Four agricultural villages in Bahrain have won global acclaim for their innovation, traditions and culture during a major conference in Rome.
Bahraini villages Hoorat A’ali, Buri, Karranah and Budaiya were acknowledged under the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Villages Recognition Initiative during the FAO World Conference recently.
Hoorat A’ali was recognised for science, innovation and digital villages; Buri for natural villages; Karranah for traditional food cultures, while Budaiya was highlighted for its agritourism experiences.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak said that the sector’s ongoing achievements under the reign of His Majesty King Hamad and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, are the result of continuous support from Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty and NIAD Advisory Council president.
The minister commended the active partnership between the ministry and NIAD, noting that the international recognition reflects the developmental and agricultural strengths of Bahraini villages.
He highlighted the role of villagers and farmers in preserving agricultural heritage, and demonstrates the adoption of sustainable practices that enhance national food security, support sustainable agricultural development and empower rural communities.
He said Bahrain’s villages were approved under the initiative after meeting all technical and procedural standards, including institutional and field evaluation, sustainable agricultural practices, natural resource preservation, community engagement and protection of agricultural heritage.
NIAD secretary-general Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa praised the recognition and stated that it reflects the diversity and excellence of Bahrain’s agricultural initiatives and sustainable practices.
She affirmed that this achievement reflects the qualitative advancement witnessed by the kingdom in the agricultural sector and highlights the success of national efforts to develop villages and enhance their sustainability in line with international best standards.
The Villages Recognition Initiative celebrates the vital role of rural villages in advancing sustainable agrifood systems, conserving biodiversity, preserving food traditions and local knowledge, and fostering inclusive rural transformation. It was developed under the Food and Agriculture Museum and Network (FAO MuNe) in December as part of the organisation’s 80th anniversary celebrations.
It aims to recognise villages that embody resilience, innovation and cultural heritage while highlighting their role in linking traditional knowledge with modern solutions, sustaining local agrifood systems, and preserving agricultural and food traditions.
Shaikha Maram underscored the importance of the partnership between NIAD and the ministry, which contributed to the villages receiving their recognitions.
“This partnership represents a model of institutional integration in implementing agricultural programmes and initiatives,” she said.
“It has led to the launch of numerous qualitative initiatives aimed at supporting farmers, developing agricultural infrastructure, enhancing sustainability, and adopting modern technologies, thereby increasing agricultural productivity and achieving sustainable agricultural development.
“This recognition is a testament to the development of agricultural villages in Bahrain and their success in adopting sustainable practices, preserving natural resources, safeguarding heritage and strengthening the role of local communities as key partners in achieving agricultural development.
“NIAD and the ministry will continue to implement programmes and projects that support and empower farmers, advance national efforts to achieve food security, and enhance Bahrain’s standing in sustainable agricultural development.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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