Kingdom of Bahrain Portal for Sustainable Development Goals

Protect, Restore and Promote Sustainable Use of Terrestrial Ecosystems, Sustainably Manage Forests, Combat Desertification, and Halt and Reverse Land Degradation and Halt Biodiversity Loss

SDG 15 focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, combating desertification and land degradation, and halting biodiversity loss. Despite the challenges posed by its arid climate, urbanization, and climate change, the Kingdom of Bahrain remains committed to preserving its natural environment and rich biodiversity. The Kingdom continues to strengthen the protection of natural reserves and terrestrial habitats, expand vegetation cover, and advance legislation aimed at safeguarding wildlife and combating illegal wildlife trafficking, thereby contributing to the conservation of natural resources and the preservation of ecological balance.

Examples of National Initiatives Supporting the Achievement of this Goal

Legal Framework and International Cooperation

To safeguard biodiversity and protect endangered species, the Kingdom of Bahrain enacted Law No. (5) of 2021 on Regulating and Controlling International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, in alignment with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The legislation establishes regulatory measures for international wildlife trade, including permit requirements, monitoring mechanisms, and annual reporting obligations. These efforts strengthen regulatory oversight, combat illegal wildlife trafficking, and support international cooperation in protecting endangered species and preserving biodiversity.

National Afforestation Strategy

The Kingdom of Bahrain continues to strengthen terrestrial ecosystem conservation and expand green spaces through its National Afforestation Strategy, which aims to increase the number of trees to 3.6 million by 2035, supporting biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. By the end of 2025, Bahrain had achieved approximately 62% of this target, reflecting progress in urban greening, coastal rehabilitation, and ecosystem restoration. These efforts are complemented by the Forever Green Campaign, which encourages community participation in tree planting and promotes environmental awareness, contributing to the expansion of green cover and the long-term sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems across the Kingdom.

Expanding Protected Areas and Conserving Biodiversity

The Kingdom of Bahrain continues to strengthen terrestrial ecosystem conservation and biodiversity protection by expanding its network of natural reserves and safeguarding wildlife habitats, in line with the global objectives of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. In this context, Bahrain designated Wadi Al Buhair as a natural reserve in 2022, recognizing its unique geological formations, diverse plant species, and important habitats for migratory and resident birds. Protected terrestrial areas currently cover 7.3% of the Kingdom’s land area, supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management.