Heat-resistant seedlings were handed out in Isa Town over the weekend as part of Bahrain’s
national drive to green its urban spaces – offering residents not only shade but a chance to
reshape their neighbourhoods.
MP Maryam Al Dhaen, along with officials from the Southern Governorate and Italian
Ambassador to Bahrain, H.E. Andrea Catalano, met with locals at Isa Town’s Rubber Walkway.
The gathering saw the distribution of seedlings, including neem and acacia, while residents
were briefed on accessing services like online consultations and expert advice.
Some 600 seedlings are being distributed to residents of Isa Town under the campaign, which
is part of a wider effort to expand green areas across the kingdom.
“It’s essential that we raise awareness of how trees can help combat rising temperatures
caused by global warming,” MP AI Dhaen told The Daily Tribune .-
“Residents are keen to learn about the different species, how to plant them, and the best
methods for watering.” She also mentioned plans for parliamentary discussions to introduce
laws supporting more tree planting, aiming to cool the country and promote sustainability.
Community participation is at the heart of this initiative.
Future
“We’ve focused on five types of trees that are well-suited to the local climate, shedding fewer
leaves and requiring less maintenance. We want children to get involved in the planting, as this
is their future too,” MP AI Dhaen said.
Local resident Amina expressed her excitement: “I’ve recently taken an interest in planting
Bougainvillea in my garden because of their lovely appearance.
If we include these types of plants, I’m sure more people will take up gardening.” Abdullah, a
schoolteacher from the area, noted the cultural importance of tree planting, saying: “Bringing
back the tradition of planting trees in our communities is vital. It’s part of our heritage,
something Bahrainis have valued for generations.”
MP AI Dhaen pointed out that the selected trees are expected to provide shade through vertical
growth, contributing to lower temperatures in urban areas.
Greening initiative
This ambitious greening initiative promises various benefits for Bahrain’s residents.
Increased tree cover is expected to mitigate the urban heat island effect, potentially reducing
energy consumption for cooling and enhancing overall comfort.
The creation of green spaces also offers opportunities for community engagement, recreational
activities, and improved biodiversity.
Furthermore, the initiative aligns with Bahrain’s broader sustainability goals, contributing to a
healthier environment and a more resilient future for generations to come. Parliamentary efforts
are also underway to support this green initiative.
“We regularly meet with the Minister of Municipalities, Wael Al Mubarak, to discuss agriculture
projects.
This includes offering workshops, visiting schools, and even setting up training academies to
teach families how to care for their gardens,” she explained.
Agricultural education
Additionally, these parliamentary moves align with the Ministry of Education’s plans to enhance
agricultural education in schools, raising a generation that understands the value of food
security and sustainability.
Work on Al Maraqib Park in Block 809, Isa Town, is set to begin later this year, with tenders
already in progress. “It’s part of a bigger plan to turn Isa Town into a green hub, replacing
empty spaces with vibrant greenery,” MP AI Dhaen added.
Ambassador Catalano praised the initiative, telling The Daily Tribune: “I fully support efforts to
encourage a culture of tree planting and a love of nature.
I’m looking forward to more events like this.”
Sustainability
Catalano also recognised Bahrain’s broader efforts: “This campaign is an important step in
addressing sustainability and the challenge of global warming. I’m hopeful for greater
cooperation between our nations in this field.” He added: “I’ve chosen two plants to take home
with me.”
Support for afforestation runs all the way to the top, with backing from His Majesty King Hamad
bin Isa Al Khalifa, as well as directives from His Royal Highness the Prime Minister to secure
state funding to create more green spaces.
The initiative is part of the national afforestation plan aiming to double the number of trees by
2035, increasing from 1.8 million to 3.6 million trees and planting 130,000 trees each year.
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