RIYADH: The Saudi Green Initiative on Wednesday introduced Namour, a character that aims to inspire young people in Saudi Arabia to be environmental heroes, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Named after the Arabic word for Arabian leopard (Nimr), Namour represents strength, power and grace, symbolizing Saudi Arabia’s dedication to environmental conservation and sustainability. Namour aligns with Saudi Arabia’s inclusive approach to tackling environmental challenges, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among sectors and generations. SGI introduced the character to inspire young people in Saudi Arabia to protect nature and preserve biodiversity. Namour is supported by the Ministry of Education and the Saudi Green Initiative, which work together to increase environmental awareness and action among children and youth in Saudi Arabia. Namour will be present in educational environments and online platforms, serving as a helpful ally for parents and educators. This collaborative effort will provide creative resources and inspiration to promote learning and engagement in climate and sustainability. According to the press release, Namour also aims to raise awareness about the critically endangered status of the Arabian leopard and the importance of conservation efforts, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s robust initiatives, including breeding programs and rewilding efforts, to protect this species. “In 2023 alone, seven Arabian leopard cubs were born under the conservation breeding program in Taif. The hugely successful program has nearly doubled the number of leopards under its protection since it started,” the release said. Under the Saudi Green Initiative, more than 1,660 endangered animals such as the Arabian oryx, Arabian sand gazelles and Nubian ibex have been rewilded in Saudi Arabia’s growing nature reserves.