Prince Turki planted a tree to mark the opening of the park and gave it the name, “Garden of the Scientists of Environment and Sustainable Development,” in tribute to the efforts of scientists who participated in the recently concluded Gulf Environment Forum.
Executive Director of the Saudi Environment Society (SENS) Prince Nawaf bin Nasser and Jeddah Mayor Hani Abu Ras were also present.
“The park will cover 11,000 square meters of land to become the largest environment park in Jeddah,” Deputy Executive Director of SENS Majidah Abu Ras said while giving a brief outline of the objectives of the park.
Thirty-five scientists and researchers who participated in the forum also planted trees. Each tree will be named after the scientist who planted it.
The park will become a landmark in the city particularly because of its focus on the environment, Prince Turki said in a statement after the opening.
The prince also stressed the role of trees in the preservation of environment, including the reduction of the impact of gas emissions and checking the rise in the level of atmospheric carbon dioxide.
“Gardens built and maintained in keeping with the environment should always be given top priority in city planning,” Prince Faisal said, hoping the park would become a major picnic point in the city. The minister also wanted more public awareness on the need to preserve and protect the environment.
“Children should be taught at an early age ways to preserve the environment. Parents and schools can play a considerable role in educating children on the environment,” he said.
Prince Nawaf said SENS, with its slogan of “Green Nation With Green Flag,” was building the park in collaboration with Jeddah Municipality. He called on society to protect their environment so that future generations could have a better place to live in.
Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Abu Ras said the municipality was not sparing any efforts in preserving the environment with steps to expand green surfaces all over the city and implementing more gardens. He added that the municipality also undertook recycling projects for garbage, used tires and agricultural waste.
The mayor said in his speech that the municipality granted the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities 25 million square meters of land to build a new industrial city in south Jeddah with the aim of accommodating new industries.
