BAHRAIN is turning green with thousands of trees to be planted across the country by 2035.
The original plan was to plant 140,000 trees within government projects, 70,000 trees in collaboration with the private sector and 40,000 trees by motivating individuals to take part in the process annually.
However, Capital Trustees Authority director-general Mohammed Al Sehli revealed during the Capital Trustees Board meeting yesterday that the government has exceeded its 140,000 trees set goal by reaching almost 150,000 trees.
He added that the authority alone was planning to plant 3,348 trees covering 12,720 metres across main highways, roads, landmarks and tourist spots in the first quarter of next year in the Capital Governorate.
The areas include Khalifa Bin Salman Highway, World Heritage Site – Bahrain Fort, the Diplomatic Area, King Faisal Highway and Al Quds Avenue.
Mr Al Sehli pointed out that plans to have 8,080 trees planted this year have been suspended following rejections from the ministries of Works, Electricity and Water Affairs, and Transportation and Telecommunications.
But he added that negotiations were ongoing to resolve problems associated with certain locations.
“Until November of this year, the authority had planted 15,140 trees besides double the number directly by the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry, making it more than 30,000 trees,” said Mr Al Sehli.
“When speaking about the Capital and limited spaces whether there is a plethora of buildings, infrastructure projects existing, ongoing and planned, and other technical factors, we have managed to exceed set targets,” he added.
“The government plan was 140,000 out of 250,000 trees, but we are now approaching 150,000 trees as we speak.
“Planting of trees in some locations were rejected – either for traffic impact, the planned metro project or new substations amongst other projects – or else we would have gone much higher.
“Negotiations are ongoing to resolve the matter and have greenery incorporated as part of those projects.”
He pointed out that greenery is now a must in all newly urbanised areas or those to be inhabited in future.
“We will plant trees in East Sitra Housing Town and the Nabih Saleh housing projects,” said Mr Al Sehli.
“Restoring the green image of Bahrain is a national project that we are keen to achieve even before 2035.
“We have managed to do a lot just this year as the green project has been launched and more is on the way.”
He said all plants and manpower are local.
The country originally had 1.8 million trees and the plan is to double it by 2035.
Authority engineer Duaa Al Baskati gave a presentation to board members on plantation projects planned between 2023-2024.
Meanwhile, Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah said solutions to existing problems were vital for government work.
“Government efforts are going right and exceeding expectations, which is good, but the issues with limited space in particular areas can be overcome with new technologies and methods like hydroponics and controlled growth,” he added.
“Malls, shopping complexes and commercial establishments could also have rooftop gardening or dedicated green spaces to exceed their 70,000 trees annual share.
“Not to take away from the private sector, they have helped us a lot with planting in public facilities and infrastructure, but more co-operation is required to reach the targets.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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