UN-Habitat and Dawoodi Bohra Community Launch Campaign to Plant 500 Trees Across Bahrain

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The Dawoodi Bohra community in Bahrain has partnered with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to plant over 500 trees as part of the ‘Buthoor Al Bahrain’ (Seeds of Bahrain) campaign. This partnership, undertaken under the banner of ‘Project Rise’, reflects the community's steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability and the enhancement of green spaces in the Kingdom.

Fernanda Lonardoni, Head of the UN-Habitat Programme in Bahrain, expressed her support for this partnership, stating, “I am proud of the work that UN-Habitat has been doing over the past few years in Bahrain to promote sustainable cities and communities. This initiative aligns with the vision of His Majesty the King to make Bahrain a better and more sustainable place to live.”

Highlighting Bahrain's commitment to sustainability, Lonardoni noted, “Two years ago, Bahrain set a goal to double the number of trees in the country, from 1.8 million to 3.6 million trees by 2035.” This ambitious goal reflects the Kingdom’s determination to enhance its natural environment, making communities healthier and more vibrant.

“Bahrain has been known for centuries as the ‘Island of a Million Palm Trees’ and is considered a green oasis in a region known for its climatic diversity and intense heat,” she emphasised, underscoring the vital role trees play in the ecosystem.

Dr Zahra Yousif, a member of the Bohra community in Bahrain, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “We’re happy to partner with UN-Habitat to support the Seeds of Bahrain campaign. As part of the initiative, we will plant these trees in our homes, gardens, and neighbourhoods, seizing this opportunity to make Bahrain greener.”

Recent high school graduate Zahra expressed the community’s passion for environmental efforts, stating, “According to the teachings of our Sultan al Bohra Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, our community in this region and across the globe is deeply committed to supporting tree-planting initiatives, water conservation, and working towards a waste-free future. We hope this partnership will create a lasting impact on the environment.”

She added, “Last year, we planted 170 trees at Sitra Corniche as part of an initiative to positively contribute to our local environment. We are delighted to continue our efforts this year with Seeds of Bahrain by planting 500 trees.”