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Bahrain is committed to achieving carbon neutrality and strive towards a more sustainable future, according to a top minister.
On the occasion of Earth Day, observed annually on April 22, Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Minister Wael Al Mubarak highlighted the kingdom’s commitment to the objectives of the National Afforestation Plan and other programmes.
Mr Al Mubarak
The plan aims to double the number of trees in Bahrain from 1.8 million to 3.6m by 2035 by expanding the tree planting initiatives.
The theme for 2025 Earth Day is ‘Our Power, Our Planet’. It calls for people and leaders around the world to unite around renewable energy, with the aim to triple clean electricity by 2030.
Mr Al Mubarak stated that observing Earth Day reflects the importance of international efforts in reducing harmful waste and promoting sustainable waste management.
“Efforts are ongoing to implement Bahrain’s national action plan to achieve carbon neutrality,” he said.
“These come as part of directives by His Majesty King Hamad, as well as initiatives led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which reflects the kingdom’s desire to achieve a sustainable future for all.
“We will continue to adopt the best environmental practices to address climate change and work towards environmental protection and expanding afforestation projects.”
The minister highlighted the Bahrain Mangroves initiative, launched by HRH Prince Salman, which aims to protect the kingdom’s marine environment and preserve natural resources.
He stated that Earth Day is an opportunity to renew the commitment to environmental protection, which is essential to sustainable development and increasing quality of life.
He also emphasised that these efforts represent a cornerstone of national identity and act as a source of continued sustenance, calling for sustained efforts to safeguard natural resources.
Bahrain has stepped up the fight against climate change in recent years with initiatives such as Forever Green at the forefront.
During the first phase of the initiative, held from October 2021 to June 2022, 48,876 trees and shrubs were planted across 70 locations throughout the kingdom.
In the second phase, held from October 2022 to June 2023, 50,814 saplings were planted across 57 locations, while in the third phase, held from October 2023 to July 2024, 40,043 saplings were planted in 47 locations.
The ongoing fourth phase, running since October last year, covers areas such as Hawar Islands, National Charter Road, Budaiya Highway and East Sitra.
In February, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement that aimed to enhance environmental co-operation by digitising afforestation efforts, documenting trees and calculating their environmental benefits. Under the deal, 50,000 trees will be monitored using Net Zero’s Treemap technology, which enables tree documentation, digitisation and environmental impact assessment.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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