To acknowledge World Wetlands Day on 2 February 2023 and its commitment to corporate social responsibility, OSRL recently volunteered to participate in a shoreline clean-up operation in the Bahrain Mangrove Forest. Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) organised the event in partnership with other oil and gas companies.
The Bahrain Mangrove Forest is a sensitive ecological resource that spans an area of at least 0.8 km2. It is home to various bird species, such as flamingoes, and is a popular tourist attraction for kayaking.
OSRL's responders joined the operation to clean up the shoreline without disturbing the habitat. They had to be careful not to harm the mangroves, scare the birds, or pose a threat to the animals, which meant that the team had to conduct the clean-up delicately. Adding to the challenge, the team also had to watch out for snakes spotted in the area by locals.
After completing the clean-up operation, the team gathered all the waste collected and transported it to a designated area for disposal. The team then visited the mangrove project with Bapco, discussing future clean-up plans to cover a wider area.
The team then conducted a Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Technique (SCAT) to evaluate the condition of the shoreline. They used the app and paper forms to gather data. They also discussed and assessed proper segmentation areas due to the various features of the mangrove forest.
The experience was an excellent refresher for the team, working together while keeping in mind the sensitivity of the environment.
