A recent study by the Prince Sultan Research Center for Environmental and Tourism Studies at King Khalid University has warned of pollution and desertification due to urban and agricultural expansion and recommended concerted school campaigns to increase environmental awareness. Researchers criticized the “misuse of pesticide” and the level of solid waste which, they said, was “one of the main sources of environmental pollution”. Entitled “Preservation of the Environment”, the study was produced by a team led by Dr. Hussein Al-Wadi'i and cites the principle causes of damage to the environment as increased construction work, population growth, and economic expansion. Urban expansion in terms of buildings and roads, electricity infrastructure facilities and industry, the study said, has affected the diversity of flora and fauna and the environmental system in which they live. The study also warned of the removal of woodland areas and the drying up and converting of wetlands that are natural environments for fish and bird life into agricultural land and hunting grounds. Al-Wadi'i concluded the research by recommending putting into effect “Islamic education on the life of man and learning from studies on the environment in Islamic history”. He also advised setting up an “independent administration” to “plan, execute, supervise and evaluate environmental education in the Kingdom and prepare study units addressing topics of importance in the local environment for intermediate and secondary school curriculums”. “More work is required to increase people's environmental awareness in order to preserve the environment and its natural assets in such a way as to realize the goals of development and ensure the future for the next generations through planning and carrying out workshops to that end,” the study said. “Various media programs require extending to discuss environmental issues… and play a supporting role to school curriculums.” The study further recommended holding “awareness competitions” at various stages of education and the creation of “friends of the environment” clubs and societies at schools and institutions as well as in residential districts to increase awareness.
