Britain’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia has shared his admiration of the work the Kingdom’s government is doing to protect and preserve the environment, Arab News reports.
Speaking from the Red Sea coastal town of Umluj, which boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, Neil Crompton praised Saudi authorities for their commitment to combating climate change through the Saudi Green and Middle East Green initiatives announced in spring, 2021.
Announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in April, they aim to cut carbon emissions by 60 % in the region. To achieve this, they call for partnerships between nations to combat the environmental challenges facing the region. The plans include afforestation projects and efforts to protect the marine environment.
Crompton said an important aspect of the initiatives focuses on protecting the Red Sea environment, including its coral reefs. This is vital to marine life, including dolphins and turtles, which adds to the coast’s appeal as a tourist destination.
“This region is filled with wonderful tourism projects that were recently announced, and they also aim to protect the environment and its diversity and protect these areas for future generations,” said Crompton.
He also highlighted a video that was shared in April on social media showing dozens of dolphins stuck on the beaches of Umluj, which is in the Tabuk region of northwestern Saudi Arabia. As reported by Arab News in March, more than 40 of the mammals were stranded as a result of strong winds and turbulent weather.
Volunteers and several authorities swiftly launched a rescue operation, thanks to which many of the creatures were saved and returned to the waters of the Red Sea. Seven died, however.
