World's your oyster

BAHRAIN is set to splash out millions of dinars to re-establish its prominence as the world's 'island of pearls'.

Plans are in place to welcome thousands of visitors to its shores in a way reminiscent to the historic times it once enticed travellers and traders by the brilliance of its gems.

The Sector for Culture and National Heritage, which comes under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture and Information, has unveiled a BD15 million pearl plan to tell the world the story of Bahrain's rich pearling legacy.

The completed project will be submitted to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in February and the Pearl Pathway will be put forward to be recognised as a 'World Heritage Site'. The verdict on its nomination will be made in the summer of 2011.

Dr Britta Rudolff, counsellor for Heritage and UNESCO Affairs at the Ministry of Culture and Information, is the co-ordinator, accompanied by 12 permanent project members as well as a team of consultants, architects, archeologists, ministry officials as well as the families of the pearling community that once thrived on the island.

The kingdom already boasts one recognised world heritage landmark at Qal'at Al Bahrain in the Seef district which features the Bahrain Fort and a museum.

Dr Rudolff said: 'After it became a world heritage site in 2007, we were thinking of another site that would really reflect the identity of Bahrain. We chose pearling, with its rich history and tradition in Bahrain, as it was something that everybody could relate to.'

The project, entitled 'Pearling - Testimony of an Island Economy' will consist of three oyster beds and a pathway that begins at a natural seashore and takes in 17 historic houses in South Muharraq to depict, describe and recreate a lifestyle that was once the bread-and-butter of the island's economy before the discovery of oil.

Dr Rudolff said: 'We have identified the location and contacted the owners of properties.

'Some agreements have been signed and others are still under negotiation. Most of our energy is concentrated now on preparing a substantial and detailed document for UNESCO.'

AN archaeological excavation is on-going in Muharraq in the souq area to find further evidence of early pearling in the kingdom.

Several restoration teams from a variety of countries including Germany, France and Jordan will be arriving in the next few months to help analyse the historic relevance of the area and to work alongside Bahraini restoration companies and architects.

Dr Rudolff said: 'We believe it's a project that is very close to our heart so most of the people working on the project are based in Bahrain or are Bahraini.'

The project team is co-ordinating with 12 different ministries including the Ministry of Works which is assisting with road works along the pathway.

The Ministry of Interiors is helping with the seashore that falls on the coast guard territory, the Public Commission for the Protection of Wildlife, Marine and Environment is involved with the oyster beds, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs is responsible for the mosques along the pathway and the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs is developing zoning restrictions and architectural guidelines for the area.

The Bahrain Tourism Authority is assisting in preparing the visitor plan and presenting the project as an attraction for tourists while involving the local population.

And, the Economic Development Board is aiming to help integrate the project into Bahrain's national strategy and create new economical opportunities through it.

'One of the central aims for the project is also to generate revenue for the local population of Muharraq and make sure they benefit from this project,' said Dr Rudolff.

Dr Britta said: 'In terms of marketing, co-operating with the Bahrain Tourism Authority, we are trying to ensure natural pearls become internationally desirable again - especially in modern attractive jewellery.

'We are trying to involve renowned jewellers to see if they are interested in making a new range of collections that is based on Bahraini natural pearls.

'We have contacted some famous companies that have purchased Bahraini pearls in the past, such as Cartier.'

The project is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad and the official head is Shaikha Mai Al Khalifa, Minister of Information and Culture.