Heat-resistant tree-planting campaign takes root in Southern Bahrain
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com
Email: ashen@newsobahrain.com
Heat-resistant seedlings were handed out in Isa Town over the weekend as part of Bahrain’s national drive to green its urban spaces — offering residents not only shade but a chance to reshape their neighbourhoods.
MP Maryam Al Dhaen, along with officials from the Southern Governorate and Italian Ambassador to Bahrain, H.E. Andrea Catalano, met with locals at Isa Town’s Rubber Walkway.
The gathering saw the distribution of seedlings, including neem and acacia, while residents were briefed on accessing services like online consultations and expert advice.
Some 600 seedlings are being distributed to residents of Isa Town under the campaign, which is part of a wider effort to expand green areas across the kingdom.
“It’s essential that we raise awareness of how trees can help combat rising temperatures caused by global warming,” MP Al Dhaen told The Daily Tribune.-
“Residents are keen to learn about the different species, how to plant them, and the best methods for watering.” She also mentioned plans for parliamentary discussions to introduce laws supporting more tree planting, aiming to cool the country and promote sustainability. Community participation is at the heart of this initiative.
Future
“We’ve focused on five types of trees that are well-suited to the local climate, shedding fewer leaves and requiring less maintenance. We want children to get involved in the planting, as this is their future too,” MP Al Dhaen said.
Local resident Amina expressed her excitement: “I’ve recently taken an interest in planting Bougainvillea in my garden because of their lovely appearance.
If we include these types of plants, I’m sure more people will take up gardening.” Abdullah, a schoolteacher from the area, noted the cultural importance of tree planting, saying: “Bringing back the tradition of planting trees in our communities is vital. It’s part of our heritage, something Bahrainis have valued for generations.”
MP Al Dhaen pointed out that the selected trees are expected to provide shade through vertical growth, contributing to lower temperatures in urban areas.
Greening initiative
This ambitious greening initiative promises various benefits for Bahrain’s residents.
Increased tree cover is expected to mitigate the urban heat island effect, potentially reducing energy consumption for cooling and enhancing overall comfort.
The creation of green spaces also offers opportunities for community engagement, recreational activities, and improved biodiversity.
Furthermore, the initiative aligns with Bahrain’s broader sustainability goals, contributing to a healthier environment and a more resilient future for generations to come. Parliamentary efforts are also underway to support this green initiative.
“We regularly meet with the Minister of Municipalities, Wael Al Mubarak, to discuss agriculture projects.
This includes offering workshops, visiting schools, and even setting up training academies to teach families how to care for their gardens,” she explained.
Agricultural education
Additionally, these parliamentary moves align with the Ministry of Education’s plans to enhance agricultural education in schools, raising a generation that understands the value of food security and sustainability.
Work on Al Maraqib Park in Block 809, Isa Town, is set to begin later this year, with tenders already in progress. “It’s part of a bigger plan to turn Isa Town into a green hub, replacing empty spaces with vibrant greenery,” MP Al Dhaen added.
Ambassador Catalano praised the initiative, telling The Daily Tribune: “I fully support efforts to encourage a culture of tree planting and a love of nature.
I’m looking forward to more events like this.”
Sustainability
Catalano also recognised Bahrain’s broader efforts: “This campaign is an important step in addressing sustainability and the challenge of global warming. I’m hopeful for greater cooperation between our nations in this field.” He added: “I’ve chosen two plants to take home with me.”
Support for afforestation runs all the way to the top, with backing from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as well as directives from His Royal Highness the Prime Minister to secure state funding to create more green spaces.
The initiative is part of the national afforestation plan aiming to double the number of trees by 2035, increasing from 1.8 million to 3.6 million trees and planting 130,000 trees each year.
Related Posts