Manama, Oct. 13 (BNA): Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities and Agriculture, affirmed that under the comprehensive development process led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Kingdom of Bahrain attaches great importance to environmental protection and sustainable development. He noted that this priority reflects the Kingdom's long-term vision to enhance environmental sustainability and safeguard its natural resources.

The minister praised the initiative of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to launch this year's "Tree Week", which aims to promote environmental awareness and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly practices. He also commended HRH's directive to organise an "Innovation in Irrigation Solutions" competition, designed to stimulate creative ideas and practical solutions that advance modern irrigation methods and expand their use in public areas. These efforts, he said, contribute to afforestation, the expansion of green spaces, and the sustainable management of water resources in the Kingdom.

He said that the competition provides a national platform to support innovation in irrigation and the use of advanced technologies. It encourages both companies and individuals to develop practical solutions that improve water-use efficiency and ensure its equitable distribution for irrigation, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and urban landscaping across Bahrain.

Al Mubarak added that the Tree Week initiative and the innovation competition support the implementation of Bahrain's national afforestation plan, which seeks to double the number of trees to 3.6 million by 2035, in line with the Kingdom's goal of reducing carbon emissions by 30% by 2035 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. The plan also includes a target to quadruple mangrove coverage by 2035.

He noted that Tree Week features a range of events and community activities involving the public and private sectors, municipal councils, and local communities, all aimed at promoting positive environmental practices and strengthening the culture of tree planting across society.

Municipalities Minister: Tree Week and irrigation innovation boost community sustainability