Manama: As part of Cityscape Bahrain 2024, Dr. Fernanda Lonardoni, Head of Country Programme at UN-Habitat Bahrain, shared insights into the agency’s efforts to promote sustainable urbanisation, environmental preservation, and community engagement in the Kingdom. Speaking to Bahrain News Agency (BNA), she highlighted UN-Habitat’s initiatives, collaborations, and long-term vision for advancing Bahrain’s urban development in line with global sustainability goals.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Lonardoni underscored the transformative role of UN-Habitat in Bahrain since its establishment in the Kingdom in 2022, following Bahrain’s ambitious sustainability commitments. ‘We are supporting Bahrain on multiple fronts. From assisting the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning in shifting its role from a housing provider to a facilitator to working closely on the environmental agenda connected to cities, our goal is to bring nature closer to urban areas and ensure peace between people, cities, and ecosystems,’
she said.
UN-Habitat has been instrumental in advancing Bahrain’s National Afforestation Plan. ‘We are not just counting the number of trees planted; we are focusing on creating communities where greenery improves people’s well-being,’ Dr. Lonardoni noted. The agency is helping develop a master plan for forestation, conducting assessments of green areas, and supporting the improvement of public nurseries, she added.
She highlighted the success of the Buthoor Al Bahrain campaign, which has already distributed 8,000 trees, with a goal of 10,000 by the end of the month. ‘The idea behind Buthoor Al Bahrain is to engage the community because when people plant trees themselves, they develop a new mindset towards sustainability. This isn’t just about afforestation; it’s about creating an environmentally conscious society.’
Promoting inclusive and accessible public spaces is another priority for UN-Habitat. Dr. Lonardoni revealed that the agency has conducted a nationwide assessment of public parks to identify are
as for improvement. ‘We’ve recommended replacing hard landscaping with soft greenery, planting more trees, and redesigning playgrounds to encourage greater use of outdoor areas. This is essential for fostering community well-being and providing alternatives to indoor spaces like malls,’ she noted.
Dr. Lonardoni emphasised the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainability goals. ‘Governments can no longer build cities alone; the private sector is essential.’ UN-Habitat has collaborated with local entities such as Naseej to promote sustainability in smart cities, Diyar Al Muharraq to enhance public accessibility, and HSBC to fund mangrove restoration projects.
The agency is also working with Nestlé to raise awareness about sustainable water consumption in Bahrain, addressing the country’s high water usage rates, she added. Addressing challenges, Dr. Lonardoni highlighted the need to balance urban growth with ecosystem preservation. ‘Cities can continue to grow, but not at the expense of natural ecosy
stems. Urbanisation must coexist with nature,’ she stated. Other priorities include climate change adaptation and fostering sustainable consumption and production patterns.
‘The future of cities and communities in Bahrain depends on ensuring resilience against climate change while promoting responsible practices,’ she added. Dr. Lonardoni commended Cityscape Bahrain as a platform for collaboration and innovation. ‘Cityscape brings together diverse stakeholders, including the private sector, government, and the UN, to work towards a common goal of sustainable urbanisation. It’s a vital opportunity to exchange ideas, foster partnerships, and align on shared priorities,’ she remarked.
Through its multifaceted initiatives and partnerships, UN-Habitat continues to drive sustainable urbanisation in Bahrain, ensuring a future where cities grow in harmony with nature and communities thrive in well-designed, inclusive environments.