Marking the Launch of a National Initiative
As part of a nationwide tree-planting campaign, the Capital Municipal Council hosted an event
yesterday at the historic Bahrain Fort, where seedlings were distributed to attendees. This
initiative aims to encourage citizens to actively engage in greening their communities,
promoting sustainability, and supporting the agricultural sector. In collaboration with the Ministry
of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture and the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP), the campaign seeks to enhance ecological resilience and bolster agriculture
throughout the Kingdom. To gain insights into this vital effort, The Daily Tribune spoke
exclusively with Dr. Fernanda Lonardoni, Head of the UN-Habitat Country Programme.
Q: Can you tell us more about your role as a United Nations representative in Bahrain?
A: UN-Habitat, the UN agency responsible for sustainable cities and communities, has been
active in Bahrain for nearly three years. Our primary goal is to support the government’s efforts
to improve the quality of life in urban areas. We have several ongoing projects, including
support for the national afforestation plan.
Q: How does this tree-planting initiative align with the broader UN sustainable
development agenda?
A:The tree-planting initiative aligns perfectly with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs). Bahrain aims to become a more sustainable nation and improve people’s lives, directly
tying into the SDGs. Particularly, SDG 11, which focuses on making cities inclusive, safe,
resilient, and sustainable, is central to this initiative. Additionally, climate action is linked to SDG
- We designed this campaign as a call to action for the people of Bahrain, encouraging them
to engage in tree planting to create greener and healthier communities.
Q: What types of trees are being planted, and is there a focus on indigenous species?
A: The national afforestation plan includes 19 selected species, encompassing both indigenous
and non-indigenous varieties that can thrive in Bahrain’s climate. We have observed a
preference among the public for fruit trees, so we’ve included those alongside shade-providing
trees. For instance, we have mulberry (locally known as Toot), Sidr, Poinciana, and neem trees
included in the campaign.
Q: What partnerships has the United Nations established with the government, NGOs,
and the private sector for this initiative in Bahrain?
A: We are collaborating with all sectors. This campaign is for the people, and its planning
involved extensive consultations with municipal councils, which play a crucial role in supporting
us on the ground. We’re also partnering with NGOs like the National Initiative for Agricultural
Development (NIAD) and Budaiya Hub to raise awareness. Additionally, the private sector has
shown increasing interest in supporting sustainability efforts in Bahrain over the past two years.
While reducing carbon emissions is one of the benefits of this initiative, the overarching
objective is to improve the quality of life through a healthier ecosystem, providing much-needed
cooling and shade in urban areas. Fernanda Maria Lonardoni, Head of Country Programme at
UN-Habitat, described the initiative as “a very ambitious target for the Kingdom of Bahrain to
grow more than 100,000 plants a year.” She confidently added, “Bahrain will achieve the
expected results by 2035, and by 2050, it will be a completely different island. The Kingdom will
be much greener than it is now.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
During the event, Khaled El Mekwad, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bahrain,
emphasized the importance of involving Bahraini youth in this national campaign. He urged
young people to take an active role, stating, “To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of
the Kingdom, youth contribution is crucial. I invite youngsters to join the national campaign-
this is your future. “National Initiative for Agricultural Development(NIDA) hopes that this
initiative will provide an additional platform for raising awareness. Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al
Khalifa, Secretary General, NIDA said “Seed by Seed, towards sustainable communities,
enhances efforts to spread the culture of afforestation in society.”
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