Manama: Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, affirmed that 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 advance environmental sustainability pathways and consolidate its qualitative initiatives.
According to Bahrain News Agency, marking Earth Day, observed annually on April 22, Minister Al Mubarak highlighted the National Action Plan to achieve carbon neutrality, announced by His Majesty the King. This plan has recorded accelerated progress, alongside the expansion of afforestation projects, supporting sustainable development goals.
The Municipalities Minister emphasized the importance of the occasion in raising environmental awareness and intensifying efforts to protect natural resources. He also stressed the need to support the transition towards renewable energy, aligning with global trends and sustainable development goals.
Minister Al Mubarak noted that the afforestation plan is making tangible progress, with around 2.4 million trees planted. This represents 67% of the strategic target of planting 3.6 million trees by 2035, contributing to enhancing environmental balance.
He highlighted the achievements of the "Bahrain Mangroves" initiative, launched by Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa. The initiative has reached 138% completion after planting 2.2 million mangrove seedlings, exceeding its target and reflecting progress in protecting the marine environment and enhancing biodiversity.
The Municipalities Minister added that the ministry continues to implement an integrated system of environmental initiatives. These include improving sanitation services, expanding green spaces, enhancing waste management efficiency through sustainable methods, and supporting recycling efforts by establishing specialized centers for waste collection and sorting across the Kingdom. A total of 300 recycling centers have been distributed, contributing to the promotion of sustainable environmental practices.