Cover Image Credit: Neena Sam
Mangroves have been long lauded for the intrinsic value they play in the safekeeping and protection of the environment. Worldwide, mangroves are considered assets as they help with various activities such as stabilizing coastal areas and shorelines, reducing soil erosion, protecting the water quality, protecting from flooding, and provision of safe habitats for several rare species of plants and animals, among many other benefits. However, in Bahrain, there seems to be a dip in the understanding of the importance of preserving and growing the mangroves we do have in the country. Of specific concern is the mangrove station at Sanad.
An initiative was taken by the Supreme Council of Environment (SCE) to protect and preserve the mangrove in Sanad; or rather the "potential" mangroves that could have been in the area. A visit to the area would show the poor conditions maintained, and would amply show the lack of proper actions taken in the implementation of the initiative. I believe that the last this area has seen in terms of tending was probably when the whole operation was set up. Below are some pictures that have been taken in the area.
The conditions surrounding the mangrove site in Sanad are quite disappointing. Not only are the saplings not taken care of, but the enclosure they have been kept in is also run down, has plastic waste strewn across and inside the enclosure, etc. The area could be a treasure trove for protecting rare species of flora and fauna, but the blatant disregard for the environmental conditions in the area makes one think that there is no hope. Bahrain could take a lot of steps and actions like the UAE government in relation to mangroves.
For example, the Khor Kalba Mangrove Center in the UAE is a spectacular effort by the government to protect mangroves and several rare species of plants and animals. The area focuses on sustainable and holistic development and protection, which frankly puts the SCE to shame. Bahrain has the immense capacity and potential to turn its mangrove sites into something akin to the Khor Kalba Centre. In fact, it should be a partnership between public and private stakeholders, as well as the citizens to take concrete actions that would protect the endangered areas of the country.
I hope the above article would serve as a call of action towards the SCE and that together we could work on integrated solutions to propagate the ideologies of sustainable and holistic development that would benefit the neighboring communities, the country, and the larger global system.
