MANAMA: The Bahrain Authority for Cultural and Antiquities (Baca) has warned against the detrimental effect of climate change on the country’s cultural and natural heritage.
“Climate change has a negative impact on archaeological sites, especially building materials of ancient structural remains,” said its antiquities and museums director Dr Salman Al Mahari.
He made the statement as Bahrain is set to mark International Day for Monuments and Sites today. Also known as World Heritage Day, its aim is to promote awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage of humanity, their vulnerability and the efforts required for their protection and conservation.
Dr Al Mahari said that factors, such as high temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, and rise in sea levels may affect archaeological sites, historical buildings and agricultural areas.
He warned that any rise in sea level in the future could submerge archaeological sites near the sea, citing particularly Qal’at Al Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) and Bumaher Fort, which are both located directly near the coast, as well as coastal ruins on the Hawar Islands.
“Climate change is disrupting the lives of communities around the world.”
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