Noor bint Ali Al Khulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Economic Development Board (EDB), reiterated Bahrain’s commitment to advancing initiatives and programmes that promote the preservation of natural resources and contribute to climate action, in support of the Kingdom’s sustainable development.

This came as part of her remarks on the occasion of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, observed annually on July 26 to raise global awareness about the importance of mangrove ecosystems and the need to protect them from various environmental challenges.

The minister underscored the importance of enhancing societal awareness of the environmental role of mangrove trees and expanding community involvement in efforts to protect marine ecosystems. She also highlighted the need to scale up afforestation projects as part of Bahrain’s broader strategy to promote environmental sustainability.

She emphasised that protecting coastal and marine ecosystems, including mangroves, constitutes a strategic priority in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), given their essential role in mitigating climate change, enhancing ecological stability, and supporting environmental security.

Al Khulaif noted that this national priority aligns with Bahrain’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. She pointed to the significance of the National Afforestation Plan and the Bahrain Mangroves initiative, launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, which aims to quadruple the Kingdom’s mangrove tree population by 2035.

Al Khulaif reiterated Bahrain’s dedication to investing in the environment and climate as a key pillar of its sustainable development strategy. She underlined the importance of strengthening national and international partnerships, activating the role of the private sector, and advancing scientific research and environmental innovation to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of natural resources for future generations.