Island clean-up campaign aims to promote eco-tourism

The Public Relations Department (Awareness Section) at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) carried out an awareness campaign and competition to clean up Bin Ghannam Island, also known as Purple Island, and the surrounding mangroves on Friday.

The initiative was implemented in co-operation with the MME's General Cleanliness Department and Tartebkum Holidays.

It was aimed at enhancing community partnership, promoting local eco-tourism, and opening up new, sustainable opportunities in terms of investing in eco-tourism and promoting sustainable development, the MME said in a statement.

The competition was aimed at educating participants on the importance of natural resources and their preservation, as the MME "pays great attention" to protecting the natural heritage, wildlife and marine environment.

This is done through the enactment of relevant legislation, establishment of natural reserves and protection of different key areas in the country in order to encourage eco-tourism, the statement adds.

Nasser Abdulrahman al-Sarami, director of public relations at the ministry, and a number of administrative employees were present on the occasion.

Around 30 people and 15 boats participated in the event.

The winners of the competition got a boat trip as the prize for themselves and their families.