On 20 May 2019 the United Nations Environment Programme and the University of Bahrain signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which provides a framework of cooperation and facilitates collaboration between both parties. The objective of the implementation plan is to identify areas of common interest and to enhance the partnership between UNEP and the University of Bahrain regarding regional environmental issues and joint activities that includes: support youth activities and increase awareness of environment and sustainability through the future leaders programme; collaborate in education, research and outreach in environment for sustainable development; and jointly organize seminars, workshops and trainings in relation to key regional environmental issues. The implementation plan will highlight and propose key activities aligned with the MoU’s areas of cooperation.
Since December 2019, a team from the University of Bahrain has engaged in a project with UNEP titled “Development of National Implementation Plan (NIP)”. This project is approved by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for the Stockholm Convention in Bahrain in order to comply with article 7 under the Stockholm Convention. In collaboration with UNEP, University of Bahrain will develop the NIP based on identified national priorities and in consultation with relevant stakeholders. The UoB activities in the project are:
- Establishing an action plan for the development of the National Implementation plan
- Engage with major stakeholders to receive feedback on the action plan and the draft NIP
- Create a forum where all major stakeholders are involved in contributing to the development
- Develop final draft of NIP
As part of the Mou, the university is hosting a workshop on SDG 14: Life Below Water – Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. The aim of this event is to brings together all major stakeholders in Bahrain, including university students and staff, to raise awareness on and discuss issues related to SDG 14. As the Kingdom of Bahrain is characterized by a rich biodiversity and important habitats that are gaining environmental, economic, social, cultural, and national importance at the national, regional, and international levels. Convening a workshop for all major stakeholders is in alignment with the country’s SDG aim and would assist with the goal to ‘conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.’
