loader image
Back

Forever Green- Afforestation Campaign

Manama, Bahrain

2021 - Ongoing
Climate ChangeGreen SpacesPublic SpacesUrban Afforestation

Project Description

Approach Words: Participatory Approach, Sustainability, Urban Livability

Public Policy Instruments: Communicative, Physical Intervention

The Forever Green campaign is a national campaign for tree plantation and greening, as well as for the sustained development and restoration of the agriculture sector in Bahrain1. It aims to double the number of trees and quadruple the number of mangroves in Bahrain by 2035, in alignment with the country’s goals to achieve zero neutrality by 20602. The project focuses on planting large evergreen trees that are well-suited to Bahrain’s climate, ensuring responsible water usage.

With a total cost of $1.32 million, the campaign covers 10 zones in the Southern Governorate, 6 in the Northern Governorate, 6 in Muharraq, and one in the Capital Governorate, primarily in Manama3. It was initiated in October 2021 and is currently in its third phase.

Title: Landscaping at Al Farooq junction.

Source: Click Here

Title: Plantation at Al Fateh corniche.

Source: Click Here

Title: Participation of Al Hekma International School for the greening of Umm Al Hassam walkway with support from SGS Bahrain.

Source: Click Here

Title: Campaign poster of Bahrain afforestation efforts.

Source: Click Here

In the first phase, 27 sites were targeted for intervention, covering a total area of 73,000 square meters with a cost of approximately $700,000, funded by the private sector4. Approximately 49,000 trees and shrubs were planted, with half of them in partnership with municipalities5.

Following the popularity of the first phase of the campaign, the second phase which began in 2022 experienced a 26% increase in the number of intervention sites6. These sites include parks, walkways, public transport stations, health centers, schools, car parks, coasts, and streets7. Over 50,000 trees and shrubs were planted in phase 2, covering a total area of 13,589 square meters across four governorates of Bahrain at a cost of $471,0008.

In the city of Manama itself, five sites are part of the Forever Green Campaign. The interventions include greening of large public spaces, tree-lining of boulevards, as well as afforestation in commercial spaces. One of these sites, the Al Fateh corniche, underwent a “landscape makeover” in 2022, with support from the Gulf International Bank (GIB)9. 180 poinciana, acacia, neem, ficus, and jatropha trees were planted at the eastern part of the corniche10.

Another intervention in Manama, comprising of plantation and greening at Al Farouq junction was completed in 2022 in collaboration with the Supreme Council for the Environment. It involved the installation of an automatic irrigation network, water fountains, as well as approximately 800 trees and 1,500 evergreen plants11. The aim of this intervention was to reduce temperatures and preserve local flora. Along the same principles, plantation was done along the Zallaq Highway and King Faisal Highway, with support from the Bahrain National Gas Company and the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait12.

Afforestation of the Central Market was carried out in collaboration with the Bahrain Association of Banks, at a total cost of $55,60013. The municipality specifically selected trees with large canopies for shade and protection against dust and sand storms14.

In addition to collaborating with the corporate sector, the Forever Green campaign worked with academic institutions such as Al Hekma International School for the greening of the Umm Al Hassam walkway. With the support of SGS Bahrain, 23 hibiscus and 22 neem trees were planted along the walkway, specifically targeted to provide comfort for children and the elderly15.

The leading entity of the project is the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), in cooperation with the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs, and Urban Planning, and the Supreme Council for Environment. However, through its multiple interventions, the campaign encourages collaboration between municipalities, private sector firms, and non-profit organizations16. By the end of 2022, the campaign crossed its target of planting 140,000 trees across the country. The campaign is ongoing, with the next phase taking place in 2023-2024.

Project Link, Endnotes and References

Related Projects

Related Publications

footerpdf