A draft law granting the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) broader authority to amend all annexes linked to the regulation of international trade in endangered wildlife and plant species is on the Shura Council’s table.
The public utilities and environment affairs committee confirmed that the proposal is constitutionally and legally sound and aligns with Bahrain’s international environmental obligations, particularly under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Committee chairman Dr Mohammed Ali Hassan said the amendment was essential to ensure Bahrain keeps pace with fast-changing global environmental standards.
Currently, the SCE is authorised to amend only Annex (3) of the law. Any changes to Annexes (1) and (2), which list the most endangered species, require a full legislative amendment – a process the committee warned could hinder compliance with periodic CITES updates, which occur every three years.
Under the proposed amendment, the council would be empowered to add or remove species from all annexes, allowing Bahrain to respond swiftly to international decisions and emerging environmental risks.
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