Law No. 7 of 2022 on the Environment.

Comprising 125 articles distributed across 18 chapters, this legislation is designed to accomplish the following objectives: (i) safeguarding the environment and its resources from activities causing pollution, environmental degradation, and harm to biological diversity; (ii) preventing and addressing pollution in various forms, halting environmental deterioration, and implementing necessary plans and policies to protect against adverse effects on humans, the marine environment, land, or air; (iii) conserving and enhancing natural resources to ensure the realization of sustainable development goals. It applies to public and private entities and individuals, excluding property, activities, and work carried out by the Bahrain Defense Force, the Ministry of Interior, and the National Guard.
The Law marks a crucial step in regulating the environmental impact of both public and private entities, mandating them to secure a license from the Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE) for new projects or modifications, detailed in Chapter 3 outlining SCE powers. The SCE evaluates the project's environmental impact and decides on license approval or rejection. Additionally, the SCE is tasked with formulating comprehensive environmental protection policies, creating plans, programs, and projects for effective implementation, participating in policy formulation and scientific research, and establishing controls and standards for projects, ensuring compliance throughout design, construction, and operation phases. Article 6 establishes the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Development dedicated to specific responsibilities, including (i) facilitating the enforcement and oversight of this Law; (ii) collaborating with relevant authorities to address the impacts of disasters on the environment; (iii) advocating for environmental incentives and backing initiatives by non-governmental entities; (iv) assisting in the creation and enhancement of research, studies, and scientific programs focused on environmental protection; (v) participating in preventive and developmental endeavors.
Chapter 4 addresses strategies for managing various types of environmental disasters and emergencies. The Council, in collaboration with relevant parties and project owners, will formulate plans to address these issues. Upon approval of regional and international plans, the Council of Ministers will issue a decision outlining the disaster plans and their budget, covering prevention, mitigation, treatment, and environmentally sound resolution. Chapter 5 focuses on water pollution, including marine pollution and protection of potable water and groundwater. The Law prohibits the discharge of pollutants in coastal or marine areas, covering substances like construction materials and liquid waste. Liability is assigned for oil leakages, and port authorities must prepare sewage handling plans in collaboration with the coast guard. Chapter 6 focuses on air pollution, addressing issues related to buildings and vehicles. Projects emitting pollutants are required to establish monitoring units electronically connected to the SCE for supervision. Prohibitions are in place for emissions exceeding set limits, ensuring a thorough environmental impact assessment during project execution. The Law extends its reach to the energy industry, enforcing emissions limits and regulating vehicle emissions by setting exhaust substance and pollutant limits. Importing or trading fuel or oils is prohibited unless proven to have no adverse impact on air quality.
Chapter 7 focuses on protecting the wilderness from pollution, outlining various measures and regulations to achieve this goal. The Council is dedicated to advancing environmental resources, prioritizing biodiversity, and utilizing modern technologies to enhance agricultural areas. Article 40 details regulations established by agricultural authorities in collaboration with the Council, covering the production, use, and monitoring of pesticides and agricultural enhancers. Article 41 addresses the proper disposal of pesticide containers and harmful waste. Article 42 prohibits activities contributing to soil harm, pollution, or alterations to natural properties. Additionally, it forbids actions negatively impacting vegetation, contributing to desertification, distorting the natural environment, or altering agricultural areas. The Law comprises segments covering (i) the management of chemicals; (ii) radioactive materials and sources; (iii) ionizing radioactive materials and sources, as well as non-ionizing radiation.
Chapter 11 is dedicated to the management of hazardous materials and waste, including nuclear waste. It prohibits the importation, transportation, burial, dumping, storage, and transit through the Kingdom's territory by sea, air, or land means of transport carrying hazardous or nuclear waste. Article 64 specifically prohibits the production or trade of such materials and waste without obtaining a license from the competent administration, as specified by the SCE. The law also provides guidelines for the proper disposal of these materials. In Chapter 12 focused on biodiversity, the Law forbids activities that could harm natural reserves and environmentally sensitive areas, jeopardize their aesthetic value, or disrupt the natural balance of biodiversity elements, whether on land or in the sea. Detailed information about prohibited actions is outlined in the included articles. The final sections of the Law address environmental violations, compensation for damages, and the sanctions imposed for such violations.