The supervisor of the Sultan Qaboos Chair for Desert Farming, Associate Professor of Water Relations and Irrigation Water Management at Arabian Gulf University (AGU), Dr Abdelhadi Abdelwahab, confirmed the necessity of adopting innovative environmental solutions to protect natural resources and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, biodiversity loss, and the rise of micropollutants to achieve desired sustainability.

During his participation in the Environmental Innovation Symposium: New Horizons for Achieving Sustainability, which was held as part of the activities of the Bahrain International Garden Show 2025, he stressed the importance of encouraging scientific research to advance the development of sustainable technologies, noting that environmental innovation is crucial in adapting to climate change, achieving sustainable development goals, improving the quality of life and increasing the efficiency of resource usage.

He stated, "Innovation is not an option but a necessity. It is through innovation that we can achieve significant progress towards a more sustainable world. Our commitment to promoting environmental innovation encompasses not only the development of new technologies but also the transformation of societal and corporate behaviours toward adopting environmentally friendly practices. We need to intensify collaboration among governments, NGOs, businesses, and citizens to meet sustainability goals and safeguard the Earth and its resources for future generations.”

He added that environmental innovation is the key to confronting the pressing environmental challenges facing our planet, urging investment in research and development to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

Dr Abdelwahab highlighted the growing adoption of smart technologies in natural resource management, such as precision agriculture techniques that optimise water and resource usage. He noted that solar and wind energy solutions are vital for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimising carbon footprints. Furthermore, he advocated for embracing circular economy principles to reuse resources and reduce waste, including strategies for recycling organic materials and designing reusable products to alleviate ecosystem pressures.

The symposium featured discussions on various topics, including successful case studies of smart irrigation practices that reduced water waste by 30 to 50 percent in date palm cultivation, experiments in soil-less quinoa production, and innovative methods for recycling wastewater while decreasing chemical fertiliser usage. Additionally, the event explored the potential of solar and wind energy technologies in enhancing environmental innovation and sustainability, along with the latest advancements in digital and electro-technological solutions for improved energy management. Participants also discussed initiatives to empower youth through training programs, professional diplomas, and academic degrees in environmental management, sustainability, and community engagement in successful environmental initiatives.

The symposium was attended by Dr Hanan Mubarak Albuflasa, Bahrain's representative in the International Electrotechnical Commission for Solar and Wind Energy, Dr Lulwa Abdulraouf Alsada, Bahraini Youth Ambassador to the American Youth Association, and Ms Moza Rabia, Environmental and Sustainability Engineer and Lecturer in Sustainability.