This project aims to strengthen the participation of local communities in the monitoring and conservation of dugongs around the Hawar Islands, Bahrain.
ARCWH has appointed local and international experts to survey the dugong population and seagrass distribution, and aims to build the capacity of local fishing communities to monitor and protect dugong and their habitat.
| Project Name | Enhancing the role of local communities in dugong and seagrass conservation |
| Implementing Agency | The Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage (ARC-WH) |
| Project Duration | January 2022 - May 2023 |
| Project Location | Hawar Islands, Kingdom of Bahrain |
| Total Implementation Cost | US$ 75,000 |
| CMS Dugong MOU Contribution | US$ 24,750 |
| Project Partners | Bahrain Authority of Culture and Antiquities Bahrain Directorate of Fisheries Supreme Council for Environment Bahrain Defense Force Southern Tourism Company Professional Fishermen Society (NGO) |
Located about 50 kilometers south of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Hawar Islands are are an archipelago of sixteen desert islands situated off the west coast of Qatar. The area boasts unique geographical and natural characteristics, combining to provide habitat to a significant number of avian and marine species.
The project will carry out the following activities:
- Assessing the status and productivity of seagrass meadows
- Identifying dugong important areas
- Evaluating the impacts of fishing activities on the dugong population
- Empowering local communities to participate in monitoring and mitigating the impacts of boating on dugongs
- Developing site-specific conservation guidelines for dugongs and seagrass meadows