Manama: The Bahrain Mangrove initiative has become a national model for sustainable environmental action, achieving significant progress in expanding mangrove cultivation, protecting the marine and coastal environment, supporting biodiversity, and translating national strategies for climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability into results that support the Kingdom of Bahrain's environmental and climate goals.
According to Bahrain News Agency, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa launched the initiative in December 2024 to quadruple the number of mangrove trees by 2035, as part of national efforts to expand mangrove cultivation in tidal areas, coastal areas, and reserves across the Kingdom. This initiative involves cooperation between government and private entities and civil society organisations and supports national efforts to reach carbon neutrality by 2060.
The initiative has achieved notable progress, with more than 2.23 million mangrove seedlings planted, reflecting integrated national efforts to achieve environmental targets and strengthening the Kingdom of Bahrain's position as a regional model in adopting nature-based solutions and sustainable environmental initiatives. Professor Asmaa Ali Aba Hussain, Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Chair of the King Hamad Prize for Agricultural Development, emphasized that the initiative demonstrates the effective translation of national visions into tangible achievements.
Dr. Mohammed Ali Hassan Ali, Chairman of the Public Utilities and Environment Committee at the Shura Council, noted that the Bahrain Mangrove initiative represents a practical national model for translating environmental plans and strategies into actual implementation and achieving tangible results on the ground. He commended the significant progress made in mangrove cultivation and the government's efforts led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Haya Al Doseri, Environmental Consultant, explained that the Bahrain Mangrove initiative is an important environmental and community initiative, given its sustainable vision for enhancing the presence of mangrove trees in Bahrain's environment and promoting community participation in environmental protection. She highlighted the role of mangrove trees in absorbing and storing carbon, protecting coastlines, supporting biodiversity, and providing natural habitats for marine organisms and local and migratory birds.
Ali Mohammed Al Qaseer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Clean Up Bahrain Society, valued the Bahrain Mangrove initiative as an important national step towards strengthening marine and coastal environmental protection and promoting sustainability in the Kingdom of Bahrain. He emphasized that expanding mangrove cultivation is a genuine investment in the future of the marine environment and the importance of involving the community in protecting and preserving them.