Environmental activities in Jeddah schools to raise awareness and distribute seedlings

In a strategic move aimed at building a generation aware of its responsibilities towards nature, the Makkah Region 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 in students through interactive programs and practical applications, striving to promote sustainable behavior and protect natural resources, in line with the objectives of the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative and the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

National context and future vision

These on-the-ground initiatives come at a time when the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is witnessing unprecedented environmental activism, with the wise leadership placing environmental protection and development among the top priorities of the national agenda. Schools and educational institutions are the primary and essential environments for translating these major trends into daily behaviors among the younger generation. The Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant 10 billion trees and reduce carbon emissions, requires concerted community efforts, starting from classrooms and extending to practical implementation in neighborhoods and cities.

Quality initiatives for different age groups

The Women's Section for Environmental Awareness launched three high-quality initiatives carefully designed to suit different age groups, and covering all educational levels:

• Primary stage: The “Today’s Awareness, Tomorrow’s Environment” program was dedicated to establishing an early knowledge base, where environmental concepts are simplified for children to instill a love of nature in them from a young age.
• Intermediate and secondary levels: The ministry focused its efforts through the “Recycling: Sustainability of Tomorrow” event to raise awareness of the importance of the circular economy and how to transform waste from an environmental burden into valuable resources, which represents a strategic option for the future of both the economy and the environment.

From theory to practical application

The programs went beyond theoretical aspects and traditional lectures to include practical, field-based applications. Students were trained in proper planting and tree care methods, and received a detailed and scientific explanation of the role of vegetation in achieving ecological balance, purifying the air, and reducing visual and environmental pollution in cities.

The activities adopted the “learning through play” approach as a modern methodology, through interactive activities and innovative educational games that succeeded in simplifying complex environmental concepts, which contributed to consolidating information in the minds of the students in an exciting way away from traditional rote learning, thus enhancing the new generation’s understanding of the importance of preserving the environment.

Instilling values ​​and distributing seedlings

The ministry culminated these awareness efforts by distributing over 70 seedlings to attendees at the conclusion of the events. This distribution not only facilitated immediate planting but also held significant symbolic value, encouraging the educational community and families to actively participate in expanding green spaces and translating theoretical knowledge into tangible practices that benefit the local environment in Jeddah.

The branch's environmental department confirmed that these field actions are a translation of the executive leadership's directives, and an effort to achieve integration and effective partnership with educational institutions, to ensure the sustainability of environmental work and create a vibrant society that is aware of the importance of preserving the nation's natural resources for future generations.