Holy Makkah Municipality Launches Digital Afforestation Initiative

Holy Makkah Municipality Launches Digital Afforestation Initiative
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Holy Makkah Municipality Launches Digital Afforestation Initiative

Holy Makkah Municipality Launches Digital Afforestation Initiative

The Holy Makkah Municipality in Saudi Arabia has launched a digital afforestation initiative, enabling citizens and residents to join efforts to increase the vegetation cover, expand green spaces, protect the environment, and reduce carbon emissions.

The municipality identifies tree species appropriate for Makkah and the holy sites, along with suitable planting locations. These details are then uploaded to the Nabatik online platform that enables individuals to choose their preferred tree, select the location, make online payments, and have the trees planted on their behalf, thus enabling the community to participate in the tree-planting efforts from the comfort of their homes.

This effort aims to contribute to achieving climate goals, increase the number of trees in Makkah and the holy sites, and document the municipality's afforestation efforts through the Nabatik platform.



UK's Princess Kate Visits Hospital Where She Had Cancer Treatment

 Catherine, Princess of Wales talks with Katherine Field as she visits The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, Britain. Chris Jackson/Pool via REUTERS
Catherine, Princess of Wales talks with Katherine Field as she visits The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, Britain. Chris Jackson/Pool via REUTERS
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UK's Princess Kate Visits Hospital Where She Had Cancer Treatment

 Catherine, Princess of Wales talks with Katherine Field as she visits The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, Britain. Chris Jackson/Pool via REUTERS
Catherine, Princess of Wales talks with Katherine Field as she visits The Royal Marsden Hospital on January 14, 2025 in London, Britain. Chris Jackson/Pool via REUTERS

Kate, Britain's Princess of Wales, visited a London hospital on Tuesday where she underwent cancer treatment last year to personally thank medics there for their care and support, her office said.

Kate, 43, underwent a course of preventative chemotherapy after major abdominal surgery a year ago revealed the presence of cancer.

For the treatment, which concluded in September, Kate attended the Royal Marsden Hospital in central London and on Tuesday she paid an official visit there to mark her becoming joint patron of its specialist cancer unit along with her husband Prince William, Reuters reported.

On her visit she met patients and staff and spoke of her own treatment. A royal source said Kate had wanted to show her gratitude to the hospital staff and highlight its work.

"We are incredibly fortunate to receive Royal Patronage – it is inspiring for staff and patients and enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families," said Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

Kate's illness meant she was absent from royal duties for most of last year, although she gave a number of health updates in highly personal video messages.