Seeds of Change: How Bahraini Women are Shaping the ‘Buthoor Al Bahrain’ Initiative

The Kingdom of Bahrain, in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has launched a national initiative titled "Buthoor Al Bahrain" (Seeds of Bahrain). This campaign aims to enhance green spaces and raise public awareness of the importance of nature within the framework of the broader "Building Smart, Green, and Sustainable Cities" project, which aligns with Bahrain's commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.

Central to the success of this initiative is the active involvement of Bahraini women volunteers, particularly those affiliated with the “Dumti Khadra” initiative. These dedicated women are not just participants; they are leaders in community engagement, driving efforts to foster sustainability and environmental awareness across the Kingdom. Their commitment is proving essential in mobilizing citizens to join the movement towards a greener future.

Women volunteers play a pivotal role in encouraging residents to utilize the Buthoor Al Bahrain digital platform, where they can suggest locations for tree planting. This grassroots engagement exemplifies the transformative impact women can have in ecological initiatives, highlighting their leadership in fostering social change.

Adding to the campaign's reach is the mobile "Seeds Truck," which will traverse Bahrain, distributing trees and delivering vital environmental education. Through their efforts, women are not only facilitating the distribution of trees but also serving as ambassadors for environmental stewardship, inspiring their communities to embrace sustainable practices.

The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, along with the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), has underscored that this campaign is integral to Bahrain's national afforestation strategy, which aims to plant 3.6 million trees by 2035. The contributions of women in this initiative are pivotal in achieving these ambitious goals, as they lead the charge in shaping Bahrain's environmental future.

As part of the initiative, a FAO technical team conducted a follow-up visit to monitor the implementation process and provide support for the Buthoor Al Bahrain digital platform. Through this platform, residents are encouraged to suggest tree-planting locations, fostering community engagement.

By placing women at the forefront, the Buthoor Al Bahrain campaign not only highlights their essential role in advancing Bahrain's sustainability agenda but also empowers them as key agents of change. Their leadership signifies a transformative moment for environmental advocacy in the Kingdom, paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.