Volunteers plant wild trees and clean up scenic spots in Dhofar

Staff Reporter

Salalah, Sep 11

As part of the community partnership between authorities and the people of Dhofar, a series of cleaning drives to preserve the environment were held in various parts of the governorate recently.

Volunteers along with officials of government agencies in the governorate planted seedlings of wild trees and shade trees, removed construction debris, cut weeds and other beautification works in many scenic spots

The elderly and youths enthusiastically came in large numbers to express solidarity with each other and cement community bonds to keep their surroundings clean and attractive.

Khalid Tabuk said the initiative was launched by a team of people who are highly educated and passionate about the environment to motivate the new generation of young people on the importance of voluntary work and care for nature.

“The initiative, with its volunteers, was able to uproot more than 90 per cent of Parthenium shrub with the help of Dhofar municipality.”

Tabuk thanked and appreciated all government agencies, members and volunteers. He said that these initiatives would continue in the future and hoped for better coordination with authorities.

Abdulrahman Said al Amri said that these initiatives promote the cause of the environment in all respects. “The governorate is famed for a large number of caves. Team members undertook a cleaning drive in some of the caves. They also monitor non-native plants and birds that are harmful to local fauna and flora of the governorate.”

Ahmed al Mashikhi stressed that preserving the environment is everyone’s responsibility, noting they have various plans to promote a culture among the people to keep their surroundings clean and healthy.

Salim Mahad Al Ma’shani said,” the team is constantly seeking to develop the partnership between it and the government agencies and instill the spirit of volunteerism among people of different ages.”

Al Ma’shani pointed out that the team usually advises tourists and visitors on the need to preserve the environment and green areas. He called on the public to help eradicate the Parthenium, which spreads fast and is harmful to humans and cattle.