Govt to conserve protected islands off Jubail

RIYADH: With the aim to preserve its environment and wildlife the government’s attention is drawn to Jubail islands which is a sanctuary to organisms and several species of migratory birds.
“There’s a need to conserve the protected islands off Jubail,” said Ahmed bin Mohammed Hassan, the director general, Technical Affairs of the Royal Commission.
“The Royal Commission, in coordination with concerned authorities, is trying as much as possible to reduce people’s access to the protected islands,” he said.
He said that this is necessary “so as not to influence the presence of organisms on the islands and preserve them, especially among mating and egg-laying birds.”
Engr. O. Rashidi, director of the Environmental Protection Department of the Royal Commission for Jubail, said projects are being prepared for access to swampy areas.
“The Royal Commission is now working on the preparation of projects to facilitate access to swampy areas without harming the environment,” he said.
He said that over 200 species of migratory birds are among the most prominent organisms that live in sanctuaries in Jubail.
He said the number of migratory birds during winter at the protected islands in Jubail is expected to reach 20,000, including a number of endangered species.
“Some types of multi-plant mangroves can also be seen on the protected islands off Jubail during winter,” he said.
A mangrove is a shrub or small tree that grows in coastal saline or brackish water.