As part of the National Tree Week event, the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) planted 90 trees Zallaq Harber garden, in collaboration with the Southern Municipality and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).

The planting activity included participation from people of determination from Al Azzem Toastmasters Club (the first Toastmasters club for people of determination) and the Sumou initiative of the Good Word Society.

Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary General of NIAD; Eng. Isa Abdulrahman Al Boainain. Director General of Southern Area Municipality; Dr. Fernanda Lonardoni, Head of the UN-Habitat Country Programme in Bahrain; and Hamad Al Zaabi, member of the Southern Municipal Council, participated.

Shaikha Maram bint Isa highlighted that Tree Week supports government efforts to meet environmental goals and encourages community partnerships, fostering broader participation from institutions and individuals in initiatives to expand green spaces nationwide.

The Director-General of the Southern Municipality underscored the event’s significance, recognising all parties involved. He conveyed that their participation reflects a commitment to environmental efforts, contributing to afforestation and promoting environmental awareness as an investment in the future.

Buthoor Al Bahrain (Seeds of Bahrain) campaign also took part in the event, distributing seedlings to participants of the people of determination and their families. The campaign seeks to engage various community groups in tree planting efforts to support sustainable development goals and build a sustainable future for future generations.

Dr. Fernanda Lonardoni, Head of the UN-Habitat Country Programme, acknowledged the launch of National Tree Week as a step in Bahrain’s national plan to double its tree count. She noted that National Tree Week aligns with the Bahrain Seeds campaign, supporting community involvement in environmental preservation and sustainable urban development in partnership with the government to achieve a sustainable future, particularly under Sustainable Development Goal 11.

Sayed Noor Al Wadaei, President of Al Azzem Toastmasters, expressed appreciation to NIAD for including people of determination in public greening efforts, emphasising the importance of their involvement to empower and harness their potential within the community.

Abdulrahman Sami, President of the Sumou initiative, recognised NIAD’s efforts in organising activities during Tree Week with the involvement of people of determination, noting the role such events play in enhancing environmental awareness and encouraging future generations to engage with nature.