April 2022 21 www.bahrainthismonth.com be extracted from the reservoirs to meet the growing demands for domestic, agricultural and industrial needs that will cause an increase in salinity due to the intrusion of more saline water from the sea. In recent decades, extensive coastal development has been carried out in the Arabian Gulf that has included excavations, restoration, shutdown projects, underwater piping facilities and extensive pollution. These are the main factors in the displacement of corals across the bay, which has had a devastating impact on the marine living environment. In recent years a questionnaire has been distributed among students of the National University of Bahrain. 85 percent of the population involved in the study were unaware of the serious water problems and thought that since Bahrain is an island, water should not be a problem. Although there are many challenges to Bahrain›s ocean and marine conservation, the immediate need is to create environmentalwater awareness and water-sustainability education which must be supported by the Kingdom. In order to reach sustainable solutions, the mass public needs to care first and foremost. Reef Arabia One of the highlights of the eco-trip to Bahrain was engaging marine biologists from Reef Arabia, who are constantly developing practical reduction and compensation solutions to deal with the severe impacts on the Gulf, with the task of planning, building and deploying artificial reefs. Reef Arabia has suggested that an artificial reef can do more than provide a utilitarian habitat for fish species. When properly designed, it blends in with the environment in a natural and aesthetic way. They combine their vast knowledge in the ecology of the Arabian Gulf with innovative methodologies for the production of concrete reefs, which integrate naturally and beautifully in the absorbing environment. Halel Engineer, director and manager of Reef Arabia, is also one the kingdom’s main consultants and leaders of ocean and marine conservation in Bahrain. Halel grew up with the Bahrain Ambassador to Israel, HH. Khaled Yousif al-Jalahma, who initially connected us. Meeting with Israeli Ambassador to Bahrain Eitan Na›eh and an official meeting at the Bahrain Supreme Council for Environment, I summarised my ecological journey across Bahrain with the challenge now to promote cooperation between the countries starting with the development and branding of the Kingdom›s environmental tourism which can serve as a local outdoor educational motivator, and to take part of the regional ecotourism infrastructure to increase international delegation visits. Such a development will drive more cooperation between Israel and Bahrain in the context of preserving the water environment and sustainability, with the hope to promote solutions for the preservation of water treasures connected to the heritage and identity of our people. Noam Bedein is a Photojournalist, Environmental-Arts Activist and International Speaker. He is also the Director & Founder of the NGO - The Dead Sea Revival Project. Bedein’s work has been recognised by; CNN, National Geographic, NASA and The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. interview
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