Bahrain's efforts in preserving wildlife stressed

Manama, Dec. 30 (BNA): Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE), HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, has affirmed the kingdom’s role and efforts to boost cooperation and exchange expertise with the GCC countries in preserving wildlife and biodiversity. Marking the Gulf Wildlife Day, which is observed this year under the slogan “Man and Wildlife-Partners in One Environment”, HH Shaikh Abdullah underscored Bahrain’s keenness on supporting all environmental issues, mainly those pertaining to biodiversity, given their great importance in achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs). HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa pointed out that observing the Gulf Wildlife Day falls under the umbrella of the GCC efforts to implement the agreement on preserving wildlife and its natural habitat in the GCC member states. He noted that observing the Wildlife Day on December 30 every year aims to raise awareness of the need to protect endangered species and showcase the efforts of the GCC countries in this respect. HH pointed out the council’s remarkable progress in many bilateral discussions with GCC officials. He also said many field visits had been made to a number of reserves, think-tanks and parks concerned with protecting wildlife in the GCC countries so as to exchange experiences in this regard. At the local level, HH Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa asserted that the diverse natural reserves in the Kingdom of Bahrain reflects the great importance accorded to achieving natural balance between people and wildlife. Therefore, he added, the SCE has adopted a policy of connecting people to environmental issues, being key partners in preserving the environment and wildlife. He also underscored the need to boost environmental awareness and create a balance between the elements of wildlife and their sustainability for future generations. HH noted that the heritage revival project, which is consistent with the concept of the pearl diving industry that Bahrain has been famous for since ancient times, encouraged diving in the pearl oyster beds (Al Hayrat) and also contributed to attracting citizens and tourists to practise marine and heritage sports. He added the project also contributed to promoting sea goers' awareness of the natural reserves and their great importance in protecting wildlife. He indicated that the construction of the walkway and tourist facilities in the Doha Arad Park and Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve had a great impact on strengthening the close natural links between humans and the wildlife surrounding them, and had a positive and direct impact on raising community awareness of the importance of preserving the environment and promoting the sustainable use of wildlife elements in the Kingdom.