The National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) announced that Hayyan Island Company will fund the planting of 20,000 mangrove plants on the coast of Ras Hayan Village Project as part of the national afforestation campaign “Forever Green”.

A ceremony to launch the collaboration was attended by Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) Secretary-General; and Dr. Maher Al Shaer, Managing Director and Vice Chairman of Bareeq Al Retaj.

Shaikha Maram bint Isa affirmed the importance of developing the agricultural sector and sustaining coastal ecosystems through agricultural and environmental projects, in line with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the aspirations of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as well as the directives of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of HM the King and Chairperson of the Advisory Council of NIAD.

She said that mangroves were one of the most renonwned coastal vegetations habitats, noting their important role in reducing climate change’s effects due to their ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Mangroves are a habitat for many marine animals and birds, making them essential in preserving the environment and supporting sustainable development, she added.

She said that despite their dwindling numbers across the globe and the many challenges in this regard, Bahrain continues its efforts to plant mangroves in a methodological pattern. The efforts are driven by the trust in the ability of nature -based solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change.

She highlighted the efforts of the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture in restoring mangrove forests in the kingdom as a strategic priority to address climate change challenges.

On his part, Al Shaer said that  Bareeq Al Retaj focused on maintaining environmental balance while implementing real estate development projects.