The ban is a great start, he says, and it will put the country on the road to sustainability. But he also believes in the importance of changing people's attitudes and perceptions, especially those of children, to ensure that they grow up environmentally conscious. "Anything harming the environment Contact online >>
The ban is a great start, he says, and it will put the country on the road to sustainability. But he also believes in the importance of changing people''s attitudes and perceptions, especially those of children, to ensure that they grow up environmentally conscious. "Anything harming the environment will eventually harm us, so we need to take steps to regulate and ban harmful substances, and work together towards a healthier planet for all creatures."
Bahrain means two seas in Arabic, a tribute to its sweet water springs and salty seawater. The small island, home to nearly 1.5 million people, is particularly vulnerable to plastic waste. Historically, its waters have been known for their richness, hosting more than 200 varieties of fish. Fishing, more specifically pearl fishing, was for centuries the main means of livelihood for the people of Bahrain.
In 2013, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized Bahrain''s Pearl Road as a World Heritage Site, recalling the nation''s longstanding reputation for an industry that has shaped its culture.
However, with the booming oil industry and pollution, marine life in the waters of the Gulf of Bahrain have declined drastically. Coral reefs, sea turtles, dugongs and numerous fish species are suffering the effects of marine pollution. With population growth and the increased production and consumption of plastic products and packaging, marine litter exacerbated the problem and contributed to the diminishing fish stocks.
To address these critical environmental challenges, the Kingdom of Bahrain seized the opportunity in 2018 to join the UN Environment Programme''s global Clean Seas campaign. Since then, youth networks, civil society, the government and others have spared no effort to turn the tide on plastic.
In June 2019, a ministerial order to regulate and phase out the use of plastic bags was announced across the Kingdom and the region. The order also aims to ban the import of bags that are non-biodegradable, and future phases will include a permanent ban on the use of plastic bags at certain malls and supermarkets.
Bahrain is moving steadily towards a full-fledged ban. The Supreme Council for the Environment together with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism are working on policies and guidelines for manufacturers and suppliers to ensure a smooth transition to a suitable alternative. A seminar on plastic products regulations was held following the announcement of the ban to help manufacturers and importers meet the technical requirements. It also introduced measures that will be taken to monitor ports customs and local markets.
Prior to the ministerial decision, many stores in Bahrain had already substituted plastic bags with paper ones. For them, the transition was not that difficult—they are mostly European franchises that had already switched to more sustainable alternatives years back at their mother companies.
However, during the years 2018 and 2019, a huge interest was sparked by local supermarkets and hypermarkets in building a culture of sustainability in Bahrain. At least 15 branches of the two main hypermarkets in Bahrain introduced reusable bags as part of their green policies. For instance, Lulu and Carrefour management have both sought the advice of UN Environment''s West Asia Office during the transition. For a small island like Bahrain, this is a great achievement.
The smaller corner shops and the food service industry are the main culprits when it comes to the use of plastics in the Kingdom. While biodegradable alternatives are available, it is less costly and more convenient to use the good old plastic bag. Nevertheless, activists, the government and youth are relentlessly raising awareness on the negative impacts of plastic pollution on the environment, while the Supreme Council for the Environment is guaranteeing that consumers will not bear the cost of the ban.
The people of Bahrain have always been pioneers in many aspects. Their openness to other cultures and interest in modern education have been the drive for many green-thinking advocates. The nation''s younger generation is empowered and entrepreneurial. There are several youth-led green initiatives in the country, including a focus on organic and green cosmetics production and upcycled fashion.
Bahrain''s active civil society has been on the back of polluters. Even schools have started exposing children to environmentally friendly practices and information, while the country''s private sector fosters environmental responsibility for the community.
The Kingdom has also continued to embed sustainability in its policies, with the current Government Plan (2023-2026) poignantly titled "From Recovery to Sustainable Development. The Kingdom of Bahrain''s 2023 Voluntary National Review comes at the mid point for the implementation of the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda, to critically assess and comprehensively present national progress made to date in implementing the Agenda.
The Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) in Bahrain is a government entity in charge of the development of Bahrain''s future strategy for the environment and sustainable development, and following up on the implementation of this strategy with relevant ministries, agencies and institutions. The SCE''s mandate also includes protecting Bahrain''s natural habitat and human environment, ensuring the sustainability of its components, and preserving and developing its resources for future generations.
The Kingdom''s first Voluntary National Review Report on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, which has been presented at the High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July 2018, showcases Bahrain''s progress in achieving and handling these goals based on its experience and expertise in achieving the Millennium Development Goals before 2015. The report also reveals the accomplishment level of goals and objectives enhanced by statistics, measures, and policies taken to sustain the development and well-being of the citizen.
The report is the result of a consultative and participatory process for ministries, public and private entities, NGOs, academics and those interested in Sustainable Development. This process helped in raising awareness and interest in sustainable development as well as linking it to national development plans.
As Bahrainis, we are stewards of the land, sea and air as part and parcel of our role as economic and political leaders in the Middle East. In fact, sustainability is a guiding principle of our comprehensive vision for Bahrain''s future development. We are actively implementing policies and decrees that protect our precious environment and the species that inhabit it.
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