Bahrain keen on protecting and preserving biodiversity

TDT | Manama

Bahrain is making steadfast strides in protecting and preserving biodiversity despite massive challenges. This was assured by HM the King’s Personal Representative and President of the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE), His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, as he participated yesterday in the UN “Summit on Biodiversity”, as part of the series of high-level meetings held on the sidelines of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 75).

Speaking on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, HH Shaikh Abdulla cited the many challenges facing biodiversities, such as climate change, air pollution, desertification, and the unsustainable use of the elements of biodiversity.

He noted, however, Bahrain was one of the first countries that joined international conventions and treaties that require protection and sustainability of the components of biodiversity, including the unique ecosystems in the Kingdom.

HH Shaikh Abdulla thanked His Majesty the King’s visions and directives that enable the country to achieve the best levels of preservation of the elements of biodiversity. He expressed delight at participating in the virtual summit and hailed the UN’s various initiatives, plans, and programs aimed at protecting and preserving the elements of biodiversity.

HH Shaikh Abdulla affirmed that the kingdom has been keen on preserving biodiversity through the issuance of several national legislation and laws related to the protection of natural environment and habitats. They include the declaration of six natural reserves and accounting for more than 20% of the total area of the Kingdom, noting that the government is interested in the marine environment because of its great importance in ensuring food security.

He also highlighted the Kingdom’s launch of a special pearl diving licensing scheme to preserve this authentic cultural heritage, in addition to the implementation of a number of projects, the most important of which is the declaration of the largest marine reserve in the region in order to protect oyster beds.

HH Shaikh Abdulla pointed out that the Kingdom has issued a number of national laws and legislation aimed at protecting endangered species, in addition to the ratification of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 2012, adding that the country is in the process of issuing a draft-law on regulating international trade in endangered species.

He also said that Bahrain had included many projects and programs aimed at preserving agricultural areas and increasing the number of plants in the Government Action Plan. He also shed light on the kingdom’s preparation of the national plan for the adaptation to climate change, and efforts to ensure the sound management of chemicals, in addition to many measures aimed at preventing the release of ozone-depleting gases and managing them in accordance with best international practices to mitigate the effects of global warming and protect biodiversity from ultra-violet (UV) radiation.