Sultan Al-Sughair Saudi Gazette RAS TANURA — About 700 elementary school students from Ras Tanura, Safwa and Umm Al-Sahik recently took to the shores of Tarut Bay to plant 6,000 mangrove seedlings. Under the theme of “Planting Our Future,” they were joined by Saudi Aramco officials and employees along with 30 volunteers from the Rahima Club for Volunteer Work. Mohammed Y. Al-Qahtani, vice president of Saudi Aramco Affairs, said this environmental campaign organized by Saudi Aramco is a continuation of previous annual campaigns and part of the company's comprehensive plan to build the first mangrove eco park on the eastern coast. He said, “This awareness campaign strives to develop and promote citizenship through the active participation of children and adults in protecting the natural environment of this precious part of the Kingdom's shores.” Al-Qahtani said, “The campaign also supports Saudi Aramco's relentless efforts to promote the idea of volunteer work among community members. We gave hundreds of interested school students and volunteers the opportunity to explore this relatively new aspect of volunteer work,” he added. During the event, young students carry mangrove seedlings and then plant them on the beach, thereby contributing to the environmental protection project. “The Saudi Aramco sponsored project strives to plant seeds of environmental protection awareness in the minds of the young participants, even as they plant mangroves with their own hands.” Hani Abu Khadra, executive director of community services, emphasized that Saudi Aramco advises its employees living near beaches, their families and other beach visitors how to deal with environmentally sensitive areas and the importance of preserving them. The company encourages these individuals to observe environmental practices to protect the areas. “Mangrove seedlings are used as a natural way to increase fish resources and clean coastal waters,” said Abu Khadra. “The company plants the seedlings and provides them for environmental campaigns to engage the community in company-shared environmental protection objectives. The company also provides the necessary support services to ensure the success of these campaigns and attainment of their goals,” he added. Hesham Al-Musaiid, manager of Saudi Aramco's Environmental Protection Department, said Tarut Bay and all of its shores are environmentally sensitive areas that support wildlife. They are among the most important breeding and nursery grounds for fish on the Kingdom's eastern coast. He said, “Mangroves grow between water and land, offering a haven for wildlife, a nesting ground for seabirds and migratory birds, and a fertile habitat for breeding shrimp and plankton that provide a source of food for other fish and play an important role in the balance of nature.” “Undoubtedly, the more the mangroves grow and spread on sensitive shores, the safer the environment of these shores will be. Such environmental safety will influence human food safety both qualitatively and quantitatively.” Jamal Al-Khudair, acting manager of Saudi Aramco's Public Relations Operations Department, said the campaign “comes as part of the company's strategic plan for corporate social responsibility programs to confirm and strengthen the company's role in the field of environmental protection, as well as to instill the love of volunteer work into various segments of society and give them the opportunity to participate in community service in a safe and stimulating environment.”
