Environmental activities in Jeddah schools to raise awareness and plant 70 seedlings

In a strategic move aimed at building a generation aware of the importance of preserving natural resources, the Makkah branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture implemented a comprehensive series of awareness activities in model girls' schools in Jeddah. These activities aimed to instill sound environmental concepts and promote sustainable behavior among students, in line with the ambitious national goals of the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative, which seeks to increase vegetation cover and combat desertification.

National context and the importance of environmental education

These on-the-ground initiatives come at a time when Saudi Arabia is undergoing a radical transformation in its approach to environmental issues within the framework of Vision 2030. Environmental protection is no longer a luxury, but rather a fundamental pillar for improving quality of life. Targeting educational institutions, particularly girls' schools, is a wise move given the pivotal role women play in shaping family and community awareness. Integrating environmental education into curricula and extracurricular activities helps transform schools from mere recipients of information into incubators of positive change, thus establishing a culture of sustainability as a daily practice, not just a slogan.

Details of initiatives and target groups

The Women's Section for Environmental Awareness launched three unique initiatives designed to suit different age groups, to ensure the message is delivered in the best possible way:

• Primary stage: It has been allocated the “Today’s Awareness, Tomorrow’s Environment” program, which aims to establish an early knowledge base, where children are introduced to the basics of the environment and the importance of living organisms in a simplified manner.
• The intermediate and secondary levels were the focus through the "Recycling: Sustainability of Tomorrow" event, which discussed deeper concepts such as the circular economy, and how to transform waste from an environmental burden into resources of economic value, thus enhancing students' critical thinking skills on issues of consumption and production.

Interactive learning and practical application

The activities departed from traditional rote learning methods, with the ministry adopting a "learning through play" strategy and interactive activities to simplify complex environmental concepts. The programs went beyond theory, incorporating intensive practical training in proper planting and tree care techniques. The vital role of vegetation in maintaining ecological balance, reducing carbon emissions, and moderating the climate was explained, directly connecting students to their local environment.

Expected impact and future of sustainability

These initiatives are expected to have a tangible long-term impact, both locally within Jeddah and regionally. When female students adopt these practices, the effect extends to homes and neighborhoods, creating a community that supports the government's environmental protection efforts. Furthermore, raising awareness about the importance of tree planting contributes to international efforts to combat climate change, as trees are the first line of defense in absorbing carbon.

At the conclusion of the events, the ministry culminated its efforts by distributing over 70 seedlings to attendees, encouraging the educational community to actively participate in increasing green spaces. The branch's environmental department emphasized that this collaboration with educational institutions is the cornerstone for ensuring the sustainability of environmental initiatives and achieving a greener future for generations to come.