Launch of the "Our Winter is Healthy 2" campaign to protect the environment and food security in Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture launched the second edition of its national awareness campaign, "Our Winter is Healthy," on Monday, building on the successes of last year's campaign. The campaign primarily aims to raise environmental awareness across all segments of society and promote the concepts of sustainability and the protection of natural resources, coinciding with the onset of winter and the start of desert trips and winter camping, which see a surge in popularity among citizens and residents.
National context to support the Saudi Green Initiative
This campaign is not a fleeting event, but rather part of a broader strategic context aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Green Saudi Arabia initiative. The Kingdom seeks to expand green spaces and combat desertification, a major environmental challenge in the region. Through these initiatives, the Ministry is working to protect wild trees and aromatic plants from damage, ensuring the restoration of ecological balance and reducing carbon emissions. The behavior of park visitors is therefore a crucial factor in the success of these major national efforts.
Combating illegal logging and protecting vegetation cover
The campaign placed the issue of illegal logging at the top of its priorities, with the Ministry firmly urging the public to refrain from cutting down trees for fuel and encouraging them to use imported charcoal and firewood as a civilized, sustainable, and readily available alternative. The campaign also stressed the importance of lighting fires only in designated areas and using safe stoves to prevent soil damage or fires, as well as strictly adhering to the cleanliness of picnic and camping sites and removing waste to ensure these areas remain clean and sustainable tourist destinations.
Regulating grazing and supporting food security
Regarding livestock, the "Our Winter is Healthy" campaign directed intensive awareness messages to livestock owners, emphasizing the need to adhere to established grazing regulations and avoid overgrazing, which leads to the degradation of natural pastures and soil erosion. The campaign also stressed the importance of animal welfare and the application of proper veterinary care practices to ensure the health of the herd.
On the other hand, the campaign highlighted the economic and nutritional dimensions of the winter season, encouraging consumers to support local agricultural products and consume domestically produced winter dishes. This approach contributes to supporting Saudi farmers, enhancing food security, and increasing the added value of local agricultural production, thus achieving a synergy between winter recreation and economic support for local communities.
Community partnership and quality of life
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is counting on the awareness of Saudi society to ensure the success of this campaign, emphasizing that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility between individuals and the public and private sectors. These efforts are a cornerstone for improving the quality of life, as sound environmental practices guarantee the sustainability of natural parks for future generations and create a healthy environment free from pollution and visual blight.
