JEDDAH, 23 April 2008 — “Restore, protect and sustain” is the theme of the first Environmental Forum 2008 that began yesterday at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Cristiana Pasca of Romania-Fletcher School of Tufts University in the United States gave an overview of environmental problems prevailing worldwide and urged the corporate sector to go beyond its social responsibility to face the challenges of the environment in the 21st century.
Pasca said recycling is among the key programs that the private sector companies should adopt as part of their social responsibility initiatives.
Habib Alshuwaikhat, professor of sustainable urban planning and development at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, gave a presentation on implementation of strategic environmental assessment in municipalities as part of the Kingdom’s march toward sustainable cities.
The day’s various sections dealt with the Jeddah environment plan and the water crisis in the Gulf. There were presentations on issues, challenges and solutions related to the water crisis. Marine pollution was another subject that was deliberated.
Today’s topics relate to solid waste management, environment and energy, air pollution and protecting the environment.
Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal who opened the forum on Monday night said that the Kingdom had realized much earlier about the consequences of the neglect of the environment and had been taking measures from time to time. “The Kingdom has been playing an active role in protecting the environment at both local and international levels,” he said.
The governor also opened an exhibition accompanying the forum. Many national and international companies, universities and departments involved in the protection of the environment are showcasing their services and solutions.
The forum is organized by the environment committee of the JCCI in partnership with the Presidency of Meteorology and the Environment, Saudi Society of Environmental Sciences and Saudi Society for the Environment, as well as social organizations and companies concerned with environmental safety.
