Our Eastern Region is Green Initiative: Psychotherapy through Agriculture in Saudi Arabia
The Eastern Province Municipality in Saudi Arabia launched the "Our Eastern Province is Green" initiative, a pioneering and innovative step aimed at supporting patients at the Erada Complex for Mental Health. This unique initiative seeks to integrate patients into the community by engaging them in supportive agricultural and interactive activities, reflecting a serious and profound commitment to establishing the concepts of sustainability and utilizing the natural environment as an effective and influential tool in psychological treatment and support programs.
The roots of environmental concern and the alignment of our "Our Eastern Province is Green" initiative with the Kingdom's vision
This developmental step comes as an extension of a rich historical and national context of environmental awareness, culminating in recent years with the launch of the Saudi Green Initiative under the umbrella of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Historically, scientific studies have proven that horticultural therapy has deep roots in improving mood and reducing stress. Based on this premise, the Eastern Province Municipality adopts this global concept and applies it locally, affirming that afforestation is not merely an improvement to the urban landscape, but a fundamental pillar in building a healthy and psychologically balanced society.
Strategic partnerships to enhance field recovery
In this context, Mahmoud Al-Ratuai, Undersecretary for Services at the Eastern Province Municipality, explained that the initiative represents an integrated framework that brings together the public and private sectors to serve the community. He noted the involvement of a strategic partner from the private sector to support and implement high-quality activities, meticulously designed to meet the precise needs of patients, thus ensuring the provision of comprehensive care that goes beyond traditional methods.
Expected impact of agricultural activities at the local and regional levels
This initiative is of paramount importance and is expected to have a far-reaching impact across multiple levels. Locally, it contributes to accelerating patient recovery and reducing relapse rates by connecting them with nature, as well as improving the internal environment of healthcare facilities. Regionally, this innovative model offers a pioneering experience that can be replicated in other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries that share the Kingdom's environmental and health visions. Internationally, these efforts align with the recommendations of the World Health Organization, which consistently emphasizes the vital role of green spaces in promoting the mental and psychological well-being of communities.
Integrating the environmental and psychological dimensions to enhance belonging
This partnership aims to achieve a dual impact, combining environmental and psychological dimensions, thus enhancing the effectiveness of field recovery programs. The initiative has seen the implementation of agricultural and interactive programs within the medical complex, including the distribution of plants and the creation of integrated green spaces in the inpatient wards. Specialized teams have also conducted simplified agricultural activities tailored to patients' abilities, along with educational and recreational corners to foster their direct connection with nature.
Al-Ruta'i noted that involving mental health patients stems from the Secretariat's firm belief in the role of a healthy environment in improving public health. He explained that the Secretariat continuously develops initiatives that go beyond traditional tree-planting, aiming to engage beneficiaries in activities that instill a sense of positivity and responsibility. The official emphasized that these activities deepen beneficiaries' sense of belonging, stressing, "We are working to utilize the environment as a means of providing sustainable psychological and social support.".
He noted the Eastern Province Municipality's commitment to ensuring its environmental initiatives reach all segments of society, especially those requiring special attention and enhanced care. This institutional collaboration with the Erada Complex serves as an inspiring and practical model for fostering innovation in environmental initiatives and linking sustainability goals to human and health considerations.
