Bahrain ICZM and Marine Planning (National Planning and Development Strategy – NPDS)
What we helped with
Bahrain is the only “island” nation in the Gulf region. 80% of its territory is below mean low water and hence classified as “marine”. No planning regulations in “marine” space.
Local Bahraini coastal communities are losing access to the sea through new reclamation programmes
Bahraini fishing communities face an uncertain economic future. The Marine Spatial Plan shall seek to control offshore development and protect customary fishing rights
The unique pearl trade needs both cultural and environmental protection as part of the Marine Spatial Plan process.
Why Our Services were required
Bahrain has no formal planning approach to its coastal zone or marine waters;
Land reclamation continues at pace within the Kingdom with minimal enforcement of existing regulations
Marine environmental protection needs to be interlinked with sustainable economic development within the Kingdom.
Solutions
New coastal zone and marine planning framework (including plans) were produced for future adoption;
Advisory support provided in marine consenting for reclamation, financial cost recovery, environmental policy guidance and coastal development guidance;
Design of a stakeholder engagement strategy for future implementation.
Offshore breakwater “over-design” – Salient formation now 200m offshore.
Aquaculture ponds are incorporated into strategic wetland designs as part of the “Living Shorelines” approach
Hard coastal engineering still required for coastal cities such as Alexandria
Sand dune management strategies being implemented at Burullus and Baltim.
Why Our Services were required
Need to strengthen the regulatory framework and institutional capacity for ICZM;
Require expert advice on how to implement innovative and environmentally friendly “Living Shoreline” measures that facilitate/promote adaptation in the Nile Delta
Request to establish a monitoring and assessment framework and knowledge management systems on coastal adaptation.
Solutions
Pioneered the design and implementation of “soft” stabilisation methods in conjunction with “hard” stabilisation practices.
Contract support for procuring local expertise to construct and monitor innovative set of bank stabilisation and habitat restoration techniques.
Nauti Primary School pupils designed and made several models for the presentation.
The children had many innovative ideas for their future.
Staff and pupils from the local Special Educational Needs School presented their ideas in the form of models and sketches.
Students from form 7 showed a great understanding of how to overcome problems they will face in the future with careful design and planning.
Why Our Services were required
SSL were asked to organise, guide and facilitate the successful running of the climate change related “Future of Tuvalu” schools exhibition from pupils attending 3 local schools on Funafuti, Tuvalu (Nauti Primary School, Form 7 Secondary School and Funafuti Special Education Needs School ).
SSL staff facilitated the students by providing the pupils with various forms of medium to either design and make model’s or to plan and sketch their ideas to express their visions for ’ The Future of Tuvalu’ in light of a changing climate.
Some pupils chose to write and perform songs at the presentation given on the final day.
Take a look at our Tuvalu showcase project - Coastal adaptation – primary school outreach programmes within 3 Tuvaluan Atolls