As part of the third phase of the “Forever Green” Campaign Bahrain Development Bank Supports NIAD Tree Planting Initiative in Riffa Walkway

Manama, Bahrain – November 2023: The Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) Group recently supported a tree planting initiative at the Riffa Walkway as part of the third phase of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD)’s “Forever Green” campaign. The bank contributed to 45 acacia seedlings and 36 Poinciana trees being planted across the pathway.

A tree planting ceremony was held at the Riffa Walkway, attended by Her Excellency Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al-Khalifa, the Secretary-General of NIAD, Dalal Al Qais, Group CEO of BDB, and a number of representatives from the bank.

On the occasion, Her Excellency Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al-Khalifa, the Secretary-General of NIAD, commented: “We are proud of our ongoing partnership with BDB Group which aligns with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King of Bahrain and Chairperson of the Consultative Council of the NIAD, to support government efforts towards meeting net-zero targets by 2060, as a result of the collective efforts between public, private and community-based sectors to preserve the environment and reduce the impact of climate change in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the world.”

On her end, Dalal Al Qais, Group Chief Executive Officer of BDB, said: “Our participation in the ‘Forever Green’ campaign supports our ongoing endeavours as key partners in attaining our national net-zero goals for 2060 and contributing to a sustainable environment by increasing green spaces throughout Bahrain and reducing carbon emissions. As part of our longstanding partnership with NIAD, we are committed to aligning our efforts with the Kingdom’s objectives of achieving Sustainable Development Goals.”

She added: “At BDB, we are dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and eco-friendly, agricultural projects. This is the third time that BDB has contributed to the campaign, and the initiative is one of many that we have undertaken to support greenery and agricultural development in the Kingdom. Furthermore, the bank offers specialised financing solutions to farmers with a zero-percent interest rate to further the development of agriculture production in Bahrain. This is in addition to our Farmers Market in Hoorat A’ali, which aims to benefit local farmers by providing them with the opportunity to present their products to the public and increase their wholesale margins and investments.”

BDB’s support for the “Forever Green” campaign builds on the ongoing strategic partnership between the bank and NIAD, which has resulted in the development of several leading projects that aim to increase the Kingdom’s green spaces. The bank is committed to fostering collaborative partnerships with leading organisations as part of its drive to enhance its social responsibility and sustainability efforts within the Bahraini community.