A policy that will protect agricultural land in Bahrain is set to be implemented.

The Green Belt Scheme was presented by Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Minister Dr Juma Al Ka'abi at the weekly Cabinet session yesterday (September 14), said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Details of the policy will be released soon, said Minister of State for Information Affairs and official government spokeswoman Sameera Rajab.

Balance

“The Cabinet discussed the implementation of the green belt policy, which is based on the idea of achieving a balance between the optimal use of land while maintaining the green areas,” she said.

“The project aims to achieve sustainable urban development while preserving the green areas, in addition to providing connected green areas.

“The Cabinet decided to refer the matter to the ministerial committee concerned for further study.

“Detailed information on the scheme will be released later.”

The GDN previously reported that millions of dinars were reportedly being lost as landowners were being deprived of huge profits due to the green belt.

The Manama Municipal Council said people who owned land in the 'green belt' were not benefiting from possible investment opportunities.

Meanwhile, Bahrain has ascended to become a member of the International Gas Union. The information was given by Finance Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa during the session.

“The union is concerned with technical and economic aspects of the world's gas industry,” said Rajab.

“Bahrain's accession to this union will contribute in expanding the network of relations with all the pillars of the industry and the global gas market; promote the exchange of information and knowledge in the field of natural gas; as well as the possibility of hosting some events and attracting investment in gas companies.”

A memorandum of understanding between the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry and the American Bar Association was also amended.

“The amendment includes extending the implementation of some of the previously decided upon activities, introducing new activities like workshops and technical assistance in specialised legal areas, as well as supporting and developing new programmes,” she said.

“The Cabinet decided to refer the matter to the ministerial committee for legal affairs for further study.” - TradeArabia News Service