A NEW botanical garden featuring plants from across the world could be set up in the Northern Governorate near a major highway, to diversify tourism opportunities in the kingdom.
The main elements used in the design and landscaping of the Hamad Town Botanical Garden are inspired by the leaf, and aimed at providing shade for visitors from the beginning to the end of the public garden.
Details of the first-of-its-kind comprehensive project, which is still in the ‘concept and design’ phase at the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry, were revealed yesterday at the Northern Municipal Council’s bi-weekly meeting.
“The botanical garden has multiple functions including historical, recreational, conservational, research and educational,” said the ministry in its official presentation.
“Historically, the role of public gardens has been to showcase living plant collections through innovative and highly maintained horticultural displays while also being open to the public for recreational use.
Education
“The essential function of the botanical garden is research and education as well as exploration of plants that may have scientific and economic values in addition to serving as a place for the conservation of plants away from their natural habitats.”
According to a statement, the design aims to achieve the basic requirements of all users with diverse abilities by providing a location which is ‘fun for all’ with an opportunity to learn, explore, grow and enjoy.
The project will be divided into three main zones that simulate the diversity of plants in the Asian, African and European continents while also meeting the design goals.
“The entrance of the garden is an essential element for the success of the design, as the entrance was designed in the form of a palm tree that works to guide the visitor where it leads to the main plaza,” added the ministry.
“The gate was designed in the form of a leaf which reflects the nature of the place while the three zones provide a unique and diverse experience for the visitor as it has a collection of rare plants.”
Council chairman Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaei said that the project would open broad horizons to enhance the effectiveness of municipal work whilst also achieving the goals of the national project for sustainable development.
He added that it will also present a qualitative leap for educational tourism.
“The project is in line with the Government Action Plan and efforts to boost the afforestation policy in the Northern Governorate.
“The project reinforces the strategic environmental policy in Bahrain and is an important message for the recently-signed International Biodiversity Agreement.”
The project will also include movable glass panels to pass on solar analysis simulation to increase door thermal comfort and to adapt the glasshouse indoor environment according to the planting type.
Council’s services and public utilities committee chairwoman Zainab Al Durazi said that the innovative concept and its location near Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway provide a unique opportunity to diversify tourism.
According to the master plan, the parking area will include spaces for 383 vehicles – 75 with solar panel shade and 308 without solar panel shade – as well as outdoor exercise equipment, jogging track, playground, orchards and picnic areas along with an elderly recreational part and festivities plaza.
“This project is in line with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad and we are fully behind it as it will serve the kingdom and elevate its tourism sector,” said Ms Al Durazi.
“It will also include multiple sections such as commercial areas, investment opportunities, recreational areas for fun and sports as well as opportunities for educational research and conservation efforts.
“Each zone will include implement temperature controlled zones and greenhouses for the plants which come from Africa, Asia and Europe based on their native habitat and it will be an outlet for citizens, residents and tourists.”
She praised the chosen location of the comprehensive garden as it is close to King Fahad Causeway as well as on a main highway where visitors from the airport will pass by.
According to the design concept, an elevated pedestrian bridge and a vertical tree have been designed to serve as the highest point in the project – from which visitors can see the entire garden – as well as provide a distinctive visual point of the project from the highway.
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