Manama: The National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) has successfully completed the fourth phase of the National Afforestation Campaign, 'Forever Green', by planting 6,589 trees and shrubs across 24 sites in various governorates of the Kingdom. The initiative covered a total planted area of 11,757 square metres, with 4,793 linear metres planted.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the campaign included 15 sites managed by the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture and 9 sites belonging to other official institutions. National institutions and supporting companies contributed a total of 109,911 Bahraini Dinar to fund the campaign.
The selection of tree species was made in accordance with the government's sustainability plan and natural resource protection goals. The chosen species, including Arabian acacia, Casuarina, Acacia, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Poinciana, mangrove, and neem trees, were selected for their resilience to local climatic conditions and their ecological benefits. These trees are vital in combating desertification, enhancing air quality, increasing biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, the Secretary General of NIAD, expressed pride in the campaign's accomplishments, highlighting its dual role in environmental protection and economic support. The campaign provided opportunities for eight Bahraini contractors involved in planting and maintenance, thereby fostering job creation and empowering local talent.
Shaikha Maram bint Isa emphasized the campaign's commitment to sustainability, with a comprehensive plan for maintaining the planted trees to ensure their longevity. In collaboration with KAF Humanity, volunteer teams have been established in all governorates to monitor the plantations' health and provide regular updates, ensuring the sustainability of these environmental efforts.
Shaikha Maram bint Isa also announced that the campaign's fifth phase will launch in October, introducing new projects that will further Bahrain's green expansion goals and national efforts to tackle climate change.