When Ali bin Abdel Aziz Memesh, one of the organisers of Mecca Sea Scouts-Jeddah Boys’ Branch, decided to embark on an environmental awareness campaign, the implications for Saudi Arabia’s leading coastal city were potentially very positive. Memesh’s idea was to set up a series of information kiosks along the Jeddah Corniche to attract the attention of his fellow citizens to the issue of pollution and help the younger generation understand the benefits of environmentally friendly behaviour. That’s where Ford stepped in.
Usually tasked with directing pilgrims during the hajj in Mecca, scouts in Jeddah, thanks to the Ford Motor Company Conservation and Environmental Grants, have now been given another important community task: taking an active role in promoting eco-friendly behaviour. Jeddah, like Alexandria, Egypt’s second city on the southern Mediterranean coast, has over 30 kms of shoreline, which provides a welcome breath of fresh air during arid summers, but is also vulnerable to pollution.
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
