Bahrain’s commitment to agricultural development and environmental sustainability was on full display at the recent “Mara’ee” International Exhibition, receiving a significant boost from a visit by the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak. The exhibition, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, showcased innovative projects and initiatives aimed at strengthening food security in Bahrain and preserving its natural heritage. This visit underscores the Kingdom’s dedication to modernizing its agricultural sector and fostering a greener future.
Minister Al Mubarak Highlights Bahrain’s Agricultural Progress at Mara’ee 2024
Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak’s tour of the “Mara’ee” exhibition was a comprehensive review of the advancements being made in Bahrain’s agriculture and livestock industries. Accompanied by Undersecretary for Municipal Affairs Eng. Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and Undersecretary for Agriculture and Animal Resources Eng. Asim Abdul Latif Abdullah, the Minister engaged directly with farmers, breeders, and representatives from participating companies and institutions.
The focus of these discussions centered on the latest technologies and strategies being employed to enhance production, improve efficiency, and ultimately contribute to a more self-sufficient food security in Bahrain. The Minister’s presence signaled strong governmental support for these efforts and a willingness to collaborate on future initiatives. He emphasized the importance of continued innovation and investment in the sector to meet the growing demands of the population.
National Afforestation and Mangrove Preservation Initiatives
A key highlight of the Minister’s visit was the Bahrain Mangroves Exhibition, a powerful demonstration of the nation’s commitment to environmental conservation. Bahrain is actively pursuing ambitious goals to quadruple the number of mangrove trees by 2035, recognizing their crucial role in coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity.
The National Afforestation Plan
Alongside the mangrove initiative, the exhibition also detailed the national afforestation plan. This plan aims to significantly increase the overall tree population in Bahrain, from the current 1.8 million to an impressive 3.6 million by 2035. This ambitious undertaking will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the Kingdom but also contribute to improved air quality and a more sustainable environment. The Minister lauded these efforts as vital for the long-term health and well-being of Bahrain.
Celebrating Photographic Talent: The Mangrove Photography Competition
Recognizing the importance of raising awareness about Bahrain’s unique ecosystems, a Mangrove Photography Competition was held in conjunction with the exhibition. The competition proved incredibly popular, attracting a remarkable 286 submissions that beautifully captured the essence and ecological value of the Kingdom’s mangrove areas.
A distinguished judging panel, comprised of experts from the Gulf University, the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, and professional photographers, meticulously evaluated the entries. Ultimately, five winning photographs were selected, showcasing the artistic talent and environmental consciousness within the community.
Rabab Isa Foulath took first place, followed by Jassim Madan Ahmed in second, and Hani Ali Badr in third. Zakaria Abdulrasool secured fourth, and Ali Mustafa Jaafar rounded out the top five. Eng. Al Mubarak personally honored the winners, praising the high quality of their work and its contribution to environmental advocacy.
Supporting Youth and Innovation in Agriculture
The Minister’s tour extended beyond established agricultural practices to include a visit to the Maraei Art Exhibition and the Student Agricultural Innovation Tent. This demonstrated a commitment to nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
He engaged with students presenting their innovative projects, designed to address challenges and promote sustainability within the agricultural sector. These projects showcased a remarkable level of creativity and technical skill, offering promising solutions for the future of Bahrain’s agricultural sector. The Minister’s encouragement and recognition of their efforts are expected to inspire further innovation among young Bahrainis.
Recognizing Excellence in Agricultural Education
Concluding his visit, Eng. Al Mubarak honored several schools for their outstanding contributions to agricultural innovation competitions. This recognition highlighted the importance of integrating agricultural awareness into the education system.
The honored schools included Bayan Bahrain School, Zainab Intermediate Girls School, Riffa Views International School, Al Naseem International School, Um Salama Intermediate Secondary Girls School, Modern Knowledge School, Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Institute of Technology, Diraz Intermediate Girls School, Al Istiqlal Secondary Girls School, and Saar Secondary Girls School. The Minister commended these institutions for their dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of agriculture among their students.
Al Mubarak also emphasized the significance of continued Gulf and international participation in Maraei, particularly looking ahead to Maraei 2025. He expressed pride in the strong public turnout and the broad engagement from all segments of Bahraini society, reinforcing the idea that sustainable agriculture is a national priority. The success of Mara’ee 2024 serves as a powerful platform for future growth and collaboration, solidifying Bahrain’s position as a regional leader in agricultural innovation and environmental stewardship.
