A NEW national database is being established for each plant species in Bahrain to understand its genetic makeup.
So far the list contains 81 unique species, said Special Envoy for Climate Affairs and Supreme Council for the Environment chief executive Dr Mohammed Bin Daina.
The list is being compiled in co-operation with the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry.
His comments came as the Shura Council unanimously approved the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilisation to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
It will now be referred to His Majesty King Hamad for ratification following Parliament approval earlier this month.
The GDN had in April (2021) quoted Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minster Essam Khalaf as saying that the new plants genetic bank would also help researchers understand plants that grow easily in Bahrain whilst also assisting in drawing up food security strategies.
Meanwhile, the chamber rejected a controversial legislation that would have seen the introduction of 20 per cent tax on the value of imported products that compete with local handicrafts.
However, members urged for more government support to protect local handicraft industries.
Parliament had last month rejected the proposed move.
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