The culture of afforestation is one of the basic environmental values that must be promoted in our societies, as it has come to represent the future of human existence, and with the increasing environmental challenges, countries are racing to implement their strategic plans for afforestation and combating desertification, as international environmental reports indicate that many parts of the world will suffer in the next few years from unprecedented desertification, which may negatively affect the lives of living organisms, including plants. animals, and therefore human life.
In the Kingdom of Bahrain, after the loss of the large plantations and palm forests that represented the lung and the green artery, we must make afforestation a culture of life and the urban expansion witnessed by the Kingdom, despite its necessity, must include green spaces and sites, in a civilized manner.
Adopting the concept of “green cities” that include areas, even if limited, of trees and gardens at the present time, will contribute to improving the quality of life in the Kingdom of Bahrain, especially since government directives have become effective and serious in planting operations on roads, public streets, and open spaces.
The culture of green buildings and green modern cities has become a way of life in many developed countries, as many reports and studies show that areas that include afforestation operations attract investors and increase the value of real estate and investments in them.
We look forward to more partnership between the government and the private sector in implementing innovative afforestation projects, such as vertical gardens and green roofs. We, as individuals, are required to intensify our community efforts to be compatible with government efforts to spread the culture of afforestation, and to participate and support afforestation campaigns in a sustainable manner.
Education is the most effective tool for spreading awareness of the importance of afforestation and environmental protection, so our educational curricula must include the culture of afforestation, because future generations will be at risk in the face of environmental challenges.
Moreover, civil society institutions should be encouraged to implement afforestation initiatives in cities and villages, which are responsible for organizing workshops and awareness campaigns to inform people about the importance of trees and how to plant and care for them. Individuals who contribute to afforestation of their homes should be honored and provide material and moral incentives for this process, which enhances the spirit of participation and cooperation.
Let us all start planting trees, and contribute to shaping a better future for future generations. Afforestation is a culture and a life, and it is the path towards a healthy, sustainable environment.
