Manama, The ‘Sustainable Water’ national campaign aims to achieve sustainability and resilience in the water sector, raise public awareness, promote responsible water use, and highlight the threats posed by climate change. Experts and officials present at the launch of the campaign said the campaign encourages individuals and institutions to adopt water-saving practices and develop innovative solutions for sustaining water resources.
The campaign includes programmes, activities, exhibitions, and educational competitions aimed at promoting water sustainability and resilience. It seeks to raise awareness among institutions and individuals about the importance of greywater recycling and encourages contributions to national efforts in protecting natural resources.
Layla Sabeel, Director of Climate Change and Sustainable Development at the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE), emphasised the importance of the ‘Every Drop Has a Story’ campaign in enhancing the resilience of Bahrain’s water sector. She noted the
growing global demand for water resources, highlighting the need for efficient management of this vital resource.
She stated that the campaign is a key step toward achieving water sustainability in Bahrain, reflecting the growing awareness of water resource challenges. Efforts are focused on reducing water consumption across various sectors, including agriculture, commerce, and industry.
Sabeel highlighted Bahrain’s advanced performance in climate change adaptation compared to similar island nations. She highlighted the importance of raising awareness about the impact of climate change on water resources, food security, and ecosystems. Efforts include developing a national plan for climate adaptation investments, projects for water reuse, mangrove planting, and improving quality performance.
Abdulmajid Haddad, Deputy Regional Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) for West Asia, said that the water reuse projects include initiatives to develop greywater use in homes, such as rainwater collection a
nd using air conditioning water for irrigation. These efforts are part of the National Water Strategy and the Water Resources Council’s efforts to protect and enhance water resources for long-term sustainability.
Mohammed Janahi, Head of Water Resources at the Supreme Council for the Environment, highlighted the importance of raising awareness about water conservation and improving the use of treated water in homes. He noted future designs for new homes that could incorporate both fresh and treated water systems, equipping them to address climate change and water scarcity.
Janahi commended the Bahraini government’s approach to addressing this issue responsibly, focusing on integrated water resource management and promoting sustainable water use, especially amid climate change.
Mohamed Dadabhai, Chief Engineer at the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), valued Bahrain’s environmental efforts, including the national tree-planting campaign aimed at doubling the number of trees to three mil
lion in ten years. He also commended Bahrain’s plan to further increase the number of trees by 2035.
He noted that the tree-planting initiatives are complemented by other key efforts, such as providing sustainable housing services, using eco-friendly building materials, and working towards the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
Source: Bahrain News Agency