Trees in Bahrain could be microchipped and categorised as part of a national database, to elevate the kingdom’s natural and agricultural environment and resources.A proposal unanimously approved by the Northern Municipal Council yesterday also aims to identify and preserve perennial trees – that live for several years.For the purpose a joint task force will be set up, comprising members from the municipalities, Capital Trustees Authority, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) and the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE).Council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee chairwoman Zaina Jassim, who is spearheading the proposal, said the exercise will provide a comprehensive database which will hep in the proper preservation and transportation of trees.“A team must be set up to conduct a comprehensive electronic field study to identify all the trees in Bahrain,” she said during the council’s weekly meeting.
“This can then be followed by coding the various locations and species of trees as well as adding special plaques for those who donated the plants or trees as an incentive to enhance community partnership.“A team should also be designated to regularly monitor the trees on the database to ensure they aren’t removed or damaged.”Ms Jassim said GPS technology could be used to pin-point accurate locations while connecting the database to the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry’s system.It was also imperative to connect the database to the construction licensing system to ensure that expansion in agricultural areas is conducted in an environmentally safe manner that preserves the trees for transportation to another location.
“Perennial trees are an integral part of Bahrain’s history and creating this digital database will contribute to the safe transportation of trees if urban expansion falls within an agricultural area.“The system must also be developed in a way that prevents the cutting or removal of trees – even on private property – without official approval.“It will also aid in preserving endangered trees from mass-chopping, neglect and misuse and impose fines for violations as they will all be digitally chipped and identified.”A special committee will also be appointed with representatives from authorities concerned and environmentalists to create a comprehensive strategy which includes preservation, transportation, identification and regulations.Meanwhile, council’s services committee chairman Faisal Shabeeb stressed the importance of also focusing on trees with medicinal properties in order to create a safe agricultural environment as well as enhance sources of natural treatment.
“This is a critical proposal as it will preserve the value of agricultural diversity in Bahrain,” said councillor Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaei, who is also an environmental expert.“Rare trees are those that have a significant impact on the environment – which we have in Bahrain – and they need special preservation techniques such as the mangroves.”The proposal will now be referred to Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf for review.Last month, a new law on protection of different plant varieties in the country was ratified by His Majesty King Hamad to serve as a database to help researchers understand plants that grow easily in Bahrain whilst also assisting in drawing up food security strategies.reem@gdn.com.bh
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