Environment & Energy | Saturday 10 January, 2015 12:57 am |

Riyadh Gov. Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz has underlined the importance of preserving the environment and observing hygiene. He unveiled a ‘carrot and stick’ policy as part of the regulatory framework to keep the environment green and clean.

A penalty will be imposed on picnickers pitching tents and damaging the environment by throwing food waste and rubbish in breach of the law.
They will also be banned from seeking permission to set up a camp next year, while those who leave their spot clean after striking camp will receive an award for environmental preservation and cleanliness.

Prince Turki made these observations at the weekend while participating in a cleanup campaign at Thumama, a popular tourist resort, where picnickers turn up in large numbers during mid-term school holidays. The governor was seen with volunteers taking part in an awareness campaign on Thursday at Thumama Park.
“Undoubtedly, hygiene has been given a lot of importance in Islam,” he said, adding that we must be grateful to God for bestowing His bounty on us. The governor also invited charitable organizations and others to participate in the campaign.

He praised the Riyadh municipality for launching such campaigns with the participation of volunteers. A number of college students kicked off the campaign by collecting waste and leftover food on the ground.

He said the Riyadh municipality has also provided vehicles and made all preparations, while employees will bear the necessary expenses.
The campaign comes at the beginning of the holiday season to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the environment and wildlife parks that receive large numbers of visitors every year.