Goal 12
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production in Bahrain and Government Initiatives
Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) focuses on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. Bahrain is actively working towards this goal by promoting efficient resource use, reducing waste, and encouraging environmentally friendly practices across industries and households. Through a combination of policies, public awareness campaigns, and strategic partnerships, the government is fostering a culture of sustainability and responsible resource management.
Key government initiatives supporting SDG 12 include:
National Waste Management Strategy: Bahrain has implemented a National Waste Management Strategy that aims to reduce landfill waste and promote recycling and reuse. The government has set targets for waste reduction and is developing recycling facilities to process various types of waste, including plastic, metal, and e-waste. Public awareness campaigns also encourage households and businesses to separate waste and recycle, promoting a circular economy.
Promotion of Sustainable Industries: Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce supports industries in adopting sustainable practices. Initiatives include encouraging eco-friendly manufacturing, reducing industrial emissions, and promoting energy-efficient processes. Incentives are provided to companies that implement green practices, aligning industry standards with environmental goals.
Water and Energy Conservation: The Bahraini government is committed to conserving water and energy, with initiatives to promote responsible consumption among citizens and businesses. Programs by the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) encourage water-saving techniques, energy efficiency, and the use of renewable energy sources. Public campaigns raise awareness about conserving resources and offer practical advice on reducing consumption.
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Waste Reduction: Bahrain is promoting sustainable agriculture to reduce the environmental impact of food production. By supporting local farmers with modern, resource-efficient farming techniques, the government is reducing dependency on imported food and promoting self-sufficiency. Additionally, food waste reduction campaigns encourage citizens and businesses to limit waste through responsible consumption practices.
Plastic Reduction Initiatives: Bahrain has launched initiatives to reduce single-use plastic, including restrictions on plastic bags in retail stores and encouraging alternatives like reusable bags. This approach aims to reduce plastic waste and protect marine and land environments, reflecting the country’s commitment to responsible production and consumption.
These initiatives demonstrate Bahrain’s commitment to achieving SDG 12 by promoting responsible consumption, supporting sustainable industries, and reducing waste across the country. The government’s approach combines regulatory measures with public awareness campaigns to foster a culture of sustainability.
SDG 12 at Ahlia University: Promoting Sustainable Practices and Responsible Consumption
Ahlia University in Bahrain is committed to supporting SDG 12 by fostering sustainable practices on campus, encouraging responsible resource use, and educating students about sustainable consumption. The university’s initiatives align with Bahrain’s national goals for SDG 12 and create a culture of environmental stewardship within the academic community.
Campus Waste Reduction and Recycling Programs: Ahlia University promotes waste reduction through recycling initiatives and waste segregation on campus. Recycling bins are placed in various locations to encourage the proper disposal of paper, plastic, and other materials. Additionally, the university has implemented digital systems to reduce paper usage, promoting a more sustainable campus environment.
Energy and Water Conservation Initiatives: The university is committed to reducing its energy and water consumption. Measures include energy-efficient lighting, automated temperature control systems, and water-saving fixtures in restrooms and labs. These practices help conserve resources and demonstrate the university’s commitment to responsible consumption.
Awareness Campaigns and Sustainable Education: Ahlia University regularly organizes workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns on topics related to sustainability, waste reduction, and eco-friendly practices. These initiatives educate students and staff about the importance of responsible consumption, encouraging them to adopt sustainable habits both on campus and in their personal lives.
Green Procurement Practices: Ahlia University promotes sustainable procurement by choosing suppliers who follow environmentally friendly practices. This includes sourcing products that are reusable, recyclable, or made from sustainable materials. By prioritizing green procurement, the university supports sustainable production and reduces its environmental impact.
Sustainability-Focused Student Clubs and Initiatives: The university’s student clubs are actively involved in promoting sustainability on campus. Activities such as clean-up drives, eco-friendly workshops, and campaigns to reduce single-use plastics encourage students to take part in sustainable actions. These clubs provide a platform for students to lead and participate in projects that promote SDG 12.
Through these initiatives, Ahlia University fosters a culture of responsible consumption and sustainable practices, aligning with SDG 12. The university’s efforts to promote waste reduction, resource conservation, and sustainable procurement contribute to Bahrain’s national goals and help prepare students to make environmentally responsible choices in their personal and professional lives.
Bahrain to ban single-use plastic bags from September
The island kingdom of Bahrain announced Sunday it would start banning the import, distribution and sale of single-use lightweight plastic bags from mid-September, the latest move by an oil-producer to advance carbon reduction goals.
The statement from Bahrain’s state-run news agency did not specify how the upcoming ban would be enforced, whether by fining distributors of the ubiquitous thin bags or charging people for their use.
The ban, to come into effect September 19, ’is in line with the government’s plans of securing an environment that supports sustainability and reduces pollution,’ said Bahrain’s minister of industry, Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani. The rule exempts bags that are above a certain degree of thickness and those used for medical purposes and exports.
Bahrain’s move follows those of nearby emirates Dubai and Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates, which recently declared they would get rid of plastic bags in hopes of curbing litter and minimizing greenhouse emissions caused by plastic bag production.
Bahrain followed the UAE and Saudi Arabia last year in declaring it aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 ’ a target that remains difficult to assess and, crucially, does not involve curtailing oil exports. The kingdom’s economy runs on petrodollars.
The Kingdom of Bahrain Commits to Environmental Sustainability
Ahmed Rajab, a photographer in Bahrain for the Gulf Daily News, is one supporter of the decision. He recalls a sad episode he captured on his camera: ’With their bright pink color, flamingos are so majestic and beautiful during flight, but then I saw a dead flamingo on the coast surrounded with plastic waste, and it was the exact opposite of beauty. It was gut-wrenching to capture that picture on my camera’a beautiful bird surrounded by plastic bottles and waste’ It almost seemed like our waste murdered it and that is the sad truth.’
The ban is a great start, he says, and it will put the country on the road to sustainability. But he also believes in the importance of changing people’s attitudes and perceptions, especially those of children, to ensure that they grow up environmentally conscious.
’Anything harming the environment will eventually harm us, so we need to take steps to regulate and ban harmful substances, and work together towards a healthier planet for all creatures,’ he adds.
Bahrain means two seas in Arabic, a tribute to its sweet water springs and salty seawater. The small island, home to nearly 1.5 million people, is particularly vulnerable to plastic waste. Historically, its waters have been known for their richness, hosting more than 200 varieties of fish. Fishing, more specifically pearl fishing, was for centuries the main means of livelihood for the people of Bahrain.
In 2013, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized Bahrain’s Pearl Road as a World Heritage Site, recalling the nation’s longstanding reputation for an industry that has shaped its culture.
However, with the booming oil industry and pollution, marine life in the waters of the Gulf of Bahrain have declined drastically. Coral reefs, sea turtles, dugongs and numerous fish species are suffering the effects of marine pollution. With population growth and the increased production and consumption of plastic products and packaging, marine litter exacerbated the problem and contributed to the diminishing fish stocks.
To address these critical environmental challenges, the Kingdom of Bahrain seized the opportunity in 2018 to join the UN Environment Programme’s global Clean Seas campaign. Since then, youth networks, civil society, the government and others have spared no effort to turn the tide on plastic.
In June 2019, a ministerial order to regulate and phase out the use of plastic bags was announced across the Kingdom and the region. The order also aims to ban the import of bags that are non-biodegradable, and future phases will include a permanent ban on the use of plastic bags at certain malls and supermarkets.
Furthermore, the government plans to expand recycling by increasing the total number of recycling bins, thereby reducing plastic waste that ends up in landfills.
Bahrain is moving steadily towards a full-fledged ban. The Supreme Council for the Environment together with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism are working on policies and guidelines for manufacturers and suppliers to ensure a smooth transition to a suitable alternative. A seminar on plastic products regulations was held following the announcement of the ban to help manufacturers and importers meet the technical requirements. It also introduced measures that will be taken to monitor ports customs and local markets.
UN Environment’s West Asia Office Director and Regional Representative Sami Dimassi commended the bold decision that made the Kingdom the second country in West Asia to take a stand against non-biodegradable plastic bags after the Sultanate of Oman. He said ’Plastic in the ocean has a disproportionately large impact on marine life. Small pieces of plastic are eaten by fish, sea turtles and sea birds, often resulting in their death. This is in addition to the fact that often, these animals become entangled in plastic debris which leads to fatal injuries and consequently puts an end to their short-lived lives.’
Dimassi also added that non-biodegradable plastics break down into small pieces which are eaten by smaller marine animals and enter the food chain, eventually impacting human health.
Prior to the ministerial decision, many stores in Bahrain had already substituted plastic bags with paper ones. For them, the transition was not that difficult’they are mostly European franchises that had already switched to more sustainable alternatives years back at their mother companies.
However, during the years 2018 and 2019, a huge interest was sparked by local supermarkets and hypermarkets in building a culture of sustainability in Bahrain. At least 15 branches of the two main hypermarkets in Bahrain introduced reusable bags as part of their green policies. For instance, Lulu and Carrefour management have both sought the advice of UN Environment’s West Asia Office during the transition. For a small island like Bahrain, this is a great achievement.
The smaller corner shops and the food service industry are the main culprits when it comes to the use of plastics in the Kingdom. While biodegradable alternatives are available, it is less costly and more convenient to use the good old plastic bag. Nevertheless, activists, the government and youth are relentlessly raising awareness on the negative impacts of plastic pollution on the environment, while the Supreme Council for the Environment is guaranteeing that consumers will not bear the cost of the ban.
The people of Bahrain have always been pioneers in many aspects. Their openness to other cultures and interest in modern education have been the drive for many green-thinking advocates. The nation’s younger generation is empowered and entrepreneurial. There are several youth-led green initiatives in the country, including a focus on organic and green cosmetics production and upcycled fashion.
Bahrain’s active civil society has been on the back of polluters. Even schools have started exposing children to environmentally friendly practices and information, while the country’s private sector fosters environmental responsibility for the community.
And now, the people of Bahrain have a government that is adamant about making significant progress towards sustainable development.
Ban on non-biodegradable plastics in Bahrain enters next stage
Plastic table covers and mats will no longer be imported or produced from next month
Around the world, we’re all seeing the negative impact plastic waste is having on our oceans and beaches.
Bahrain is currently in the process of phasing out all non-biodegradable plastic in the Kingdom ’ and the next stage will kick off next month.
From July 25, plastic table covers and mats will no longer be imported or produced in Bahrain. Covers will instead have to be biodegradable.
Single-use plastic bags have already been banned in some supermarkets across the Kingdom since July last year.
In September, Bahrain switched to biodegradable rubbish bags as part of the changes to help the environment.
Supermarket chain Carrefour has also announced it will be phasing out single-use plastic by 2025.
The move, which will cover Carrefour stores across the Middle East including in the UAE, is expected to take 500 million plastic grocery bags out of circulation every year.
Interested in helping combat plastic pollution in the Kingdom? Check out our article on how to help clean up Bahrain’s beaches here.
Balancing Sustainable Development Goals Between Challenges and Opportunities."
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Waste Management and Recycling
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/ahlia-university-sustainability/sustainability-in-operations/
Waste at the University is collected by specialized waste
management companies for recycling purpose. Different type of wastes are
collected in special containers to be delivered to the recycled waste
management companies.
Buildings and Utilities
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/ahlia-university-sustainability/sustainability-in-operations/
Sustainability in building and utilities recognizes that institution need to take all sorts of steps to lighten the footprint of its infrastructure.
For example, Ahila University is committed to sustainability
through the following:
* Buildings are generally the largest user of energy and the largest source of
greenhouse gas emissions on campus.
* Buildings also use significant amounts of potable water.
* To reduce electricity consumption all campus lighting system uses
LED lights (Light Emitting Diode) which is recommended by Bahrain
electricity and water authority.
* Housing the university in Gosi complex where there is efficient use of water,
automated lighting facility, clean environment within Gosi Complex, and the use
of transparent roof to ensure efficient use of sunlight and lesser use of
electricity.
* Encouraging recycling of paper and other products in the operations of the
University and improving the service to the students and other stakeholders
using modern technology that removes the use of paper, pen and other resources.
Institutions can design, build, and maintain buildings in ways that provide a safe and healthy indoor environment for inhabitants while simultaneously mitigating the building’s impact on the outdoor environment. Sustainability is a core commitment in AU’s Master Plan, and is taken into account in all infrastructure decisions related to the new campus in Northern City. AU also has a comprehensive set of Design Standards which it adheres to in its Project Management.
Transportation
https://www.ahlia.edu.bh/ahlia-university-sustainability/sustainability-in-operations/
Ahlia
University subscribes to the use of sustainability concept in the
transportation sector.
Ahlia University is housed in a premises that has parking for cycles (photos
can be given). This encourages people to use cycles. Some foreign students from
France who studied at Ahlia University were using cycles to commute between
their flat and the university.
Ahlia University is located in a place where upto 25% of their staff are located within walking distance from the university. This obviates the need to provide transportation to those staff.
Ahlia encourages its staff to use public transport. It allocates transportation allowance to a majority of its staff that could meet the transportation expenses when travelling by public transport.
Ahlia provides sharing bus services to transport students where possible. Although in Bahrain petrol is cheap, Ahlia University uses buses to transport staff and students on occasions when groups have to travel.
Ahlia is located in a place where parking is managed based on the optimum requirement. This enables students and staff to share cars so that parking space problems are avoided. In addition Ahlia University schedules the classes in the timetable based on the availability of resources including parking space. This makes it possible to efficiently use parking space.
In addition Ahlia University organizes and encourages participation of its faculty and staff in transportation sustainability related conferences and seminars (recent papers in WASD Conference).
Almost all cars used by Ahlia staff are eco-friendly and conform to international emission standards. This supports a clean environment with very little environment pollution. In addition cars in use need to be energy efficient and meet the standards of the traffic directorate in Bahrain.
15المرتبة International Annual Conference, 16المرتبة ’ 18المرتبة May 2017, Sheraton International, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain
An Investigation of the Utilization of Energy and Water Conservation Technologies in Bahrain: Entrepreneur opportunity
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