Monday, July 14, 2003

BAHRAIN'S ornithologists and environmentalists had much to cheer this week with the discovery of the first-ever recorded hatching of a Western Reef Heron Egretta Gularis chick on the main island of Bahrain.

The hatching was discovered in the recently established bird sanctuary on the grounds of the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC).

The nest is built on a frond of a tall date palm tree. No breeding record for reef heron was reported before on the main island of Bahrain, however it is well known that around 300 to 400 pairs breed regularly during summer on the halophyte bushes of the small islands of Hawar particularly on the two Rubud islands.

"We believe that this is the first time that nesting and hatching has been captured on tape," said GPIC General Manager Dr Mustafa Al Sayed. "Even more unusual is the fact that this "international" bird has chosen to nest and nurture its young in the heart of an indigenous palm tree."

Dr Saeed Abdullah of Environmental Consultation and Ecotourism said this important ornithological event indicated the success of conservation measures taken by the team at GPIC headed by Dr Mustafa Al Sayed and Abdul Rahman Jawahery.

"The distinguished environmental program which was conducted by GPIC is a good example of a sustainable development practice and shows that industry and environment can always live together, "Dr Saeed Said, "It is a model for corporations, large and small, on how they too can help to sustain Bahrain's precious ecological balance."

The Bird Sanctuary at the company complex was established in 2002 and includes the whole southern coastal area. Many coastal birds, including the greater flamingo, visit the area. Waders and herons can be seen regularly feeding around the sanctuary. Two small islands were established as part of the sanctuary and different types of trees were planted to encourage birds to breed or retreat.

Herons, bitterns and egrets can be small to very large wading birds and  generally have long bills, necks and legs, flying with retracted necks. All have feet with long digits and many have long permanent plumes on the crown.

The Western Reef Heron has distinctive yellow eyes and feet with dark legs and plumage.

"Despite its small size, Bahrain is known for the diversity of its natural habitat, flora and fauna. As elsewhere in the world, wildlife is under pressure from development and other human activities." Said Dr. Al Sayed, "The GPIC complex is situated on the coast and many marine birds and waders are attracted to the immediate coastline. We felt that as part of our contribution for the conservation of the wildlife and its natural habitat of Bahrain, we should preserve this area and so, declared the southern coastal strip of the company premises a bird sanctuary in 2002."

This area is frequented by both resident and migrant birds and in order to attract more species, two small islands were constructed offshore and reeds and mangroves were planted in the area. According to Dr Al Sayed, the project cost was minimal since the material used, such as sand; rocks, etc. were already available at GPIC and company employees voluntarily carried out the planting of trees and construction of the islands.

Dr. Al Sayed said the company had undertaken a series of environmental initiatives alongside its cleaner production strategy and minimizing of emissions and other wastes. These include the charity fish farm, the charity garden and the bird sanctuary. The company has received the highest recognition from ROSPA, UK (International Sector Award) for safety management, the Shaikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Arab Management and the Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa Award for excellence in the major industrial sector, for its outstanding performance.

"The bird sanctuary is the culmination of 10 years of concentrated efforts to keep the area around GPIC clean, well-nourished and safe for birds to use as a habitat." Said Dr Al Sayed. "In the long run, it means that the shores of Bahrain can be revived to a healthy state with a thriving food chain, fauna and flora and lots of beautiful birds and sea creatures."

-Ends-

© Press Release 2005