The case study details a project in Bahrain, where cultural heritage preservation was combined with economic diversification to boost tourism, create jobs, and foster community development through sustainable urban regeneration.
The "Pearling Trail" project in Muharraq was developed as part of an effort to diversify Bahrain's economy. The initiative aimed to revive the island's cultural heritage, particularly its pearling history, by restoring and conserving historic structures and creating new cultural and urban spaces. The project not only preserved Bahrain's prestigious natural and cultural value but also helped to stimulate economic growth through tourism, creating new employment opportunities and promoting community development.
Moreover, the Pearling Trail project highlights the importance of integrating culture into urban planning and using Public-Private Partnerships to support urban regeneration. The initiative successfully combined efforts to protect biodiversity, conserve cultural heritage, and enhance economic benefits by attracting tourists and fostering community engagement.
Guiding principle #7 Enhancing Economic Benefits, from the International Good Practice Principles for Sustainable Infrastructure.