weekends or evenings shopping from center to center — shopping and more shopping. How much can one shop? Why not visit a garden center and buy a small plant and watch it blossom and feel the inner pleasure that it provides? Gardens, even if they are small, allow one to relax and lower blood pressure. Plants are vital to us all; among other essentials they supply the oxygen we breathe, the food we consume and have a major impact on the soil’s fertility. They provide an important habitat for animals and bring a bit of countryside into town. Even so, vegetation has been ignored by the planning gurus of Jeddah.
Children of all ages will benefit in many ways if schools organized a small space for a nature garden. Encourage youngsters to care for bulbs, plants or shrubs. Some of the plants attract butterflies, insects and birds. Apart from making a home for wild life, the children will learn to value and respect nature.
Jeddah has more shopping centers than one can imagine and more are being built. Most of us would not like to enter the Guinness Book for having the largest number of malls. Instead, we could be known for our unique architecture, Corniche, parks — a healthy environment. Around the world, in the middle of large cities, there are delightful parks and lakes that refresh hundreds of tired eyes every day. It is the responsibility of each one of us to contribute to beautifying the areas in which we live.
Wherever we live and travel, we have a mental image of the place. A combination of unhealthy elements has an overwhelming impact on the mind. Do we want to deny the beauty that we have been blessed with? Why not a vision of a scenic city, where trees, shrubs and open spaces are abundant and the splendor of the Red Sea able to enliven us?
Officials should take immediate measures to address environmental issues including sewage management, landscape and the protection of marine life. The recent provision of water-saving devices is a step forward but much more could be done. The landscape should be composed of patterns, textures and colors which blend in with local surroundings. These will cover the surface of the earth, enhancing the landscape and revealing its beauty.
Children adapt easily and their schools should adopt projects that teach them to protect the environment. The whole society, including youngsters from nursery school and kindergarten onward should be taught to follow the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. If we all follow the simple tips below, we can collectively enhance our environment and improve both our mental and physical well-being.
Reduce
• Water wastage when washing, drinking and bathing.
• Switch off lights and air-conditioners when not in the room.
• Switch off your computers when it is not being used.
• Food and drink: Don’t waste food!
Reuse
• All school/office materials must be reused, especially scrap paper, fabric and stationery.
• Art supplies can be reused to produce new projects. Washing/cleaning and sorting of material can be done with children’s help. They can then learn the importance of a tidy environment.
• Books can be repaired or rebound rather than being thrown away — especially old ones.
Recycle
Government departments/ NGOs must provide recycling bins for unwanted materials such as glass, plastic, fabric, including shoes, newspapers and magazines. In the spirit of charity that is so central to our community, why not give these items to charity organizations?
