King Hamad visits Houbara Conservation project

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa has today visited the site of the Houbara Conservation project in the Southern Governorate.
He was received on arrival at the location of the conservation scheme by Personal Representative, President of the Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE) His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al-Khalifa.
HM the King had ordered the launch of the project in a bid to provide breeding habitats for Houbara birds (Chlamydotis undulata) in the Southern Governorate and protect them from overhunting and poaching.
The royal initiative which is put under the supervision of HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al-Khalifa is part of efforts to safeguard the wildlife and achieve sustainable development.
The SCE President briefed HM the King on efforts to provide breeding habitats and develop the Houbara bustard populations through reproduction and bird-mating.
He gave an update on the SCE-led programmes and activities to conserve the wildlife and protect the environment in the Southern Governorate.
HM the King then toured the southern region, directing the council to protect the environment. He also hailed the services which are provided by the Southern Governorate for citizens as the camping season got underway.
He commended the SCE President and members for their efforts to develop Houbara conservation project, describing this species as being an integral part of Bahrain’s deep-rooted heritage.
HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al-Khalifa paid tribute to HM the King, hailing his visit to the southern region and directives to ensure the success of the Houbara conservation project.
He extended thanks to the National Guard led by Commandant Lieutenant-General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al-Khalifa for their efforts to protect the areas which were demarcated for the Houbara Conservation project.
He thanked "Al-Saqqara" villagers for their cooperation and compliance with the SCE directives to protect the species of birds which developed their breeding habitats in Bahrain.
He also commended the officials in charge of the International Fund for Houbara Conservation in the UAE for their support, thanking the team overviewing the project in Bahrain.