A new environment bill that will introduce penalties and incentives for Bahrain's industries could be introduced next year.

The law, proposed by the government, has already been approved in principle by parliament, which has yet to review it and vote on each article.

'Bahrain so far doesn't have any legislation that organises important matters of the environment,' MP Jalal Fairooz warned earlier.

'The country is requested by the international community to have a law on environment after its approval of some of the international environment acts. Bahrain has certain problems that need to be tackled, especially gasses and fumes from the industries.'

'We have a great problem in the Ma'ameer area and it has really spurred the anger of the public over the last three to four years. This law will organise the responsibilities towards the environment and include penalties and incentives.'

United Nations Environment Programme (Unep) regional office for West Asia (ROWA) compliance assistance programme regional network co-ordinator Dr Abdulelah Al Wadaee has had been assisting parliament on the new bill, expected to be enacted at the beginning of next year.

'We want to make very strong legislation that is in line with Bahrain's commitment internationally and locally,' he said.

'The environment bill has been drafted and will probably be enacted in the beginning of next year.

'All stakeholders, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and institutions are involved in forming the legislation.

'It covers all environment problems in Bahrain in relation to the region and internationally. It also covers penalties for violators and incentives for industries that reduce carbon dioxide emissions and other pollutants.'

'Bahrain has a law but this will strengthen the legislation, they are always trying to improve it,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service