September 10th, 2009 @ kadraoui
MANAMA: Developers, who destroy marine life and the environment through reclamation, will have to pay a “green tax”.
The penalty would be used to fund green projects to either restore or protect other areas of Bahrain’s environment. Developers would then have to carry out “green” rehabilitation projects themselves or pay towards the cost through the tax. It is hoped the National Assembly will approve the “green tax” by the end of the year, said Public Commission for the Protection of
Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife head Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He said that the public commission was not against development, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of the environment. Shaikh Abdulla said that a “green tax” fund would be set up soon to fund remedial projects, once it is approved by the National Assembly. “We want to reach sustainable development, but this should include safeguarding the environment, which shouldn’t be the duty of only the government, but the private sector too,” he said. “However, those who believe they are above the law and want to continue destroying the environment only have themselves to blame.”
alaali@gdn.com .bh
Tags: Green, Gulf Daily News, Press