Preserve geological heritage, urge experts

Manama : Public awareness and action is vital in protecting a country’s geological heritage, experts stressed, as they urged Bahrain’s residents to learn more about the Island’s geological sites.

Oman-based Geologists Husam Al Rawahi and Alan Heward are on a short visit to Bahrain to spread awareness on geology and to collaborate with experts in the field. 

They are part of a delegation of experts to participate in the 12th Middle East Geosciences Conference and Exhibition (GEO 2016) at Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre. At their pavilion at the event, they have been educating the public about what can be done to preserve a country’s geological heritage. 

Omani Geologist and Sedimentologist Husam Al Rawadi warned that the sites should not be taken for granted. “Preserving the geological heritage is a challenge, we need to protect the sites. Geology is something that extends from millions of years. If nobody is caring about it, it can break in one day or even half-a-day. That is why we need to take the effort to protect it,” he explained. “Lethargy in this matter comes out of ignorance. If people knew the weight of these sites in the scientific world, they would not disrespect them.”

“The Island of Bahrain has a significant history. One of the significances of Bahrain is that it is the first place that the oil was discovered in Arabia,” Alan Heward noted. 

“It set the scene for the discoveries in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE and Oman. There are a lot of historical significances to Bahrain. So preserving these geological heritage here is great for the historical value and teaching it,” he added.

Caption : Husam Al Rawahi