Manama: The first phase of the Bahrain Mall afforestation project was launched as part of the National Afforestation Campaign, known as Forever Green, implemented under the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD). This event highlighted a significant partnership between the public and private sectors, with support from Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) and Majid Al Futtaim, the operator of Bahrain Mall.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the event was attended by Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary General of NIAD; Yasser Abdulraheem Al Abbasi, CEO of GPIC; and Mohammed Al Khateeb, Head of Operations and Commercial Affairs at Majid Al Futtaim Retail – Bahrain. The presence of these key figures underscored their commitment to enhancing environmental sustainability in the Kingdom.
The activities involved planting 28 jatropha saplings and 29 acacia glauca saplings, with the aim of expanding the green cover at Bahrain Mall and improving the urban environment’s quality. This initiative aligns with the National Afforestation Campaign’s goals to promote environmental awareness and expand green spaces across different areas.
Shaikha Maram bint Isa expressed gratitude towards the private sector institutions for their active role in supporting national environmental projects. She commended the contributions of GPIC and Majid Al Futtaim, emphasizing that public-private sector cooperation is crucial for the success of national initiatives aimed at enhancing vegetation cover and achieving environmental sustainability in Bahrain.
Al Abbasi highlighted GPIC’s prioritization of investment in sustainable environmental initiatives, stating that their participation in the campaign demonstrates a commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. He expressed pride in being among the campaign’s first supporters and assured continued support for future phases, recognizing a responsibility towards the environment and future generations.
Al Khateeb noted the company’s eagerness to participate in initiatives that benefit the community and enhance environmental sustainability. He emphasized that their involvement in the project is rooted in a firm commitment to sustainability and supporting efforts that enhance the urban environment, contributing to Bahrain’s vision for a more sustainable society for future generations.
The launch of the first phase of the Bahrain Mall afforestation project represents a significant step in a series of joint environmental projects implemented in cooperation with supporting institutions. It aims to raise environmental awareness, expand green cover, and support national efforts to achieve environmental balance and sustainability across various regions of the Kingdom, reflecting effective public-private sector cooperation and a shared commitment to building a sustainable and healthy urban environment for future generations.