Bahrain’s Commitment to Green Initiatives Highlighted on Earth Day 2025

Dr. Abdulhadi Abdulwahab, the supervisor of the Sultan Qaboos Chair for Desert Agriculture and Soilless Cultivation, emphasized the importance of energy in this year’s Earth Day celebrations in 2025. He noted that while scientific advancements and the fast-paced nature of modern life have increased the demand for energy, the adoption and expansion of alternative and eco-friendly energy systems continue to face technical, economic, and social challenges.

One of the most significant aspects of Earth Day, according to Dr. Abdulwahab, is the rise of community-driven initiatives and growing awareness of the negative impacts of many human activities. Social media platforms have played a crucial role in spreading awareness, making responsible individual actions more widespread than ever before. He highlighted that in the past, such awareness campaigns required substantial effort and financial resources to achieve the level of outreach now possible through digital media.

Speaking about Bahrain’s environmental efforts, Dr. Abdulwahab praised the Kingdom’s ambitious afforestation projects and its commitment to achieving its national goal of doubling tree coverage to 3.8 million trees by 2029. He noted that the efforts of the National Initiative for Agricultural Sector Development, in collaboration with private sector stakeholders, have been instrumental in achieving these targets.

"For those caught up in the fast pace of daily life, the gradual changes brought about by afforestation efforts may go unnoticed. However, I assure you that in the coming years, Bahrain’s urban environment and streetscapes will be transformed due to these significant initiatives," he added.

Dr. Abdulwahab also encouraged individuals and community groups to contribute to environmental sustainability by planting trees on their properties, preserving existing greenery, and replacing damaged plants with suitable species. He also advocated for home gardening using modern and efficient techniques such as soilless cultivation and vertical farming, which maximize available space while conserving water.

Furthermore, he stressed the importance of reducing food waste, minimizing overall waste production, and utilizing organic waste recycling to improve soil quality, which in turn supports food security and environmental conservation. On a national level, he highlighted Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to utilize triple-treated wastewater as a sustainable water source, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to innovative and eco-friendly solutions.

As Earth Day 2025 focuses on energy and sustainability, Bahrain’s proactive measures and community-driven efforts serve as a model for responsible environmental stewardship and long-term ecological improvement.