Bahrain could have a special museum opened to celebrate the mighty mangrove – the crop that plays a vital role in the global battle against climate change – to act as an educational institute, community facility, as well as a major tourism attraction.
An artist’s impressions of the state-of-the-art project, proposed to be built on a site at Salman Town, or close by, has received local government support.
The Northern Municipal Council yesterday unanimously approved a proposal by councillor Bassem Abu Idrees to have it constructed on the coastline.
He stressed that it could play a crucial role in promoting the conservation and sustainable use of mangrove ecosystems. “This specialised museum will serve as a hub for education, research and community engagement, focusing on the unique features and benefits of mangroves, which are coastal forests that thrive in tropical and subtropical regions,” he said.
“The significance of a mangrove museum extends beyond mere preservation; it has far-reaching implications for public health, environmental sustainability and community well-being.
“Mangrove forests are among the most productive and biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet as they provide coastal protection, carbon sequestration and biodiversity hotspots.”
Mr Abu Idress outlined in a presentation during yesterday’s meeting at the council’s headquarters in Budaiya the importance of the plants.
“Mangroves act as natural buffers against storms by reducing wave energy and stabilising shorelines,” he explained. “Their complex root systems trap sediments, preventing coastal erosion and protecting inland areas from flooding.
“Also, mangroves are highly efficient at capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making them critical in the fight against climate change.
“These ecosystems additionally support a rich diversity of wildlife, including fish, crabs, mollusks and migratory birds, as mangroves serve as breeding grounds and nurseries for many marine species, ensuring the sustainability of coastal fisheries and food security for nearby communities.”
The proposed mangrove museum, which will cover 4,485sqm, will showcase these ecological functions through interactive exhibits, models and educational programmes.
“The museum will be indoor-outdoor hybrid with a training centre on mangrove planting, 3D cinema, children section, an aquarium, seafood restaurants and seafront cafés and an exhibition hall,” he said.
“We are still exploring other ideas for the new museum, which we believe will help preserve and protect mangroves from extinction.
“Some mangrove species also possess medicinal properties and the museum can feature exhibits on traditional and modern uses of mangrove-derived substances in treating ailments such as bacterial infections, inflammation and skin diseases.
“By promoting the study of these plants, mangrove museums can help foster the development of new medicines.”
According to Sciencedirect.com there are 3,945 mangrove ‘attractions’ in 93 countries and territories. Boating is the most widespread activity and birdlife is recorded by visitors in 28 per cent of sites, with dugongs also widely reported.
It is likely that mangrove tourism attracts tens to hundreds of millions of visitors annually and is a multi-billion dollar industry.
The first mangrove museum in the world opened in Sri Lanka on World Mangrove Day in June 2016.
Mr Abu Idrees said access to natural environments, including mangroves, has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
“Mangrove museums often incorporate outdoor trails or boardwalks that allow visitors to experience the calming effects of these ecosystems first-hand,” he added.
“Mangroves have significant cultural, social and economic impacts on local communities.
“Many mangrove museums collaborate with local communities to restore degraded mangrove forests and establish sustainable management practices.
“This community engagement fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the local environment.”
Mr Abu Idrees said mangroves also support the livelihoods of coastal communities by providing resources such as fish, shellfish, honey and wood.
“Museums can facilitate workshops on sustainable harvesting techniques and eco-friendly tourism initiatives that create income opportunities without compromising the ecosystem’s health,” he explained.
“Mangrove museums serve as centres for scientific research, public education and citizen science and by partnering with academic institutions, mangrove museums can conduct studies on ecosystem dynamics, climate change impacts and species conservation. They can also facilitate long-term ecological monitoring programmes.”
Mr Abu Idrees pointed out that exhibits and programmes aim to educate visitors of all ages about the role of mangroves in maintaining a balanced environment. “Hands-on learning opportunities, such as guided tours, workshops and school programmes, help foster environmental stewardship from a young age,” he added.
“Many mangrove museums involve the public in data collection activities, such as monitoring mangrove health, tracking wildlife and recording water quality.
“These programmes not only contribute to scientific research but also encourage public participation in conservation efforts.”
Mr Abu Idrees said the museum could bridge the gap between nature conservation, health and community development.
“By highlighting the critical functions of mangrove ecosystems, this museum helps foster a deeper understanding of environmental issues and empower individuals to take part in conservation efforts,” he said.
“Their multifaceted contributions to health, the environment and community make them indispensable resources in the global effort to protect coastal ecosystems and combat climate change.”
The council’s technical committee pointed out that the selected plot was privately owned. However, Mr Abu Idrees asked his colleagues to leave land ownership concerns, or additional site suggestions, to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak during his review.
The National Afforestation Plan aims to double the number of trees from 1.8 million to around 3.6m by 2035.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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