More than 6,500 trees were planted across 24 locations in Bahrain as part of the latest phase of a national afforestation drive.
According to the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), the fourth phase of the Forever Green Campaign has come to an end, with the next phase set to begin in October.
The programme is being held under the patronage of Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and NIAD consultative council president, and in co-operation with government agencies and private companies.
The fourth phase of the drive resulted in the planting of 6,589 trees and shrubs across 24 locations in the kingdom, with the total green area now reaching 11,757 square metres and 4,793 linear metres. Fifteen locations were affiliated with the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry and nine belonged to other official institutions.
Additionally, BD109,911 was contributed by national institutions and supporting companies for the campaign.
As part of the latest phase, 2,514 saplings were planted in Southern Governorate, 2,651 in Capital, 251 in Northern and 1,173 in Muharraq.
The campaign focused on planting species suited to local climatic conditions that were beneficial to the ecosystem, including the Arabian acacia, casuarina, hibiscus tiliaceus, royal poinciana, mangrove and neem. These species play an essential role in combating desertification, improving air quality, supporting biodiversity and mitigating climate change effects.
The project also contributes to economic development – eight Bahraini contractors benefited from the latest phase by carrying out planting and maintenance works, thereby creating job opportunities and empowering local talent.
NIAD secretary general Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa emphasised that the campaign not only contributes to environmental protection but also supports the national economy.
“The campaign adopts a sustainability-driven approach through a comprehensive plan for plant care and long-term continuity,” said Shaikha Maram.
Shaikha Maram
“In collaboration with Kaaf Humanitarian, volunteer teams were formed across all governorates to monitor the condition of the saplings and provide periodic reports on tree health, ensuring the durability of these environmental achievements.
“The fifth phase will begin in October and will include new specialised projects aimed at further contributing to Bahrain’s green expansion goals and supporting national efforts to combat climate change.”
Most recently, landscaping works were completed along the main road of East Hidd Housing Project, with 96 royal poinciana trees and 900 bougainvillea shrubs planted with the support of Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK).
During the first phase of the Forever Green initiative, held from October 2021 to June 2022, 48,876 trees and shrubs were planted across 70 locations in the kingdom.
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A total of 6,589 trees were planted across the four governorates
In the second phase, from October 2022 to June 2023, 50,814 saplings were planted across 57 sites, while in the third phase, from October 2023 to July 2024, 40,043 saplings were planted in 47 locations.
The fourth phase, which ran from October last year, covered areas such as Hawar Islands, National Charter Road, Budaiya Highway and East Sitra.
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More than 11,757sqm of trees were planted as part of the latest phase
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.
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