Bahrain marks International Day for Biological Diversity

Manama, May 22 (BNA): Following directives from His Majesty the King’s Personal Representative, President of the Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE) Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Bahrain marks the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB). The UN proclaimed 22 May the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The theme for IDB 2015 will be 'Biodiversity for Sustainable Development' to reflect the belief of international organisations, countries and people in the crucial role of Biodiversity for human well-being. Countries, government organisations and NGOs embarked on the preparation and implementation of programmes dedicated to mark IDB. SCE Chief Executive Mohammed Mubarak bin Daina affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s keen interest in protecting the coastal ecosystems, out of its belief in the importance and impact of coastal ecosystems on sustainable development, in light of its support for the international efforts to preserve biodiversity and commitment to its obligations towards the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). He said that SCE adopted several initiatives to preserve the mangrove forests at Ras Sanad to sustainably invest in it for educational, research and tourism purposes. Biodiversity and ecosystem services’ key importance of achieving the vision represented in creating a safe world where water is available. Ecosystems affect the availability and quality of water at the local, regional and global levels, and soil’s biodiversity helps in maintaining water for crops. United Nations General Assembly shows keen interest in biodiversity and encourages the utilisation of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, which include Aichi Targets and adopted by CBD to put a development plan and understands how biodiversity and water security enhance each other.