Manama: The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, in coordination with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, held a youth-focused awareness workshop on mangrove conservation to mark the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, observed annually on July 26.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the workshop, organised as part of the Bahrain Mangroves initiative, took place at the Bahrain Science Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals. It was attended by Asim Abdulatif Abdullah, Undersecretary for Agriculture and Animal Wealth Resources at the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, alongside youth organisations and ministry officials.
The event aimed to promote environmental awareness among young people and highlight the importance of protecting Bahrain's coastal ecosystems, particularly mangrove forests. The workshop also featured an exhibition showcasing the Kingdom's achievements under the Bahrain Mangroves initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, Asim Abdulatif emphasised the importance of the initiative launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, which aims to quadruple Bahrain's mangrove tree population by 2035. He underscored the value of engaging youth in environmental priorities and initiatives.
He noted the ministry's commitment to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among young people and activating their role in national efforts to protect natural resources. He said the Bahrain Mangroves initiative reflects effective cross-sector collaboration in mangrove cultivation and coastal biodiversity conservation.
The undersecretary also emphasised the ministry's ongoing support for impactful environmental programmes and its dedication to expanding community partnerships for sustainability projects, in line with Bahrain's national environmental protection commitments and sustainable development goals.
Participants were introduced to the ecological value of mangrove trees, including their role in maintaining environmental balance, mitigating climate change, preventing coastal erosion, and providing critical habitats for marine species and birds. The Bahrain Mangroves initiative was presented as a leading national example of mangrove afforestation and conservation.