Latest news with #MunicipalitiesAffairsandAgriculture
Daily Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Reaffirms Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
To mark the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, Bahrain's Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, highlighted the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to protect and expand its coastal environments—especially through the nationally celebrated "Mangrove Bahrain" initiative. The Minister emphasized that under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the direction of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain is moving ahead with an ambitious climate action plan. The national target aims to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2035 and reach net-zero emissions by 2060 through a series of initiatives such as the Blueprint Bahrain framework, the planting of 3.6 million trees, and the establishment of an annual Tree Week. Speaking on the importance of mangrove ecosystems, Minister Al Mubarak praised the "Mangrove Bahrain" initiative, launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, for its vital role in preserving and restoring coastal biodiversity. The program has led to the replanting of mangrove trees along Bahrain's shores, supporting the Kingdom's carbon neutrality goals while increasing green coastal coverage. The Minister added that Bahrain aims to quadruple its mangrove tree population by 2035, positioning the initiative as a cornerstone of environmental rehabilitation and an effective tool to combat climate change. He also stressed the importance of community involvement, urging individuals and institutions alike to support environmental goals and raise awareness about the ecological value of mangroves. Through ongoing collaboration between government bodies and the public, the Ministry is working to implement sustainable policies, expand tree planting efforts, and raise awareness about the unique and essential role mangroves play in maintaining ecological balance. Al Mubarak noted that the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, observed every July 26, is an opportunity for Bahrain to reaffirm its regional leadership in protecting coastal ecosystems and to showcase its firm belief in collective climate action for a more sustainable future. "Mangroves are not just trees; they are a frontline defense against climate change and a symbol of our dedication to sustainability," the Minister concluded.
Daily Tribune
22-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Building Permits Surge : Reforms drive 4,299 permits in H1
Bahrain has recorded a sharp rise in building activity, issuing 4,299 permits during the first half of 2025— an increase of 31.5% compared to the same period last year—according to His Excellency Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture. H.E. the minister said the licensed construction area also surged by 57.9% to approximately 1.743 million square metres, reflecting Bahrain's investor-friendly climate and streamlined government procedures. Benayat boosts growth The growth was driven by continued upgrades to the national building permit platform Benayat, which has become a central tool for supporting investment, especially in real estate and urban development. H.E. Al Mubarak said the system's expansion now includes permits for renovations, fencing, subdivision, plot merging, change of land use, land reclamation (both land-based and marine), and new building modifications. He credited the platform for improving transparency and speeding up approvals while aligning services with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030. Tech-enabled integration Benayat serves as Bahrain's unified portal for building permits, offering engineering offices full digital access to application submission, fee payment, project tracking, and site requirements via an interactive national map. The platform is fully integrated with the National Geographic Information System, which features more than 300 geospatial data layers used by over 30 public and private agencies. According to the minister, this digital transformation ensures faster approvals, more efficient urban planning, and better coordination between government bodies, ultimately enhancing investor experience and service quality. Ongoing enhancements The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture continues to enhance Benayat in coordination with the Information & eGovernment Authority, under the oversight of the Ministerial Committee for Development Projects and Infrastructure. investment, and support sustainable urban expansion across the Kingdom.
Daily Tribune
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahraini Officials Meet UNESCO Director-General on Sidelines of UN Ocean Conference in Nice
Bahrain's Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, H.E. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, and H.E. Hamad Yaqoub Al Mahmeed, Director General of the Prime Minister's Office, met with H.E. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The meeting, held in the French city of Nice—host of this year's pivotal ocean-focused summit from June 9–13—also saw the presence of Bahrain's Ambassador to France, H.E. Essam Abdulaziz Al Jassim. During the discussion, Minister Al Mubarak praised the longstanding and fruitful partnership between Bahrain and UNESCO. He emphasized the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting ongoing national strategies and initiatives that reinforce progress across multiple sectors. Minister Al Mubarak underscored the critical need for intensified international cooperation to address pressing environmental challenges—chief among them, climate change and the preservation of natural resources, especially oceans and marine ecosystems. He commended UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) for its instrumental role in building global capacity, promoting scientific knowledge-sharing, and advancing collaborative efforts to ensure ocean sustainability. Reflecting on the importance of the third UN Ocean Conference, Minister Al Mubarak stated, 'This gathering is a vital platform for reinforcing our shared responsibility to protect marine biodiversity and secure the future of our oceans for generations to come.' The high-level exchange reaffirmed Bahrain's proactive role on the global stage in championing environmental sustainability and preserving ecological balance, in alignment with UNESCO's mission and the global 2030 Agenda.
Daily Tribune
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahraini Delegation Joins Global Leaders at UN Ocean Conference in France
Bahrain made waves on the international stage as two high-ranking officials represented the Kingdom at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference held in the coastal city of Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, 2025. His Excellency Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, and His Excellency Mr. Hamad Yaqoub Al Mahmeed, Director General of the Office of the Prime Minister, took part in this high-level summit, accompanied by His Excellency Mr. Essam Abdulaziz Al Jassim, Bahrain's Ambassador to France. Under the theme 'Accelerating Action and Mobilizing All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean,' the conference—co-hosted by France and Costa Rica—brought together a diverse global audience of government officials, UN and NGO representatives, financial institutions, researchers, and civil society groups to address one of the planet's most pressing environmental challenges. Minister Al Mubarak highlighted Bahrain's firm commitment to environmental stewardship, grounded in the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the forward-thinking directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He reaffirmed Bahrain's ongoing efforts to align national projects and policies with global sustainability goals, particularly through the 'Blueprint Bahrain' initiative, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. "The Kingdom stands in solidarity with the international community in tackling climate change and protecting natural resources, especially our oceans and seas," stated Minister Al Mubarak. "Through strategic collaboration with UN bodies, Bahrain continues to yield tangible outcomes in environmental sustainability across multiple sectors." The UN Ocean Conference supports Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14): conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Discussions included addressing plastic pollution, curbing overfishing, and expanding marine protected areas. A key outcome of the conference is the expected endorsement of the Nice Ocean Action Plan and the Declaration on Ocean Preservation and Sustainable Blue Economies, setting a roadmap for intensified global cooperation and concrete measures to safeguard marine ecosystems for future generations.
Daily Tribune
21-05-2025
- Science
- Daily Tribune
HM King Honours Agriculture
TDT | Manama Top contributors to agricultural innovation were recognised during the fifth edition of the King Hamad Award for Agricultural Development, organised by the National Initiative for Agricultural Development. Held in the presence of royal family members, senior officials, and agricultural experts from Bahrain and abroad, the event celebrated achievements across production, sustainability, research, and support services. Among the attendees was H.E. Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development, who highlighted the award's growing role in fostering innovation and environmental sustainability. Firms and farmers awarded H.E. Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, presented the awards. Al-Ameen Gardens Company received the 'Best Agricultural Production Project' honour for its advanced crop production methods supporting food security. Ghosn Al Bahrain Contracting Company won the 'Best Supporting Project for Agricultural Production' award for its water-saving smart irrigation systems. Two individuals, Mirza Hassan and Ali Ashour, were jointly named 'Best Bahraini Farmer', recognised for adopting modern techniques and maintaining high productivity. In the research category, Dr. Majid Al-Sayed Mohammed and Dr. Mohammed Naeem Sattar of King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia were honoured for their work on sustainable technologies and innovative environmental solutions. Tribute and legacy Veteran farmer Abdullnabi Taher was specially recognised for his consistent participation since the award's launch and the steady growth of his farm, earning him praise as a model of perseverance. Members of the award's judging committee were also acknowledged for their role in ensuring rigorous evaluation and encouraging continuous improvement in the sector. Following the ceremony, a scientific forum was held where winning researchers presented their studies to an audience of experts, academics, and practitioners. The session promoted knowledge-sharing and collaboration to strengthen sustainability in agriculture. The event concluded with a call to further advance the Kingdom's agricultural capacity through innovation and longterm vision.
