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A series of events shedding lights on “ Conversation on Hawar”,   kicked off on  24 March 2019,  at the Arab World Heritage Center, Manama, in the presence of H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al Khalifa, ARCWH's Chairperson, H.E Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, President of the  Supreme Council for the Environment, as well as experts in natural and cultural heritage and specialists.

The events, which are part the 14th Spring Culture Festival planning and will run until 28 March 2019, are organized in cooperation with Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, the Supreme Council for Environment, The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Convention on Migratory Species, and Effective Measures for Protecting the threatened species of Bahrain - University of Bahrain.

Speaking for the occasion, H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al-Khalifa said “I would like first to thank H.E Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, President of the  Supreme Council for the Environment for their continuous and constant support to our strenuous efforts aimed at enhancing Bahrain’s position as a country keen to preserve and safeguard its cultural and natural heritage”.  H.E extended her thanks to all those who have contributed to the success of the “Conversation on Hawar” events, adding that the  Supreme Council for the Environment, together with the Arab World Heritage Center, Manama, have substantially brought great assistance to brotherly Arab countries with regard to inscribing their natural and cultural sites on UNESCO World Heritage List. H.E argued that the Arab countries do not have much natural sites listed on UNESCO World Heritage, confirming that Hawar Islands have the potential to be nominated for this famous list.

H.E Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, for his part, said that the Kingdom of Bahrain has made remarkable achievements with regard to environment protection and sustainability, stemming from the wise vision of  His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa , May God Protect Him. H.E Shaikh Faisal added that Hawar islands is considered an area of significant and unique ongoing ecological processes scientifically described as a globally significant bio-geographical area of the Arabian Gulf, thanking, in return, H.E Shaikha Mai for her efforts to protect and safeguard the natural and cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

H.E Shaikh Faisal added that the Kingdom of Bahrain has made many successful achievements with regard to Hawar islands protection, pointing to the  Cabinet of Bahrain issued Resolution N. (16) of 1996 designating Hawar islands and the territorial sea surrounding them a protected area, according to the provisions of Law No (2) of 1995 on wildlife protection. A National High Commission was also created to help develop the site and engender a sustainable tourism model taking into consideration the fauna and flora of the area, H.E said.  

The first day of  “Conversation on Hawar” events shed lights “Biodiversity and Protected Areas of Bahrain”, discussing afterwards the “ Natural features of Hawar Archipelago – and lastly the “Effective Measures for Protecting the threatened species of Bahrain”.

Mr. Ali Mansour - Supreme Council for Environment- said that Hawar islands the Cabinet of Bahrain issued Resolution N. (16) of 1996 designating Hawar islands and the territorial sea surrounding them a protected area, according to the provisions of Law No (2) of 1995 on wildlife protection. In the same year, Ministerial Edict No (6) on forming a national committee on activating and managing the 51.4 Km2 Hawar Islands Protected Areas. Mr. Mansour added that Hawar islands are not the only natural protected natural reserve, given the Bahrain boasts also Al Areen Wildlife Park, which  was established in 1976 and covers an area of 5.4 km 2. It is the first project of its kind in the region, and aims to preserve endangered rare Arab animal species. It is located in the west of the centre of the island of Bahrain, and consists of two parts. The Arad Bay area was declared a marine sanctuary as Ministerial Edict No. (4) 2003. Covering an area of 0.5 km2, the reserve contains the tidal environment in which important living creatures live and contribute effectively to the marine ecosystem and serve multiple species of resident and migratory birds in the lake, and the 2017 adopted Hayr Bulthama Reserve, which  is located 70 km north of Muharraq, and covers an area of 7.8 km2, Al. Mansour added.

 Dr Mohammed Al Rumaidh, for his part, stressed the importance of Hawar islands ecologically (environmentally) speaking, pointing to the shallow waters surrounding the islands and the rich marine vegetation, which is considered a fertile ground for marine organisms and different birds. Indeed, the undisturbed state of the outer islands provides an unrivalled sanctuary in the Arabian region for numerous species of breeding sea birds, while the marine environments about the islands embody a myriad habitats and seascapes that are home to a remarkable array of  marine fauna. The marine environments in Hawar Islands represent prime  examples of undisturbed indicator habitats that are areas of high productivity, with food webs based on extensive areas of macroalgae, sea grasses and blue green algae. Al Rumaidh added that Hawar islands continue to attract many local and migratory birds because it has so far remained far from urban development.

Finally, Dr Humood Nasser - University of Bahrain Red List and Effective Measures for Protecting the Threatened Species of Bahrain” said that the list is prepared in cooperation with  the Supreme Council for Environment and the Arab World Heritage Center, including a number of endangered species, such as turtles and dugongs. Dr. Nasser added that the National Red List is important on national level because it concerns natural reserves and parks in Bahrain, and their management and protection means.

The week-long “Conversation on Hawar”, organized at the  ARC-WH will echo  global conservation efforts through a week-long program of events to highlight the islands, their importance and ways to preserve their natural heritage, and enhance its relationship with cultural heritage. Through a number of forums and lectures, experts in natural heritage conservation will eventually present their own perceptions of preservation of these natural islands, history of fauna and flora life discovery, sustainable development, environmental tourism and others subjects