New ambitious natural world tourism projects, including peacock-themed parks, could be built on government plots and properties across Bahrain and attract flocks of visitors, if councillors get their way.
Two sets of proposals by the Southern and Northern Municipal Councils have been presented to the Cabinet for review, in which investors would be allowed to open sanctuaries and parks as private business propositions.
“We believe that there is a strong interest from families to visit sanctuaries and parks featuring animals and birds and possibly have an opportunity of interacting with them in a safe and well-run environment,” said Southern’s services and public utilities committee chairman Abdulla Abdullatif.
In recent years, the authorities have closed down several zoos located in private farms in Bahrain accusing them of providing inhumane, unhygienic and unhealthy conditions for wildlife.
However, councillors believe that providing decent conditions are guaranteed, birds and animals projects could well be a boon to futuristic eco-friendly tourism projects.
Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve, established in 1976, covers an area of 5.4 sqkm. It was the first project of its kind in the region to preserve endangered rare Arab animal species.
The park and reserve is divided into two sections: the first includes protected animals like the Arabian Oryx, the Bahraini sand gazelle and natural desert plants and flora. The second section is devoted to preserving and multiplying Arabian animals and birds in particular.
Al Areen is home to 82 species of feathered friends, 25 plant species and 45 mammal species.
Southern councillors proposed in April that guided adventures, trekking trails, outdoor diners and huts for overnight stays could be set up at the wildlife sanctuary to offer visitors an ‘amazing weekend stay in the wild’.
“Bahrain currently does not have proper legislation in place for the opening of private birds and animals’ facilities, but things could be developed from existing rules that deal with sales and breeding,” said Mr Abdullatif.
He believes businessmen and companies looking to invest could focus on particular themes to attract their own customers.
“Peacocks are popular here in Bahrain, for example, and when they were available at the Water Garden in Ghufool a few years ago, people would just go there to look at them fluff their feathers or walk around, while taking photographs,” he added.
“Bahrain is also famous for its rare white peacocks and a lot of people just want to see them for their pearly colours.
“This is just one of the ideas on how to open a business revolving around wildlife and it could extend to merchandise, souvenirs and collectibles.”
Northern councillor Mohammed Al Dossary believes peacocks could be a key attraction too as they already have a huge following in the kingdom.
“People love natural attractions and, in the past, what made the Water Garden popular was not just its rides but people coming to watch the peacocks.
“The potential as a business plan is immense as people enjoy buying clothing, plates, pots and other items that have different peacock designs on them.
“There could be specialised zebra, oryx and giraffe sanctuaries too,” said Mr Al Dossary.
“Empty government plots and properties could be put to good use by offering them for such projects to investors.”
Mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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