Bahrain was yesterday urged to protect its precious water resources.

The country must reduce water consumption by enforcing stricter laws, holding awareness campaigns and creating a comprehensive national strategy, experts said at a key conference.

The event 'Water for Life' was held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre's Palm Hall on the sidelines of the Riffa Views Bahrain International Garden Show (RVBIGS).

It was attended by Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women.

The conference was held by the Economic Development Board (EDB) in co-operation with HSBC bank.

Economists and environmental experts, including EDB chief executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, HSBC Private Bank (UK) deputy chairman Lord Janvrin, HSBC Group corporate sustainability head and environment adviser Francis Sullivan, World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Global Freshwater Programme head Dr Tom Le Quesne and Arabian Gulf University deputy president Professor Waleed Al Zubari spoke at the conference.

Shaikh Mohammed highlighted Shaikha Sabeeka's support for BIGS, which provides the community awareness of Bahrain's experience in supporting agriculture and green zones.

He pointed out that the water problem is a global issue and Bahrain was no exception.

The country faces a shortage of rain, which is its main source of water.

This event, he said, will help create awareness and formulate strategies to overcome the problem.

There is a need for everyone in Bahrain to have a greater understanding of the environment and its resources to best assist in developing its economy in a sustainable way, said Shaikh Mohammed

"The EDB is involved in this annual show for the first time to help increase public awareness and social interactivity based on the principles of Economic Vision 2030," said Shaikh Mohammed.

"The vision launched by His Majesty King Hamad is based on three guiding principles: sustainability, competitiveness and fairness.

"The main objective of the plan is to sustain the rich natural resources of Bahrain so that they are enjoyed by future generations.

"The garden show provides a wonderful setting for the Vision to be shared with the community and to continue the process of transforming a concept into a reality.

Development

"Sustainability, both economically and environmentally, is crucial for our continued development and quality of life.

"If we use our resources wisely, we will help to achieve our goal of building a better life for every Bahraini," he said.

"With the population growth and the resulting increase in water consumption, there is huge pressure on the country's water supply," said Prof Al Zubari.

"Bahrain has excellent policies and regulations, but implementation does not seem to be very encouraging.

"We need legislation on this issue as well as new technologies to rehabilitate our underground water," he said.

"Water consumption, especially in the agriculture sector, is very high. Building awareness is the key to solving these issues," Prof Al Zubari said.

Lord Janvrin, in his address, said that water management is a major area of concern in Bahrain now and in the future.

"It is also a vital part of the environmental agenda which the bank is so committed to supporting," he said.

"The bank set out to reduce its own environmental impact including targets for energy, water, waste and carbon dioxide as early as 2004. "It was the first major bank in the world to go carbon neutral in 2006," he added. begena@gdn.com.bh