Following is a report by Bahrain News Agency (BNA) as part of Federation of Arab News Agency's (FANA) environment file
By Hend Karam
MANAMA, July 15 (KUNA) -- Bahrain has undertaken diligent efforts locally, regionally and globally to protect and preserve natural and human environment, natural resources, and ensure their sustainability-safeguarding future generations.
The Kingdom has also made tangible progress in joining global efforts to confront the climate change crisis, and to promote the values of a green environment and sustainable development.
These goals and achievements reflect the insightful vision of King Hamad Al-Khalifa and the ongoing follow-up and support of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman Al Khalifa.
They also reflect the continuous efforts of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Khalifa, the King's Personal Representative and President of the Supreme Council for Environment.
Designating February 4 each year as Bahrain's National Environment Day translates the nation's strong commitment to maintaining a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment that aligns with the UN's development targets and Bahrain's economic vision.
On the occasion of National Environment Day 2025, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Khalifa affirmed that Bahrain has earned a notable reputation among leading countries in environmental and climate protection.
The Kingdom has made every effort to protect the environment and its resources and to implement key plans, programs, and projects aimed at achieving water sustainability-most notably the National Water Strategy for 2021-30.
This strategy reflects the government's commitment for 2023-26 and aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG six (clean water and sanitation), through integrated resource management, efficient water use, sewage treatment and reuse, as well as deploying innovative solutions to improve water consumption efficiency.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Oil and Environment and relevant entities, the Supreme Council for Environment continues to adopt initiatives and legislation to strengthen environmental sustainability, promote environmental awareness among citizens and residents, encourage eco-friendly technologies, and enhance community participation-across governmental and private sectors-in preserving Bahrain's marine, terrestrial, and climate environment.
To sustain ecological balance in Bahrain, the Council has established public policies and a national strategy to advance and safeguard the local environment, taking necessary preventive measures in line with the latest regional and international environmental agreements.
This includes upholding Bahrain's commitments to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent 2035 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Notable success has been achieved in mangrove afforestation along the coast through the "Bahrain Mangroves" initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khalifa in December 2024, doubling the number of mangrove trees using cutting edge sustainable cultivation techniques.
Among the Council's additional measures are controlling and disposing of industrial and hazardous waste, rehabilitating contaminated land, treating sewage for reuse in multiple applications, protecting marine life-including dolphins, sea turtles, and dugongs-as well as safeguarding rare wild bird species from hunting and extinction.
The Council also sets energy efficiency standards, green building requirements, ozone layer protection protocols, safe handling of radioactive materials and devices, chemical management regulations, and addresses various environmental issues.
There is rising environmental awareness and concern in Bahrain, supported by consistent national efforts and plans that rely on community behavior and participation, which has become an active partner in tackling environmental challenges.
Bahrain also collaborated with various international initiatives and sustainability programs, a commitment emphasized by Sheikh Abdullah Al-Khalifa, who calls for serious cooperation and shared responsibilities among all countries to protect the environment, support programs that expand green spaces and urban development, for a sustainable present and future rich with biodiversity and wildlife.
Dr. Mohammad bin Dainah, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, noted on World Earth Day (April 22) that environmental protection and shared responsibility begin with awareness and knowledge and end with behavior and practice to ensure the sustainability of natural resources and wildlife.
To enhance public awareness of the importance of saving water - and in line with development goals and Bahrain's environmental plans - the Supreme Council for Environment, in cooperation with the UN Environment Programme, launched the national campaign "Sustainable Water" under the slogan "Every Drop Has a Story." Lasting four months, it featured diverse awareness events and programs reaching all community segments, emphasizing the vital importance of water for life and development, and the necessity of protecting it with innovative management and conservation solutions.
These efforts align with regional and global strategies to preserve the environment and combat climate change, reinforcing sustainable local and international initiatives.
An increasing level of awareness combined with national action plans reflects Bahrain's firm commitment to protecting ecosystems and supporting regional and global efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals related to environmental protection, climate security, and wildlife conservation. (end) dss