The Supreme Council for the Environment of Bahrain recently participated in the 10th Regional Forum of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for West Asia, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This forum brought together experts and specialists from IUCN member states in the West Asia region to discuss nature conservation challenges, strategic planning, and regional participation in the upcoming World Conservation Congress in 2025.
Nouf Al Wasmi, Director of the Reserves Department, represented Bahrain at the forum and contributed to a dialogue session focused on the achievements of West Asian countries in meeting the IUCN Unified Program. Al Wasmi highlighted Bahrain’s progress in the 2030 Nature Program, particularly in the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems. She mentioned that Bahrain has designated 7.75% of its land area and 22.37% of its marine area as protected zones, demonstrating the country’s commitment to conservation goals.
The forum aimed to enhance communication and knowledge exchange among members to strengthen efforts in protecting nature and conservation areas in the region. In addition to participating in the dialogue sessions, the Supreme Council for the Environment showcased Bahrain’s conservation initiatives at an exhibition held in conjunction with the forum. The pavilion highlighted the country’s management of protected areas and species conservation efforts, including projects like the National Afforestation Plan and the Mangrove Tree Planting Project.
The participation of Bahrain in the IUCN Regional Forum underscores the country’s dedication to conservation and sustainability. By sharing its advancements and initiatives with other member states in the West Asia region, Bahrain contributes to the collective efforts to protect nature and preserve biodiversity. Through collaboration and knowledge exchange, countries in the region can work together towards meeting global conservation goals and creating a more sustainable future.
The presence of the Supreme Council for the Environment at the forum reflects Bahrain’s active role in international conservation initiatives and its commitment to preserving the environment for future generations. By highlighting its achievements and projects at the exhibition, Bahrain showcases its efforts in managing protected areas and promoting species conservation. The exchange of experiences and best practices at the forum contributes to building a network of support and collaboration among countries in the West Asia region.
Overall, Bahrain’s participation in the IUCN Regional Forum for West Asia demonstrates the country’s leadership in conservation and sustainability. By engaging with experts and specialists from other member states, Bahrain can learn from their experiences and share its own successes in nature protection. Through continued collaboration and collective action, countries in the region can work towards achieving their conservation goals and creating a more resilient and biodiverse environment for future generations.
