D. Ahmed Hussein Ibrahim
It is no secret to anyone to know the extent of the challenges facing the environment around the world, including climate change and pollution, and other related issues related to the health of communities and quality of life. This reflects the importance of launching specific initiatives in the context of global and national trends, not only to confront the repercussions, but also to strengthen means of prevention, protect people, and achieve sustainable development with the best models.
Hence, it is necessary to highlight one of the most important pioneering national initiatives in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which is the “Tree Week” initiative, which is celebrated in the third week of October every year. This initiative, launched by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect and preserve him, represents support for several strategic directions, including the National Action Plan to achieve carbon neutrality and the National Afforestation Plan.
It is worth noting that these specific initiatives are effectively compatible and consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe and sustainable, Goal 15, which seeks to protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems, and Goal 13, to confront the climate change crisis and its consequences.
From the environmental aspect, afforestation and agriculture initiatives represent a key factor in reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality, which contributes to achieving the goals of zero carbon neutrality and reducing the effects of climate change. Afforestation also adds a wonderful aesthetic to the places where people live, and contributes to softening and purifying the atmosphere. These positives are closely linked to the health of individuals, and are an influential factor in reducing the risks of some chronic diseases, as the environment and human health are closely linked and cannot be separated. In addition to the positive impact of afforestation practices on the environment, it is worth talking about its direct effects on the health of individuals.
* Member of the Board of Directors of the Friends of Health Association
