Riffa Views continues environmental drive as Eden Challenge Tree Planting initiative kicks off
29 January 2008
An enthusiastic gathering of schoolchildren from Al Naseem International School attended the first tree planting of the Eden Challenge Tree Planting Initiative. The tree was placed in the ground by principal, Mrs. Sameera Al Kooheji, and Riffa Views CEO, Richard Browning.
The first tree planting follows two weeks of intensive preparatory groundwork for the planting of over 80 trees in the gardens of each participating school in the Riffa Views Eden Challenge. Also present at the event were members of the Riffa Views horticultural team who did the groundwork, Hugh O’Shea, Sales and Marketing Director of Riffa Views, a selection of pupils and teachers, together with the school’s team of young talented pupils who were recently recognized as joint winners of the competition’s category D – for Secondary pupils from 16 – 18 years.
Talking at the event Richard Browning, CEO of Riffa Views said: “Today’s tree planting is part of our ongoing environmental commitment to the local community. Through the Eden Challenge we harnessed the creativity of Bahrain’s schoolchildren whilst teaching them about their environment. We hope that today’s tree planting, which is the first in over 50 local schools, will become a reminder of the importance of nature, the competition’s success and the dedication and hard work of schoolchildren of all ages who were involved in the Challenge.”
Mrs. Al Kooheji, principal from Al Naseem International School commented: “The children took over weeks to conceptualize, research and design their project. Its centre piece features a unique water sculpture symbolizing life, similar to today’s tree planting initiative. It is also a great way to remind us of the wonderful environment that we live in. We all had a great time coming up with the ideas, and we learnt many valuable lessons about how to care for our environment that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”
Al Naseem International School project will be created and displayed along with the other winning entries at the Riffa Views Schools stand during the Riffa Views Bahrain International Garden Show to be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre from the 22nd to 24th February.
