Bahrain Showcases Environmental Initiatives at COP16.

Riyadh: Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Bin Dainah, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, inaugurated Bahrain's pavilion at the exhibition accompanying the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), held in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Bin Dainah underscored Bahrain's commitment to supporting regional and international efforts aimed at unifying objectives to tackle environmental and climate challenges, particularly those exacerbating desertification and agricultural land degradation. He highlighted the challenges faced by arid regions, including drought, water scarcity, and rising temperatures. According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Bin Dainah emphasized Bahrain's dedication to implementing national initiatives and projects that address climate change, achieve environmental balance, and align with the Kingdom's commitments under international agreements and treaties for environmental and wildlife protection. The mini ster noted that Bahrain's participation in the exhibition, along with the presentation of its national programmes and initiatives, underscores the Kingdom's belief in the importance of exchanging expertise and best practices. These efforts also reflect Bahrain's support for initiatives to increase green spaces for a sustainable present and a prosperous future, he added. Dr. Bin Dainah commended the efforts of Bahrain's team managing the pavilion and their role in showcasing Bahrain's environmental initiatives to combat desertification. He highlighted Bahrain's pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on environmental protection, climate security, and wildlife conservation. The Bahrain pavilion will feature several initiatives and programmes aimed at protecting land from degradation during COP16's exhibition period. These include the Buthoor Al Bahrain campaign under the sustainable green cities project, the afforestation plan, the Forever Green campaign, and the national m angrove cultivation project. The pavilion will also host discussion sessions on combating desertification and protecting land from degradation.