In collaboration with the Bahrain Association of Banks (BAB), the National Initiative for the Development of the Agricultural Sector successfully executed a project aimed at afforesting two streets near the Financial Harbor. This initiative aligns with national strategies to bolster green spaces and counter the adverse impacts of climate change.
The afforestation ceremony, a significant milestone in this endeavor, took place in the Capital Governorate. The event was graced by the presence of The National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) Secretary-General Her Excellency Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, along with Dr. Waheed Al Qassim, the CEO of the Bahrain Association of Banks, and several high-ranking officials from financial and banking institutions supporting the afforestation project.
Throughout the ceremony, the campaign’s objectives were reviewed, shedding light on the locations targeted in the third phase. The positive outcomes stemming from intensified afforestation operations were highlighted, emphasizing the environmental benefits across various regions in the Kingdom. The concerted efforts also aim to counteract the effects of rising carbon emissions, thereby improving air quality and expanding the green footprint in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Her Excellency Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa conveyed her sincere appreciation and pride for the successful collaboration with the Bahrain Association of Banks. This collaboration materialized in the collective support of 15 banks, contributing to the afforestation of two streets in the capital, Manama. The project involved planting a variety of perennial and flowering trees known for their rapid growth, sustainability, minimal leaf fall, and resilience to climatic conditions.
Her Excellency Shaikha Maram emphasized the significance of the financial institutions’ response to the national afforestation campaign, “Forever Green,” as a demonstration of their responsible patriotism and commitment to community partnership. This underscores the financial sector’s active role in supporting environmental protection initiatives within the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Dr. Waheed Al Qassim, CEO of the Bahrain Association of Banks, underscored the eagerness of financial and banking institutions in Bahrain to contribute to this pivotal national project. He highlighted their commitment to environmental, social, and governance standards (ESG), emphasizing the integral role of the banking sector in supporting development efforts across various domains in the Kingdom.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the Bahrain Association of Banks, Dr. Al Qassim commended the swift response of member banks to the call for support, noting that such positive engagement is consistent with the ongoing commitment of Bahraini banking and financial institutions to development initiatives within the Kingdom.
The afforestation project near Financial Harbour received robust backing from prominent institutions including BBK, NBB, Ithmaar Bank, United Gulf Bank, Arab Bank, ila Bank, Ahli United Bank, Bank of Khartoum, Habib Bank, Al Baraka Bank, Kuwait Finance House, HSBC, Eskan Bank, and GFH Financial Group.
On the sidelines of the event, Mrs. Zain Al Zayani, Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing at BBK, highlighted that BBK’s involvement in the afforestation project near the Financial Harbour aligns with its commitment to backing the national afforestation campaign, “Forever green,” initiated in October 2021. She emphasized the campaign’s significance in restoring environmental balance and enhancing the quality of life in a clean and sustainable environment. This aligns with BBK’s objectives in adhering to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
Mr. Mohammed Abu Saqr, Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations at Ahli United Bank, expressed the bank’s support for the “Forever Green” campaign as a testament to its dedication to various national initiatives aimed at enhancing the environmental landscape. The bank’s commitment extends to promoting agriculture in urban spaces such as streets, intersections, public squares, and new projects, fostering a culture of environmental preservation within the community, increasing green spaces, and enhancing the environmental outlook in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Mr. Ahmed Darwish, CEO of BOK International Bank – Bahrain, the first international branch of Bank of Khartoum, emphasized that their contribution to the national afforestation campaign reflects a profound appreciation for the role of social responsibility in fostering the growth and development of societies. He highlighted the importance of consolidating a culture of environmental protection, reducing the impacts of climate change, strengthening community partnerships between civil society organizations and other stakeholders, and encouraging collective responsibility towards the environment.
Mrs. Fatema Al Jahromi, Vice President of Internal Audit and Quality Assurance at United Gulf Bank, emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting high-quality community programs and initiatives. She highlighted the importance of enhancing partnerships to address environmental challenges, improve the quality of the environment, increase green spaces in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Shaikha Maram emphasised the importance of the national afforestation campaign and the need to assess the impact of urban tree planting on carbon sequestration. She explained that the collaboration with AGU, initiated in May 2023, with the aim of producing scientific research on the effectiveness of trees in absorbing and storing carbon, in order to support environmental preservation efforts and achieve climate goals.
On his part, Dr Saad bin Saud Al Fuhaid, President of AGU, highlighted the university’s commitment to addressing global climate change through research and studies. He praised the university’s role in contributing to environmental sustainability and cooperation with government ministries and research centres in the GCC countries.
The study on urban tree planting in Bahrain aligns with national and international efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change. It complements the GCC countries’ commitment to climate action as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. The university’s involvement in such studies is essential for leading change, promoting excellence, and addressing environmental challenges effectively.
Dr Al Fuhaid reviewed the efforts made by academic chairs in various fields of education and learning. He cited the Academic Chair of His Highness the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for Environmental Sciences, which contributed to disseminating scientific knowledge related to climate change and capacity building. He referred to training workshops and scientific seminars hosted by the university to focus on the environment and climate change and its multiple impacts on the countries of the Cooperation Council.
He also mentioned the Sultan Qaboos Chair for Desert Farming and Soilless Agriculture Techniques, which was inaugurated in 1994 to focus most of its research on desert farming and soilless agriculture techniques and the preparation of qualified Gulf cadres.
Dr Al Fuhaid praised the efforts of academic researchers since the mid-1990s in preparing studies for the West Asia region in the Global Environment Outlook (GEO) reports. These reports explain the current state of the environment, potential environmental trends in the future, analyse the effectiveness of policies, and show what governments can do to put the world on the right track for a sustainable future.
In conclusion, Dr Al Fuhaid appreciated the trust of Shaikha Maram, and her support for the university and its researchers. He extended his gratitude to the academic research team participating in the implementation of the study, stating that this study will be the nucleus of applied research with a sustainable impact.
On her part, Dr Sabah AlJenaid, Associate Professor of Geographic Information Systems and Environment in the Natural Resources and Environment Programme, reviewed the results of the study reached by a multidisciplinary work team in biodiversity and forests.
She clarified that the team analysed spatial and geospatial databases, as well as satellite images and visuals, to estimate the carbon sequestered in trees in different regions of the world, comparing them with the types of trees and shrubs approved in the national afforestation plan in the Kingdom of Bahrain to facilitate comparisons between species and give close estimates of carbon sequestration in them.
“The study analysed the databases of trees and shrubs collected by NIAD, which were planted as part of the ‘Stay Green’ campaign since 2021 in cooperation with various parties. The study also focused on the practical aspect of surveying trees and shrubs in cooperation with male and female teachers in primary, middle and secondary schools, which numbered 140 between boys and girls schools,” she said.
Dr Al Junaid added that the study audited all data outputs and analysed them using modern technologies, including artificial intelligence techniques to audit the locations of schools, trees, and shrubs, as well as green spaces, using open data sites on the Google Earth big data platform for auditing and analysis.
