Bahrain yesterday (May 26) launched a pioneering initiative that aims to encourage the next generation to care more about the environment, a report said.

It is hoped the eco-schools scheme will protect the country's natural resources through conservation and recycling, encourage plant growing and beautify educational facilities, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The initiative, which is the first of its kind in Bahrain, is being spearheaded by the Northern Municipality in co-ordination with the Northern Municipal Council, Northern Governorate and Education Ministry.

It will initially be introduced in schools in the Northern Governorate and will later be rolled out across the country.

"We want all members of the community to help protect the environment rather than just depend on adults, we have decided to start a new concept in the governorate's schools," said municipality director-general Yousif Al Ghatam.

"If we want to get interest from the public then we have to start with children because that's the only way to attract teachers and parents. Introducing environment protection at the tender age of seven will certainly enable us to turn awareness from just being a campaign into a lifestyle that continues as schoolchildren grow.

"To really get children's attention we have decided to hold biannual competitions in participating schools that would see municipal teams carry out inspections to grade schools with only those getting full marks in all fields being given green flags."

Al Ghatam said some schools may not get full marks, but have outstanding contributing students, teachers or parents, who will be presented with individual awards.

"Honouring individuals is as important as honouring schools and only through those keen individuals would schools further develop and turn into outstanding eco-schools."

Al Ghatam said the scheme covers four main criteria.

"Schools will have regular cleanliness programmes, a corner will be set up for recycling, besides enforcing conservation attitudes in using air-conditioners and other electrical and electronic apparatuses, which we consider as the major source of pollution," he said.

"We are also aiming to encourage planting in schools in which local fruits, vegetables and flowers will be grown on premises and inside classrooms. Students have been also instructed to beautify their classrooms and all of the facilities they use within the school,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service