MAKKAH: The Saudi Border Guard in the Makkah region has launched a volunteer initiative to clean the seabed at Salman Bay Beach in Jeddah governorate, with the participation of 30 volunteers.
The campaign is part of the Border Guard’s environmental and community programs aimed at preserving the Kingdom’s marine and coastal environment while reinforcing its role in protecting natural resources alongside its security responsibilities.
The command said involving volunteers in activities that support the sustainability of coastlines and marine habitats reflects the growing integration of environmental protection into the concept of maritime security and national responsibility.
It told Arab News that the initiative aimed to remove debris from the seabed, reduce its impact on marine life and habitats, raise awareness of the importance of keeping beaches and seas clean, and encourage a culture of volunteerism and community responsibility.
The campaign included diving operations at designated sites to recover underwater waste, helping protect marine ecosystems while reducing hazards to swimmers, divers, and marine vessels.
The initiative also supports the Border Guard’s efforts to safeguard the Kingdom’s coastline and territorial waters by addressing practices that threaten the marine environment and promoting responsible use of coastal areas.
Environmental researcher Faleh Al-Juhani praised the initiative, describing it as an advanced national model that combines environmental protection with volunteerism and reflects a growing recognition that preserving natural resources is a shared responsibility between government institutions and the public.
He said seabed cleanups go beyond removing debris, directly protecting marine life, reducing pollution, and preserving habitats on which many species depend.
Al-Juhani added that such initiatives reinforce the idea that environmental protection begins with individual participation, while raising public awareness — particularly among young people — about the importance of protecting coastlines and preventing marine pollution.
He said maintaining such campaigns regularly would create a lasting environmental impact and help build a more environmentally conscious society.
Al-Juhani also commended the Border Guard’s efforts to promote environmental volunteerism and strengthen community partnerships in line with the Kingdom’s sustainability and quality-of-life objectives.
