VOLUNTEER divers have resumed a nation-wide cleaning campaign which was halted for more than 18 months due to the global coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
The Bahrain Diving Volunteer Team Authority (BDVT) is taking on the second edition of ‘Our Seas Are Clean’ campaign following the success of the first edition in 2019 that witnessed the collection of more than 30 tonnes of waste from 12 ports and jetties across Bahrain.
A total of 55 volunteer divers are taking part in this campaign – which continues until October 23 – with hopes of increasing collaboration, participation and awareness.
It is being held under the patronage of the Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE) and aims to create a real community partnership and double efforts to preserve the marine environment.
“The campaign is based on the authority’s vision to evolve and invest in youth and their power and talent in order to enhance cultural awareness in diving sports and the protection of the marine environment,” said BDVT PR and media head Zahra Ahmed.
“It is held in collaboration with a number of local institutions and personalities active in the environmental field to create real community partnership to preserve the marine environment.
“The marine environment is critical due to its close relationship to public health, food security and economic development as well as representing the social and cultural heritage of Bahrain.
“We don’t want to see anymore waste in our beautiful marine environment”.
She added that the campaign aims to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals along with the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 through community partnership and collective national action.
Ms Ahmed also revealed that all the sites picked for this edition have been previously visited and inspected by the team and were chosen based on the amount of waste there.
Waste picked up included fishing nets, plastic items, tyres and metal cans among other items.
The GDN previously reported that more than 400 volunteers took part in the 2019 campaign, which was also supported by the Marine Monitoring Directorate, the SCE and the UN Environment Programme along with other organisations.
The cleaning operations took place at Jarada Island yesterday, and will continue at Hayr Shtaya on September 18 and Najwat Bulthama on September 25.
Next month’s operations begin on October 2 at Bosh Islands, Alboom Wreck on October 9, the Southern Islands, Mashtan Island, Shaikh Ebrahim Island and Um Jaileed Island on October 16, and will conclude on the Islands of Hawar, Roboth and Ajaira on October 23.
reem@gdn.com.bh
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