Botanical Atlas, Green Technology Lab, Newborn Alarm System shine as BIGS gains momentum

bahrain March 10, 2023

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Ashen Tharaka

Over 1,000 people walked into the Exhibition World yesterday to catch a glimpse of the Bahrain International Garden Show, which had on display several exciting techs and solutions.

The event, spans over 18,000 square meters, boasts 176 exhibitors showcasing their products, designs, technologies, and innovations.

Most of them told The Daily Tribune that they are excited about the new items and technology at BIGS. Lina Kreida, an artist from Belarus, shared her experience with The Daily Tribune and stated that she found inspiration from nature at the exhibition.

“I came with my family to the exhibition for the first time, and we really enjoyed it,” Kreida told The Daily Tribune. “As an artist, I draw inspiration from nature, and this exhibition puts me in my element!

“I’m glad that this event is here every year, and I will definitely put it on my calendar!”

Botanical Atlas

Grabbing attention yesterday at BIGS 2023 was a Botanical Atlas of Bahrain in 2022, which, the creators said, took over a year to complete.

The map, developed by the Geographic Information System directorate at the Information and eGovernment authority, shows the vegetation height in Bahrain under three main categories: Trees, Shrubs and Herbaceous.

The western part of Bahrain is fully green on the map. Fathi Al Burshaid, Chief of Spatial Information and Remote Sensing Information & eGovernment Authority, said this map would be available for public reference in near future.

The map includes various classifications of Bahrain's vegetation cover, such as agricultural crops, their areas, and locations.

Green Technology Lab

Another highlight yesterday was the green technology laboratory created by a team of eight Bahrain Polytechnic students.

The laboratory employs electronic equipment to provide comprehensive information about agricultural products. Team leader, Mohammed Husain, told The Daily Tribune: "This green tech lab can determine the water intake of plants and detect plant diseases at an early stage."

Newborn alarm system

A special booth from the Bahrain Deaf Society drew a large crowd, with people taking an interest in a unique newborn alarm system designed to alert deaf mothers through vibrations or lighting up. The system is programmed to alert deaf mothers by vibrating or lighting up.

The Bahrain Mobility International stall showcased organic broccoli sprouts and coffee made from roasted date seeds, both produced by members of the disabled community. , Ebrahim Hameed, the founder, said: "They worked very hard as a team to develop these things, and we had a lot of favourable feedback from the customers."

More for Green Bahrain

In an interview with the Daily Tribune, Raweya Al Mannaei, the technical advisor to the Minister of Municipality Affairs and Agriculture, expressed her commitment to introducing the latest green solutions in Bahrain. "We are keen to introduce the latest solutions for green Bahrain." She mentioned that preparations are underway to provide solutions for farming in desert areas, as well as address issues such as food security, water scarcity, and irrigation systems that use drain water.

180 exhibitors, 49,000 visitors

Last year, the show had 180 exhibitors from 25 countries and 49,000 visitors. This year, the show features a pavilion dedicated to Bahraini farmers and a children’s corner called “Khalasi Garden,” offering daily workshops and electronic games on water conservation.

The expo also welcomes participants from various countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, Russia, Greece, Japan, Italy, Turkey, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Morocco, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, and Syria.

Winners honoured

His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Isa bin Salman Educational Charitable Endowment, yesterday honoured the winners of the Bahrain Garden Club competition.

Jalila Sayed Mahdi received the Cup of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in the Residence Gardens category, and Dalal Sami won the Cup of His Majesty Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa in the category of flowers and vegetables.

Fawaz Hamdan won the Cup of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa in the professional photography category, Esmat Ahmed Abdulla in the Amateur Photography, and Erics Sony in the student category. Bethan Robinson received the Cup of Her Highness Shaikha Haya bint Mohammed Al Khalifa for the best presentation of rare and exotic