Mangrove reforestation project on way to bolster coastal ecosystem

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain is gearing up to fortify its coastal ecosystem and champion environmental sustainability through an ambitious mangrove reforestation endeavour.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Affairs, and Urban Planning, this initiative seeks to breathe new life into coastal areas across the kingdom by planting mangrove trees sourced from the ministry’s Tubli nursery.

Here’s a breakdown of the project’s key components: Transporting mangrove saplings from the nursery to various coastal sites, ensuring meticulous planning and execution.

This comprehensive process will entail providing essential tools, boats for seamless transportation, and skilled manpower to facilitate the safe and efficient transfer of the trees.

Upon reaching designated planting locations, each mangrove sapling will undergo careful planting by skilled personnel.

Every tree will be meticulously tagged for identification, enabling effective monitoring and maintenance in the future.

Additionally, the planting sites will undergo rigorous clearing to eliminate debris, invasive species, and pollutants, fostering an optimal environment for mangrove growth.

Before being transplanted into the sea, the mangrove saplings will undergo a crucial acclimatisation phase lasting at least two months.

During this period, the trees will be irrigated exclusively with seawater, allowing them to adapt to their marine habitat before being introduced into the sea.

Special attention will be given to removing LD black bags from the trees to safeguard their roots. Interested parties are invited to submit their bids before the 26th of this month, accompanied by a BD2,500 bond valid for 180 days. The successful bidder will secure a 3-year contract.