Water and ways to preserve it as a sustainable source of food security will be the focus of a major annual show being held in Bahrain next month.
More than 140 international companies are expected to take part in the 16th edition of the Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS) 2020 being held under the theme, ‘Water: Regenerating Life’.
The annual event is hosted by the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad.
The show will be inaugurated on March 3 at Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC), Sanabis, and be open to the public from March 4 to 7, from 10am to 9pm.
A total of 215 exhibitors from Bahrain and around the world will be showcasing their products, technologies, designs and innovations.
Details were revealed by NIAD secretary general Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa at a Press conference held at BIECC yesterday.
Present was Bahrain Garden Club chairwoman Zahra Abdulmalik.
According to Shaikha Maram, the number of international participants, at 145, is more than double the number of local exhibitors, at 70, highlighting that the show has gained global recognition extending its reach to many countries.
“Every year the exhibition focuses on a different theme that represents a pressing issue facing the agricultural sector in order to work on improving systems and methods as well as find solutions and alternatives that contribute to the sustainability of the agricultural sector in the kingdom,” she said.
“This year the show is under the theme ‘Water: Regenerating Life’ and will focus on the importance of water and how to preserve it to guarantee its sustainability as it is the source of life on earth.
“The rate of water consumption is expected to increase by up to 20 per cent to 30pc by the year 2050, which will exacerbate the problem if proper solutions are not implemented from now and if the culture of correct practices in using water resources is not promoted.”
Statistics on water consumption in Bahrain and the importance of working to achieve water security as it is closely related to food security will be highlighted at the theme stand between Hall One (Market Zone) and Hall Two (Awareness Zone) along with the role individuals can play in preserving water in homes and domestic gardens.
Pavilions will also be allocated for the Arabian Gulf University to showcase their latest scientific research on water and recommendations for water resource management policies while another will be designated for the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research to display research projects about water consumption rationalisation and sustainable agricultural projects while Kuwait-based Society of Agriculture Engineers will showcase information about water resources and sustainable irrigation solutions.
Shaikha Maram stressed that although the recently announced travel curbs due to the surge in coronavirus cases have slightly affected foreign participation, organisers remain optimistic and vigilant in their implementation of guidelines in place to protect Bahrain from the disease.
The exhibitors will showcase their designs, products, technologies and innovations in the Market Zone (Hall One) where several companies and plant nurseries will promote products such as flowers, saplings, agricultural tools, food products, agricultural services and more.
Meanwhile, the Awareness Zone (Hall Two) will feature official and educational organisations along with civil society organisations to showcase their programmes and services in the field of agriculture, environment and sustainability as well as innovative agricultural projects.
Khlasi Garden is also part of the exhibition aimed at educating and entertaining children as it has various activities, games and awareness-raising workshops lined up to enhance children’s understanding of water as a valuable resource.
A special space will also be allocated for the Bahraini Farmers Market, which includes 10 farmers of fruit and vegetables and four farmers of ornamental and aesthetic plants.
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