3,230 trees planted as part of afforestation campaign
BAHRAIN is extending its green space as the first phase of an afforestation campaign in Salman City (Island 14) began yesterday with the planting of 3,230 trees.
An additional 2,035 trees will be planted in the second phase over the next two weeks, announced Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak.
Speaking during a tour of the project site, he said that the ministry had developed an integrated plan to increase the number of trees in the area.
The trees planted consume less water, can tolerate high salinity in the soil, can absorb high levels of emitted gases, and lower the temperature of its surroundings by providing large shaded areas.
“There are large areas of gardens, green spaces and open spaces which make Salman City an ideal place to implement the afforestation project,” said the minister.
“We are dedicated in our efforts to implement Bahrain’s plans to double the amount of trees in the kingdom from 1.8 million to 3.6 million trees by 2035.”
The green initiatives aim to expand the green areas and achieve environmental balance as part of Bahrain’s continuous efforts to reduce carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2035, and reach zero neutrality in 2060.
Northern Municipal Council chairman Dr Sayed Al Wadaei praised the ministry’s efforts in the area and its commitment to reach the designated target.
“Salman City is characterised by modern architecture that is compatible with sustainable development goals,” he said.
“It is a model city that consists of islands, waterways and large agricultural land.
“With the implementation of the afforestation programme, it can also become an ecotourism hub.”
The Salman City project features nine mosques, four kindergartens, three schools, a central park, Civil Defence and police stations, a health centre, communication towers and Coastguard points.
The GDN reported earlier this week that a major campaign will be launched to raise awareness about the importance of trees and the need to develop more sustainable public spaces across Bahrain.
UN-Habitat Bahrain and government entities will roll out the campaign in October following a series of workshops that have been held to combat climate change.
UN-Habitat Head of Country Programme Bahrain Dr Fernanda Lonardoni stated that Bahrain will probably be the first country to map the quality of trees and the first country to look at afforestation on a national scale.
Similarly, thousands of trees and shrubs are being planted across the island as part of the ‘Forever Green’ campaign launched by the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) last year.
More than 20,000 mangrove seedlings were planted last month at Umm Al Naasan Island as part of the campaign.
Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1289745/3,230-trees-planted-as-part-of-afforestation-campaign