Importance of conserving mangroves highlighted

Manama : The Prince of Wales yesterday visited the Tubli Bay regeneration project in the Ras Sanad area, which hosts a mangrove forest. 

Prince Charles was briefed on the need to protect these mangroves, which provide appropriate habitat to migratory birds and the marine life.

He was accompanied by HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) as well as the Vice-President of SCE, HH Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Abdulla appreciated Prince Charles for his visit to the Ras Sanad Mangrove Forest, which has been recognised by the UN for its black mangrove (Aviccenia Marina). He remarked that the SCE was committed to protecting the mangrove forest, which was an important habitat for a range of migrating birds.

Shaikh Abdulla delivered a presentation to Prince Charles, during which he highlighted the forest’s important place in Bahrain’s marine environment. He also outlined the strategies in the pipeline to develop the forest, adding that these steps would help create a healthier and more vibrant ecosystem.

For his part, Shaikh Faisal noted the Prince’s keen interest in promoting environmental issues and habitat conservation. 

He emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to preserve its ecosystem and the country’s determination to implement policies up as per international standards, a key priority that will help preserve black mangroves and wildlife in Bahrain.    

The visit also included a presentation by the SCE’s Chief Executive, Dr Mohamed Mubarak Bin Daina, on the various elements of Bahrain’s marine environment. He went on to highlight the government’s eco initiatives, including the establishment of a mangrove nursery in Tubli.

Xan Morgan, the regional director of Bluewater Bio, a British company that is leading on the Tubli regeneration project, said, “Tubli has been a true win-win project. We have been able to deliver significant cost savings and potential revenue to the Bahraini government and help the Kingdom protect its environment and natural resources.”  

The visit included a mangrove planting ceremony in honour of the Prince of Wales and a display exhibition of wildlife photographs taken by Bahraini photographers. 

The Minister-in-Attendance, Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, and the Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs, and Urban Planning Essam Khalaf were also present.