December 2016 59 www.bahrainthismonth.com Bahrain’s marine life and biodiversity Photos by: Abdulqader Khamis conduct training on measures to promote an ‘Ecosystem Approach’, which is an integrated approach meant to capitalise on cooperation between conflicting sectors that use the coastal habitats and thus have an interest in keeping them healthy.” It is encouraging that the Bahrain Government has placed a high priority on environmental protection in its 2015-2018 work plan. It encompasses a series of goals and actions to achieve the sustainable management of its resources. The new strategy is aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda, which Bahrain signed with 196 countries in New York in 2015, putting the environment on an equal footing with social and economic development. “Conventions provide guiding legal frameworks, and Bahrain has signed most of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). This means Bahrain is aligned with the global community and is linking the environment to the social and economic dimensions of sustainable development, which is the best way forward,” says Diane. “Listing sites under conventions such as the UNESCO Convention on World Heritage is also a means to protect the environment, and Bahrain has taken a bold move in declaring the Pearling Trail a World Heritage Site.” The trail, which includes three locations, is situated in Muharraq and is approximately 3.5km long. It was recently recognised by UNESCO as a ‘World Heritage site’ due to its prestigious cultural and natural value, being the country’s second spot after the Bahrain Fort. “Bahrain is undertaking a vast range of environmental programmes that are consistent with UNEP, such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, combating land degradation etc. The path is very promising but financing and awareness are key to achieving this,” says Diane. Another important area that UNEP is involved in is raising awareness. “You hear this in the global political debates nowadays. We need to come up to speed, join the world and focus on educating the young at an early age in schools,” adds Diane. With awareness currently weak in the region and the environment not a top priority due to socio-economic and political challenges, this is clearly not an easy task. “We need the media’s help in informing all sectors and the public on the importance of taking care of our ecosystems and all the vital services they provide us,” she says. So how can society in Bahrain get involved? “We consider all people and communities as our partners in making our planet much more conducive to the environment and the world a better place to live,” says Diane. “We invite people from all walks of life and age groups to join our outreach activities posted on our website or propose innovative environmental initiatives. “All our programmes now have an education component to make sure the message is shared with the community. We also work with public schools in Bahrain to get kids involved through classes and activities, such as the annual beach cleanup. We encourage schools to participate in the UNEP International Children’s Painting Competition, and we are proud that Bahrain has ranked first place several times. “We also invite the youth every year to participate in the World Environment Day celebrations, where people come together to express their passion and commitment to protecting the environment through art and music.” There is clearly a lot of work to be done, but there are promising signs that, with the help of organisations such as UNEP, Bahrain is on the right path to a sustainable future.
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