A group of 40 female and male employees from the National Commercial Bank (NCB) in Jeddah recently launched a drive calling for the application of sound environmental values and healthy living standards in the city.

The campaign, which was launched under the National Environment and Sustainable Development program, aims to develop 1,000 gardens in the long term according to environmentally friendly standards and using green technology.

The group is working toward creating the first ecological park under the supervision of the Saudi Environmental Society and Jeddah Municipality.

The first project is the garden near the historical roundabout in Jeddah. The group embarked on planting flowers, trees, and modern irrigation systems to make the park a model of environmental protection in the city.

Majda Abu Ras, head of the program, said that Jeddah youth has chosen the garden as the first project on their own, adding that the group is working toward developing a green and environmentally sustainable country.

Abu Ras said the project also includes formation of a national strategy for the development and application of environmental standards in sustainable green areas in Makkah and the creation of models for green building projects.

She said the campaign will help in spreading awareness and promoting positive behavior among the community toward the environment.

The group is planning to rehabilitate around 521 gardens in Jeddah, spanning a space of 2,420,351 sq. meters, while Jeddah Municipality has revealed it will create 75 new gardens in the city.