Bahrain Launches ‘Buthoor Al Bahrain’ Initiative for a Greener Future
The Kingdom of Bahrain has taken a significant step towards a greener future with the official launch of the ‘Buthoor Al Bahrain’ initiative. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture, in collaboration with UN-Habitat and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), among other partners, the initiative was unveiled at the Gulf Convention Center. This move coincides with World Urban October and aligns with World Habitat Day on October 7th.
The main objective of the initiative is to raise awareness about the importance of tree planting and the role of vegetation in environmental protection and the development of sustainable urban communities. With a national afforestation target of doubling the number of trees in Bahrain by 2035, the Kingdom aims to plant 3.6 million trees. This ambitious goal demonstrates Bahrain’s commitment to creating a healthier ecosystem and providing cooling and shade in urban areas.
‘Buthoor Al Bahrain’ is a call to action for the entire community, including expatriates, inviting them to participate in the national initiative under the guidance of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing the community’s engagement with the national plan.
One of the key benefits of the initiative is reducing carbon emissions, but the primary focus is on improving the quality of life through a healthier ecosystem. Fernanda Maria Lonardoni, Head of Country Programme at UN-Habitat, described the initiative as ambitious, aiming to grow over 100,000 plants annually. She expressed confidence in Bahrain’s ability to achieve the expected results by 2035 and transform into a much greener island by 2050.
During the launch event, Khaled El Mekwad, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, highlighted the importance of involving Bahraini youth in the national campaign. He stressed the crucial role of young people in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the Kingdom and urged them to join the initiative for a greener future. The National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIDA) aims to use this initiative as a platform for raising awareness among the youth.
Overall, the ‘Buthoor Al Bahrain’ initiative represents a significant step towards a greener future for Bahrain. By engaging the community and setting ambitious afforestation targets, the Kingdom is on track to create a healthier and more sustainable environment for generations to come. With the support of various partners and the commitment of key government officials, Bahrain is paving the way for a greener and more environmentally conscious future.
