Shura Council vows to prioritise environmental protection

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Public Utilities and Environment Committee of the Shura Council, presided over by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ali Hasan Ali, has affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s resolve in matters of environmental protection and sustainability.

This resolve is consonant with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who places great importance on preserving the environment and its resources for the benefit of future generations.

On World Environment Day, observed annually on 5th June, the committee extolled the government’s initiatives under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

These efforts are directed towards enhancing national plans for the expansion of Bahrain’s green spaces, an endeavour that is vital to meeting the nation’s obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The committee voiced its approval of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), a scheme designed to rejuvenate the agricultural sector.

The initiative’s aims include restoring the sector’s prosperity, formulating future strategies, addressing prevailing challenges, coordinating efforts among stakeholders, and promoting the adoption of modern agricultural technologies.

Green areas

These actions are expected to significantly increase green areas, invigorate agricultural industries, and enhance environmental awareness through educational and training programmes.

The committee observed that the World Environment Day serves as a crucial platform for highlighting the urgent global challenges posed by environmental and climate change issues.

It called for collective action to safeguard our planet.

This year’s theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” resonates with the Sustainable Development Goals focused on ensuring water and sanitation availability and sustainable management, alongside urgent climate action.

The Shura Council remains resolved to enact environmental legislation and laws that adhere to international standards.

The council actively engages in a variety of international forums discussing environmental matters, including the annual parliamentary meeting during the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, as well as parliamentary activities related to climate change and water issues organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Bahrain’s pursuit of environmental sustainability and green growth aspires to create a healthier and more prosperous future for generations to come.