Planting 50 shade trees in Saihat walkway with the participation of 35 volunteers
In a move reflecting growing environmental and community awareness, the Qatif Governorate Municipality launched a unique initiative to plant 50 shade trees along the northern walkway of Saihat, with the active participation of 35 volunteers. This initiative is part of the "Eternity of Giving" festival strategy and is a partnership with the Saihat Social Services Association "Saada," aiming to translate the slogan "Our Qatif is Green" into a tangible reality that benefits residents and visitors.
National context and ambitious goals
This initiative cannot be viewed in isolation from the massive environmental movement underway in Saudi Arabia, embodied in the "Saudi Green Initiative" stemming from Vision 2030. The Kingdom seeks to increase vegetation cover, combat desertification, and reduce carbon emissions. Small, local projects, such as the tree-planting of the Saihat walkway, are fundamental building blocks in this larger national endeavor, where municipal efforts are integrated with volunteer work to achieve long-term environmental sustainability and transform Saudi cities into more human- and environmentally friendly urban centers.
Sustainable environmental and health impact
Planting shade trees along pathways and walkways is of paramount importance, especially in hot climates. Beyond their aesthetic role in enhancing the urban landscape, these trees play a vital role in reducing temperatures by providing shaded areas, thus mitigating the phenomenon of "heat islands" in urban areas. They also contribute to air purification and increased oxygen levels, creating a healthy and inviting environment that encourages residents to engage in walking and physical activities in a comfortable atmosphere, directly contributing to the goal of improving quality of life.
Effective community partnership
Volunteer teams, under the supervision of municipal specialists, began planting trees of carefully selected species suited to the region's soil and climate, ensuring their growth and sustainability. Mohammed Al-Mashal, Director of Community Partnerships at the Qatif Governorate Municipality, emphasized that the participation of 35 young men and women in this fieldwork was not merely a matter of numbers, but made a significant difference in both the speed and quality of the project's completion.
Al-Mashal pointed out that this initiative reflects a growing public awareness of the importance of preserving environmental gains, praising the strong collaboration between the municipal sector and the non-profit sector, represented by the "Saada" Association. He added that the initiative aims to instill a culture of "sustainable giving," where volunteers leave a lasting green footprint that will benefit future generations, transforming volunteer work from a fleeting activity into a fundamental pillar in the city's development and beautification.
