Bahrain is an island nation situated in the Persian Gulf, comprising an archipelago of Bahrain Island and about 30 smaller islands off the north shore of Asia’s Arabian Peninsula. Its capital and largest city, Manama, is located on the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island. Covering a total land area of approximately 786.5 km² (303.67 mi²), Bahrain is one of the smallest countries in the world. The country experiences a desert climate with mild winters and very hot summers, where average high temperatures in the summer months can reach up to 40°C (104 °F), accompanied by high humidity levels, especially along the coast. Rainfall is scarce, mostly occurring from December to April.

Bahrain’s topography is relatively flat, dominated by desert plains. The central part of Bahrain’s main island features a low-elevation escarpment, with Jabal ad Dukhan, the highest point in the country, rising to 134 meters (443 feet) above sea level. The northern part of Bahrain is the most fertile, supported by natural springs and artesian wells that enable agriculture. Bahrain’s strategic location in the Persian Gulf has historically made it an important trade hub. Today, it is renowned for its vibrant culture, economic prosperity, and status as a financial center in the Middle East.

	Score	Rank	Change
Total Score – NCI 2024	45.9	174	N/A
Land Management	34	174	N/A
Protected Areas (Terrestrial)	0	178	N/A
Ecological Representativeness of Terrestrial Protected Areas	50	97	N/A
Connectedness of Terrestrial Protected Areas	17	176	N/A
Protected Areas (Marine)	58	24	N/A
Pristine Habitat (Converted Land)	76	158	N/A
Sustainable Nitrogen Management (Soil Pollution)	2	172	N/A
Sustainable Pesticide Use
Threats to Biodiversity	59	122	N/A
Threatened Species (Terrestrial)	88	76	N/A
Threatened Species (Marine)	63	68	N/A
Threatened Species’ Coverage by Protected Areas	0	177	N/A
Species Coverage by Marine Protected Areas	97	44	N/A
Species with Declining Populations (Terrestrial)	41	35	N/A
Species with Declining Populations (Marine)	0	10	N/A
Depleted Fisheries
Fishery Pressure in the High Seas	100	9	N/A
Invasive Species Pressure	87	129	N/A
Capacity and Governance	62	100	N/A
Total Management Cost
Conservation Culturomics	38	116	N/A
Conservation Legislation	59	24	N/A
Ratification of CBD	100	1	N/A
Ratification of CITES	100	1	N/A
Political Stability and Absence of Violence	50	63	N/A
Control of Corruption	52	64	N/A
Government Effectiveness	62	43	N/A
Future Trends	28	156	N/A
Climate Change Mitigation	28	156	N/A

Four pillars elaborated:

Land Management

Bahrain has several protected areas dedicated to the conservation of its diverse wildlife. The Hawar Islands, located southeast of Ras El Bar, are a protected area covering 51.4 km² (32 mi²) and famous for their diverse marine life and coral reefs. Jubli Bay, covering 13.5 km² (8.39 mi²), is another significant protected area known for its migratory birds and critical habitat for various fish species. Established in 1976, Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve spans 1.2 km² (0.75 mi²) and is dedicated to conserving Bahrain’s native wildlife, including Arabian oryx, gazelles, and ostriches.

Threats to Biodiversity

Bahrain’s biodiversity faces multiple threats, including climate change, rising sea levels, and water scarcity. These threats are causing immense pressures on the country’s wildlife and ecosystems. The marine environment of Bahrain, with its oyster bed habitats that produce internationally renowned pearls, is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and ocean acidification. Rising sea levels and global temperatures pose significant risks to Bahrain’s coastal areas and marine life, leading to the loss of critical habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds. Water scarcity is a growing concern in Bahrain, with rapid urban expansion and increasing population demand leading to the depletion of aquifers and soil salinization. The agricultural sector’s traditional irrigation systems further exacerbate the strain on water resources.

Capacity and Governance

The Bahraini government has instituted diverse conservation measures aimed at preserving the nation’s biodiversity, including the formulation of a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. This comprehensive strategy targets the enhancement of livelihoods, safeguarding of ecosystems, and assurance of food security in a country marked by limited arable land. Emphasizing the restoration of marine resources and fish stocks to sustainable levels and shielding agricultural lands from encroaching urbanization, the plan addresses pressing concerns in Bahrain’s fast-evolving landscape.

A notable accomplishment in Bahrain’s conservation endeavors is the establishment of a Clearing House Mechanism for biodiversity, mandated by the Convention on Biological Diversity, making Bahrain the pioneer in the region. Through this initiative, the country has identified 20 previously undiscovered species within its borders, underscoring the significance of conservation efforts. In addition, Bahrain has synchronized its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and pertinent biodiversity conventions like Ramsar and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. This alignment ensures that Bahrain’s conservation endeavors contribute to global development objectives while promoting sustainable progress.

Future Trends

Formulated in 2016, Bahrain’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) delineates the nation’s aspirations for biodiversity preservation and sustainable practices. Its primary goal is to bolster the resilience of Bahrain’s four key ecosystems: marine and coastal, terrestrial, inland water, and agricultural. The NBSAP centers on five strategic objectives: integrating biodiversity into national and sectoral plans and policies; enhancing biodiversity status; maximizing the advantages of biodiversity and ecosystem services; fostering education and awareness; and fortifying institutional and human capabilities.

Biodiversity

Bahrain, an archipelago in the Persian Gulf, boasts diverse ecosystems that contribute to its rich biodiversity. The country’s marine environment is particularly significant, with its warm, shallow waters supporting extensive coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. These habitats are home to various marine life, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Notable marine species include the dugong, the green sea turtle, and the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. Bahrain’s waters are also a vital habitat for pearl oysters, reflecting the country’s historical association with pearl diving.

The terrestrial biodiversity of Bahrain is equally notable, albeit within the constraints of its arid climate. The country’s desert landscapes and coastal areas support a range of flora and fauna adapted to harsh conditions. Native plant species include various shrubs and grasses, providing essential cover and food for local wildlife. Key terrestrial species include the Arabian oryx, reintroduced into the wild, and the Arabian gazelle. Birdlife is abundant, with Bahrain serving as a critical stopover for migratory birds, making it an essential area for birdwatching. Flamingos, ospreys, and various waders can be observed in Bahrain’s coastal and wetland areas.

In the table below are the number of known species in several main groups, how many of these species are Threatened with extinction, and how many of them are Endemic (unique to Bahrain only):