Manama: Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, said the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, continues to implement national initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, reduce carbon emissions, and support sustainable development through strategic programmes and projects that contribute to achieving carbon neutrality.
According to Bahrain News Agency, on the occasion of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, the minister commended the support of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King, President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), and President of the Consultative Council of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), for agricultural and environmental initiatives that have strengthened environmental sustainability, food security, and the development of the agricultural sector.
The minister highlighted that the Bahrain Mangrove initiative, launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, has accelerated the implementation of one of Bahrain's national environmental projects to protect the marine environment, enhance biodiversity, and support efforts to address climate change.
He noted that the initiative has achieved 139% of its target after planting 2.23 million mangrove seedlings, attributing the achievement to cooperation among all participating entities, led by the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE).
Emphasizing community partnership and awareness, the minister pointed out the importance of mangrove planting and conservation, noting that mangroves absorb carbon, protect coastlines from erosion, and provide natural habitats for marine life and birds.
He affirmed that the ministry will continue expanding mangrove planting in suitable locations in cooperation with its partners and implementing environmental initiatives and afforestation projects in line with international best practices to support environmental sustainability and preserve natural resources.