Islamic Relief Celebrates World Environment Day

Islamic Relief Palestine celebrated the World Environment Day in 5/6/2016 by an initiative to raise environmental awareness, to change behavior and to promote values adopted by Islamic Relief.
Muneeb Abu Ghazalah, Country Director at Islamic Relief Palestine Office, said “Today, we celebrate the World Environment Day through the implementation of a variety of events designed to raise environmental awareness and to promote values of Islamic relief in participation of the local community and Islamic Relief’s partners”

He also confirmed that Islamic Relief is going to implement other initiatives and awareness sessions to include various groups of the community with regard to environmental protection issues.
He explained, “This initiative is implemented in partnership with the Society of Women Graduates and Municipality of Gaza, and it was attended by the local community and many volunteers. It is worth noting that everyone plays an important role in protecting our environment, and the effective community participation is based on the principle of cooperative work in order to achieve success”.
The initiative’s activities are centered in Al- Sidra area at Al- Daraj neighborhood in Gaza City, which is considered one of the oldest popular neighborhoods in the city.
Commenting on the reason for selecting this area in particular, Abu Ghazalah added ”Al- Sidra area was selected to be the place of implementation because it is famous for its tree that is considered the oldest tree in Gaza City, and we encourage the local community to protect trees and to keep the environment clean”

The initiative activities varied between painting walls, murals, re-painting sidewalks, planting some trees, and decorating Al- Sidra tree with lighting ropes.  Besides, workshops have been held for parents about the protection of their environment. Brochures also were distributed among residents of neighborhoods along with holding an environmental day for children in Children Happiness Center”.
The initiative was positively welcomed by people since they participated with volunteers in the implementation of some activities and they carried placards motivating environment protection.