HRH The Prince of Wales visits Tubli Bay project

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales today visited the Tubli Bay regeneration project in the Ras Sanad area of Bahrain.

HRH The Prince of Wales was accompanied by His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Personal Representative of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) and the Vice president of SCE, His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa.

His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa welcomed the visit of HRH The Prince of Wales to Bahrain, noting that, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad and Her Majesty the Queen of England and Northern Ireland, Bahrain-UK ties continued to develop across a broad range of sectors in line with shared interests and the strategic goal of prosperity.

His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa extended his appreciation to HRH The Prince of Wales for his visit to the Ras Sanad Mangrove Forest, which has been recognised by the UN for its black mangrove (Aviccenia Marina). His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa remarked that the Supreme Council for Environment was committed to protecting and developing the Mangrove forest, which was an important habitat for a range of migrating birds.

His Highness Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa delivered a presentation to HRH The Crown Prince of Wales, during which he highlighted the forest’s important place in Bahrain’s marine environment. His Highness also outlined the strategies currently in the pipeline to further develop the forest, adding that these steps would help Bahrain create a healthier and more vibrant ecosystem.

For his part, His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa welcomed HRH The Prince of Wales visit, noting The Prince’s keen interest in promoting environmental issues and habitat conservation. His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa went on to emphasise Bahrain’s commitment to preserving its ecosystem and the country’s determination to implement policies up to the highest international standards.

His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa emphasized SCE’s commitment to furthering collaboration with the UN on the protection of ecosystems, a key priority that will help preserve black mangroves and wildlife in Bahrain. 

The visit also included a presentation by the SCE’s Chief Executive, Dr Mohamed Mubarak Bin Daina, on the various elements of Bahrain's marine environment.

The Chief Executive went on to highlight the government’s ongoing efforts to further develop mangrove plants and other eco initiatives, including the establishment of a mangrove nursery in Tubli.

The Chief Executive concluded by highlighting that the Council is working hard to ensure that key objectives of sustainable development are met in full, and noted the Council’s commitment to protecting the environment.

Mr. Xan Morgan, the regional director of Bluewater Bio, a British company that is leading on the Tubli project, said, “Tubli has been a true win-win project, we have been able to deliver significant cost savings and potential revenue to the Government of Bahrain and help the Kingdom of Bahrain to protect its environment and natural resources. At the same time, it has opened the door for Bluewater Bio in the Middle East and we have benefited from the highly skilled local labour. We look forward to a continued long term successful partnership.” 

The visit included a mangrove planting ceremony in honour of HRH The Prince of Wales and a display exhibition of wildlife photographs taken by Bahraini photographers. 

The Minister-in-attendace His Excellency the Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and the Minister of Works, Municipalities Affairs, and Urban Planning, His Excellency Essam bin Abdullah Khalaf were in attendance. 

The Tubli plant is using HYBACS wastewater treatment technology deployed by Bluewater Bio (a British company) to help increase treatment capacity, improve water quality, and limit overflow into Tubli Bay.

The award winning project earned the Kingdom of Bahrain global recognition in clean technology and as regional pioneers in water treatment, with other GCC countries now following their leadership. 

Bluewater Bio is an award-winning global specialist in proprietary technologies for cost-efficient, environmentally friendly water and wastewater treatment. Bluewater Bio works closely with the UK.Government and the Department for International Trade.

Bluewater Bio’s HYBACS wastewater treatment technology has particular emphasis on improving the Kingdom of Bahrain’s environment and reducing, CAPEX, OPEX, energy usage, carbon, chemical consumption and physical footprint at Tubli sewage treatment plant.