Bahrain Climate Resilience in Water Sector

Enhancing Climate Resilience of the Water Sector in Bahrain project is a national climate-adaptation program that strengthens Bahrain’s water-sector resilience to climate change, rising temperatures, and increasing water scarcity through integrated water-management reforms.¹

The project envisions “transitioning Bahrain toward a climate-resilient and sustainable water system” that reduces vulnerability to climate change impacts while improving long-term water security and resource efficiency.² Its aims include improving water conservation, increasing the use of non-conventional water sources such as rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse, strengthening institutional capacity, and promoting behavioral change in water consumption.³

The project adopts a national-scale, integrated water-management approach combining technical interventions, policy and regulatory reform, and capacity building to improve national water security. Its components include:^{4 5}

• Water efficiency and demand management: Promotion of water-saving technologies and practices across households and public buildings.
• Non-conventional water sources: Deployment of rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse systems to reduce dependence on desalination.
• Institutional and regulatory strengthening: Development of governance frameworks, policies and standards for climate-resilient water management.
• Capacity building and awareness: Training, knowledge-sharing, and public outreach to improve water conservation behavior and technical expertise.

The project contributes to climate adaptation by reducing vulnerability to water scarcity, diversifying water sources, and improving efficiency in the water sector. By promoting non-conventional water reuse and conservation, the initiative helps lower pressure on desalination, reduce energy use, and strengthen long-term water security.⁶

The project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as the accredited implementing agency.⁷ National execution is led by the Government of Bahrain, with the Supreme Council for Environment serving as the National Designated Authority and key national partner. The programme has a total budget of approximately USD 4.16 million, including USD 2.32 million in grant financing from GCF.^{8 9 10}

The program was approved in 2018 and is currently ongoing. It is implemented as a multi-year national programme focused on strengthening climate resilience in Bahrain’s water sector through phased policy reform, technical interventions, and capacity-building activities. Besides, it is aligned with national water sustainability strategies and supports cross-sector collaboration to integrate climate adaptation considerations into long-term water governance.¹¹