The Saudi Environmental Society (SENS) is working on the launch of an environmental program in schools throughout the Kingdom and neighboring Arab countries.

The program will be implemented with the cooperation of international organizations and the Ministry of Education.

Majda Abu Ras, deputy executive director of SENS and the force behind the initiative, said: “Our main aim is to change behavior and the negative attitude of people toward environmental safety in the Kingdom. The eight programs we have are focused on solid waste management, coastal line and ocean preservation, electricity consumption, industrial waste management, environmental safety, recycling, water consumption, climate change and air pollution.

“For schools we have special programs to educate students about the environment. For two hours every day a special class will allow students to indulge in an extra curricular activity,” said Abu Ras.

SENS recently concluded the first workshop on water conservation with the participation of seven Arab countries.

The workshop was held within the framework of the National Program for the Environment and Sustainable Development with the aim of establishing environmental programs in schools.

The workshop was organized with the cooperation of the National Water Company and the Ministry of Education.

“Three books for housewives, hotels and schools were launched during the workshop, with the underlying goal of raising awareness about the importance of environmental safety,” Abu Ras said.

“We have a wildlife strategy program as well. For schools, the material is prepared, everything is ready and has been reviewed by the Ministry of Education and various other organizations,” she added.

The environmental plan initiated by SENS is supervised by a number of international bodies and experts, in coordination with the Ministry of Education.

The society is building upon its practical experience to launch a full-fledged academic program that can be applied across the Kingdom’s schools.

Abu Ras said that to date the society has successfully introduced the program in 60 schools in Jeddah and another 60 schools in Najran.

With Ministry of Education’s cooperation, they are planning to extend the environmental program to other schools and within five years they plan to implement the program throughout the Kingdom.

The Arab League has approved the program and aims to introduce it to Arab member countries, she added.