Bahrain committed to increasing tree population by planting more mangroves

TDT | Manama                    

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain is pursuing a goal to grow its tree population from 1.8 million trees to 3.6 million by 2035, increase its mangrove trees from 400,000 trees to 1.6 million by then, and reach zero neutrality by 2060 through its afforestation project.

This was emphasised by Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak. The minister discussed the planting of mangrove trees and the plan to quadruple their number by 2035 as part of Bahrain’s afforestation plan to double the number of trees by 2035 and quadruple the number of mangroves, in accordance with the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).

He affirmed the importance of mangrove trees and their vital role in combating climate change as one of the blue economy's bases, as well as their contribution to improving fish stocks, purifying water, and having many environmental benefits that help preserve the ecosystem.

Bahrain managed to plant 150,000 trees in 2022 at a 110% rate of the announced goal, and we are currently moving towards achieving the announced goal for 2023," Al Mubarak said.

"We have successfully managed to plant 110,000 Mangrove trees in 2022, reaching 100% of its announced goal, as we aim to achieve the announced planting goal of 2023."

Al Mubarak affirmed the success of the national arboretum project for the cultivation of mangroves and noted the ministry’s success in building several plantations that produce large numbers of these trees in a number of locations such as Ra’s al Mamtalah, Dohat Arad, Tubli, Diraz, South of Durra, Halat Nuaim-Seltah, Ras Hayan and others.

He emphasised the importance of cooperation with civil society organizations and NGOs to promote the importance of agriculture and raise awareness of its environmental and nutritional benefits. The minister praised the club for its support of the mangrove tree planting project, which contributes to the preservation of the marine environment.