Bahrain's annual National Tree Week took root yesterday with government officials, ministers and institutions uniting to plant saplings across the kingdom.
Held annually in October, the initiative aims to highlight the importance of afforestation and greening projects in Bahrain, as part of the kingdom’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak said yesterday that Bahrain attaches great importance to environmental protection and sustainable development.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry officials at the tree planting event
He participated in National Tree Week activities, planting trees in Zayed Town alongside ministry officials and specialists.
“The initiative supports Bahrain’s National Action Plan to achieve carbon neutrality.
“It promotes environmental protection and expands green spaces.
“Environmental sustainability is a key national priority within the Government Plan (2023-2026), with Bahrain aligning its policies with the Sustainable Development Goals to preserve natural resources and enhance the quality of life.
“National Tree Week supports the national afforestation plan, which aims to increase the number of trees to 3.6 million by 2035 in line with Bahrain’s COP26 commitments.”
The minister was joined by Under-Secretary Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, who said that the ministry is implementing joint initiatives with government and private entities to expand tree planting in public facilities and residential areas.
He commended the active participation of ministries, private institutions and civil society in supporting national afforestation and sustainability goals.
Meanwhile, Oil and Environment Minister and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs Dr Mohammed Bin Daina affirmed Bahrain’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the preservation of natural resources and sustainable development.
He praised His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the National Tree Week initiative, and for the Innovation in Irrigation Solutions Competition which will inspire creative ideas that promote the efficient use of treated water for agriculture and landscaping.
He noted that both initiatives complement Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to build a culture of environmental responsibility and community participation in protecting natural ecosystems and expanding green spaces.
Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) Governor Khalid Humaidan participated in activities by planting a tree on the bank’s premises alongside senior officials.
Mr Humaidan, centre, and other officials with the planted tree
This participation affirms CBB’s importance when it comes to environmental efforts and promoting a culture of sustainability, safeguarding natural resources and enhancing green areas across the kingdom.
Government Hospitals also participated in planting a number of trees at the Salmaniya Medical Complex as part of Tree Week activities, affirming their commitment to contributing to national initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and improving the quality of life.
Trees planted at Salmaniya Medical Complex by Government Hospitals
Deputy chief executive Dr Raja Al Youssef emphasised that the initiative aligned with Government Hospitals’ efforts to support national programmes concerned with environmental sustainability, through expanding tree planting, adopting innovative solutions in modern irrigation, and making optimal use of treated water to irrigate green spaces within healthcare facilities.
She added that celebrating Tree Week and planting trees in healthcare facilities support the National Afforestation Plan.
Dr Al Yousef noted that Government Hospitals continue to enhance their role in environmental projects that combine innovation and social responsibility, contributing to achieving sustainable development goals and effectively contributing to building a more sustainable future for the kingdom.
Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club chief executive Yousef Osama Buhiji participated in a tree-planting event at the club’s headquarters, along with a number of officials.
Mr Buhiji and other officials at the tree planting
He emphasised that the participation comes within the framework of the club’s commitment to promoting concepts of environmental sustainability and spreading awareness of the importance of afforestation, given its fundamental role in protecting the environment and improving the quality of life.
He added that the club placed special emphasis on supporting environmental and community initiatives, and sought to promote social responsibility by increasing green spaces across its various facilities and installations.
The Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS) also got involved, by organising a tree-planting initiative at its headquarters in the Diplomatic Area, aimed at raising environmental awareness and expanding the kingdom’s green spaces.
BRCS officials and volunteers during the tree planting initiative
It brought together society officials and volunteers, and reflected its ongoing commitment to supporting national and international initiatives dedicated to achieving sustainable development.
The event also aimed to promote awareness of environmental preservation as an integral part of humanitarian work.
BRCS secretary-general Mubarak Al Hadi affirmed that environmental protection is at the heart of the society’s humanitarian and relief priorities.
“Tree-planting initiatives are not merely agricultural efforts but a fundamental part of our humanitarian mission, and addressing climate change begins with local actions such as this initiative,” he said.
“We believe that protecting the planet is an act of protecting humanity itself, fully aligned with the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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