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Saudi Green Initiative introduces Namour character to inspire environmental awareness among young people

Saudi Green Initiative introduces Namour character to inspire environmental awareness among young people
Updated 06 June 2024

Saudi Green Initiative introduces Namour character to inspire environmental awareness among young people

Saudi Green Initiative introduces Namour character to inspire environmental awareness among young people

RIYADH: The Saudi Green Initiative on Wednesday introduced Namour, a character that aims to inspire young people in Ƶ to be environmental heroes, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Named after the Arabic word for Arabian leopard (Nimr), Namour represents strength, power and grace, symbolizing Ƶ’s dedication to environmental conservation and sustainability.

Namour aligns with Ƶ’s inclusive approach to tackling environmental challenges, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among sectors and generations. SGI introduced the character to inspire young people in Ƶ to protect nature and preserve biodiversity.

Namour is supported by the Ministry of Education and the Saudi Green Initiative, which work together to increase environmental awareness and action among children and youth in Ƶ.

Namour will be present in educational environments and online platforms, serving as a helpful ally for parents and educators. This collaborative effort will provide creative resources and inspiration to promote learning and engagement in climate and sustainability.

According to the press release, Namour also aims to raise awareness about the critically endangered status of the Arabian leopard and the importance of conservation efforts, highlighting Ƶ’s robust initiatives, including breeding programs and rewilding efforts, to protect this species.

“In 2023 alone, seven Arabian leopard cubs were born under the conservation breeding program in Taif. The hugely successful program has nearly doubled the number of leopards under its protection since it started,” the release said.

Under the Saudi Green Initiative, more than 1,660 endangered animals such as the Arabian oryx, Arabian sand gazelles and Nubian ibex have been rewilded in Ƶ’s growing nature reserves.

Decoder

Who is Namour?

It's a character introduced recently by the Saudi Green Initiative to inspire young people in the Kingdom to be environmental heroes. It will be present in educational environments and online platforms, serving as a helpful ally for parents and educators.


UAE, Syria foreign ministers arrive in Riyadh

UAE, Syria foreign ministers arrive in Riyadh
Updated 11 January 2025

UAE, Syria foreign ministers arrive in Riyadh

UAE, Syria foreign ministers arrive in Riyadh
  • Welcomed at King Khalid International Airport by Saudi Deputy FM Waleed Al-Khuraiji

RIYADH: Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the UAE deputy prime minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, arrived in Riyadh on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He was welcomed at King Khalid International Airport by Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji.

Sheikh Abdullah is in the Kingdom to attend an expanded ministerial meeting on Syria to be hosted by Ƶ on Sunday, SPA added.

New Syrian foreign minister Asaad Al-Shaibani also arrived in Riyadh on Saturday evening to participate in the ministerial meeting.

He was also welcomed at King Khalid International Airport by Al-Khuraiji.


Ƶ condemns attack on Chad’s presidential palace

Ƶ condemns attack on Chad’s presidential palace
Updated 11 January 2025

Ƶ condemns attack on Chad’s presidential palace

Ƶ condemns attack on Chad’s presidential palace
  • The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, involved gunmen attempting to storm the palace

RIYADH: Ƶ on Saturday strongly condemned the recent attack on the presidential palace in N’Djamena, Chad, which left 19 people dead, including a soldier guarding the complex, and injured others.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement reaffirming Ƶ’s steadfast support for Chad’s security and stability, while rejecting any actions that threaten the country’s peace, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In its statement, the Ministry extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the fallen soldier and to the government and people of Chad. The Kingdom also wished a swift recovery for those injured in the assault.

The attack, which occurred on Wednesday, involved gunmen reportedly linked to Boko Haram attempting to storm the presidential palace, prompting a fierce battle.

The Chadian government confirmed that 18 attackers from a 24-member commando unit were killed in the fighting, alongside one security personnel. Tanks were deployed to secure the area.


GCC secretary general receives New Zealand’s ambassador to Ƶ

GCC secretary general receives New Zealand’s ambassador to Ƶ
Updated 11 January 2025

GCC secretary general receives New Zealand’s ambassador to Ƶ

GCC secretary general receives New Zealand’s ambassador to Ƶ
  • Al-Budaiwi congratulated Kingston on his appointment as New Zealand’s ambassador to Ƶ, wishing him success in his duties

RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi recently received New Zealand’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Charles Kingston at the General Secretariat’s headquarters in Riyadh.

Al-Budaiwi congratulated Kingston on his appointment as New Zealand’s ambassador to Ƶ, wishing him success in his duties, the General Secretariat wrote in a report.

During the meeting, they also discussed a number of topics of mutual interest, notably the progress of negotiations for the free trade agreement between the GCC countries and updates on the joint action plan between the two sides. They also exchanged views on several regional and international issues.​

 

 


Saudi authority issues health warning on food import

Saudi authority issues health warning on food import
Updated 11 January 2025

Saudi authority issues health warning on food import

Saudi authority issues health warning on food import

RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority issued a warning about Country Butcher Boy beef pepperoni, manufactured in the UAE.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the 250-gram packages with an expiration date of March 1, 2025, are contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium posing serious health risks, confirmed by lab tests.

The authority advised the public to avoid consuming the product and dispose of any units they may have.

Steps have been taken to remove the contaminated product from the market, and regulatory action is being pursued against the importing company, the SPA reported.

Violations of food laws can result in severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison, fines of up to SR10 million ($2.6 million), or both.

The authority reiterated its commitment to food safety and will continue taking action against violators. Consumers can report food safety concerns to the authority’s call center at 19999.


Thai Embassy joins Riyadh greening initiative

Thai Embassy joins Riyadh greening initiative
Updated 11 January 2025

Thai Embassy joins Riyadh greening initiative

Thai Embassy joins Riyadh greening initiative

RIYADH: The Royal Thai Embassy recently took part in a volunteer initiative at Aba Samri National Park in the Murat governorate of Riyadh region, in collaboration with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification.

Part of the National Greening Season, the activity aims to enhance vegetation, curb land degradation, and plant native and adaptive species, supporting the Saudi Green Initiative, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The embassy’s involvement promotes vegetation restoration and aligns with the center’s call for broader environmental engagement from all sectors. The scheme improves air quality, reduces dust storms and restores ecosystems, the SPA added.

The National Greening Season, a core element of the broader program, fosters public-private partnerships, volunteerism, and awareness about afforestation and combating desertification.

The center leads efforts to protect and restore vegetation sites across Ƶ, addressing challenges such as wildfires, illegal logging and unregulated grazing to safeguard natural ecosystems.