A season to thrive

By Captain Mahmood Al Mahmood

It’s the season to thrive as Bahrain’s short winter and its agricultural abundance fill our Kingdom with greenery and with locally sourced farm produce – herbs, fruits and veg, dairy and poultry products.

This year, under the directives of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the patronage of HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the Wife of HM the King and President of the NIAD Consultative Council, the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) has gone beyond the popular Farmers’ Markets and started an ambitious greening project which aims to plant over 50,000 plants and saplings across Bahrain.

This is a scientifically designed programme and 12 sites have been chosen for their best soil, water and sunlight qualities to nurture the saplings and shrubs, once planted.

What is commendable is that many private sector organisations have come forward to support the “ Forever Green” campaign which is expected to promote the expansion of the green area in Bahrain and to address the effects of climate change within the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Despite poor soil and an arid climate, Bahrain will benefit greatly from the planting of trees and green cover.

The move by NIAD comes in line with the Kingdom’s ambitious plans to nurture a circle economy that will cut waste, upcycle as much trash as possible to deliver energy and reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030.

As urbanisation grows apace, the Kingdom’s planners are also looking to raise green cover so that we find a proper balance going forward.

Each one of us can help in this project – even those without the proverbial green thumb can help by cutting back on plastic use, by encouraging the respect for garden space and wilderness – the mangroves of Arad and Tubli, for example, the brown grass stands that dot our desert areas, they all are part of the wonder of Bahrain’s natural green cover and we must safeguard and develop it for the future generations.