Bahrain is further expanding its green spaces by targeting residential areas, schools and private institutions through its ‘Forever Green’ campaign.
After its launch in October, the nationwide campaign is already halfway towards its target to plant more than 50,000 ‘shade trees’ and shrubs as part of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) project.
The campaign’s first stage that ends in March next year would cover trees being planted in an area of more than 70,000sqm and 21,000 linear metres across all four governorates.
“We are ahead of the first phase’s deadline, thanks to the active participation and support from the community and private sector,” NIAD secretary general Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa told the GDN.
“In the future, we need to plant more trees, not just alongside roads, but also in schools, neighbourhoods and commercial areas.”
Shaikha Maram was speaking yesterday during an event held at the Central Market in Manama as part of its afforestation project worth BD21,000. It is also a part of the ‘Forever Green’ campaign being held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and NIAD Consultative Council president.
The BD500,000 campaign features 27 sites and covers 10 zones in the Southern Governorate, six in the Northern Governorate, six in Muharraq and five in the Capital Governorate.
The ceremony, in which small trees were planted, was attended by Central Bank of Bahrain Governor Rasheed Al Maraj and officials from the Capital Trustees Board and the Bahrain Association of Banks.
“The directives and support of His Majesty King Hamad and the interest of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, stressed the need to achieve a food ecological model,” said Shaikha Maram.
“They are based on sustainability and the ability to face various challenges, especially with the increase in environmental and climatic risks facing the world in the next decades.”
Shaikha Maram highlighted HRH Prince Salman’s commitment to achieve zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2060 which has made it imperative for all to co-operate to combat the global challenges.
The launch ceremony came 24 hours after International Day of Banks was marked globally. During the event, chief executives of banks and financial institutions that have contributed to the afforestation project, were briefed on the campaign objectives that include mitigating climate change impact related to an increase in carbon emissions.
Shaikha Maram added the co-operation with BAB led to the joint support of 20 banks to plant acacia and ficus trees, characterised by the sustainability of their green colour, large size, umbrella shape and their ability to adapt to the local climate.
“We specifically selected trees that will provide shade and protect against sandy winds, while being water efficient,” said Capital Municipality director general Mohammed Al Sahli. “Palm trees are iconic and beloved but consume a lot of water and are not dense enough to sufficiently provide shade and block dust.”
Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah said the central market area in Manama was busy and faced a lot of urban heat too that required careful selection of the trees and shrubs put in place.
“Out of five areas in the ‘Forever Green’ plan, we have completed three sites” said Mr Tarradah. “Our effort to make Manama greener is ongoing,” he added, citing the recently-completed project to beautify Al Farouq Junction as a good example of progress in place.
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