The Kingdom of Bahrain has recently launched the ‘Buthoor Al Bahrain’ initiative in collaboration with various partners, aiming to double the number of trees in the country by 2035. This ambitious campaign was unveiled at the Gulf Convention Center and coincides with World Urban October and World Habitat Day. The initiative highlights the importance of tree planting and the role of vegetation in environmental protection and sustainable urban development.
The ‘Buthoor Al Bahrain’ initiative is open to the entire community, including expatriates, with the goal of engaging the population in the national plan set forth by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and HRH Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Over 350,000 trees have already been planted in the past two years, setting the stage for the Kingdom’s target of 3.6 million trees by 2035.
While reducing carbon emissions is a key benefit of the initiative, the main objective is to enhance the quality of life through a healthier ecosystem, offering cooling and shade in urban areas. UN-Habitat’s Fernanda Maria Lonardoni expressed confidence in Bahrain’s ability to reach its goal of growing over 100,000 plants annually, transforming the Kingdom into a much greener environment by 2050.
The involvement of Bahraini youth is crucial in the success of the ‘Buthoor Al Bahrain’ initiative, as highlighted by United Nations Resident Coordinator Khaled El Mekwad. Youth participation is seen as essential in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the Kingdom, with young people encouraged to take an active role in shaping their future. The National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIDA) hopes to raise awareness through this initiative, further spreading the culture of afforestation in society.
For those interested in joining the movement, information about the ‘Buthoor Al Bahrain’ initiative, including plant distribution van locations, can be found on the official website. Participants can register on the platform to receive notifications about plant collection locations, and even pin their planted tree locations on an online map. By engaging in the initiative, individuals can contribute to building a brighter, greener future for generations to come in Bahrain.
The ‘Buthoor Al Bahrain’ initiative is not only about planting trees but also about cultivating a sustainable future for the Kingdom. Through community participation and environmental stewardship, Bahrain is paving the way towards a greener and more sustainable environment. The collaboration between various partners and the involvement of the entire community showcase a united effort towards achieving a common goal of doubling the number of trees in the country and creating a healthier, more environmentally conscious society.
