An inspiring journey of expatriates making waves in Bahrain’s growing beach cleanup movement
TDT | Manama
Email : ashentharaka@newsofbahrain.com
A growing community of expatriates are leading by dedicating their time and effort to creating a cleaner and greener environment in the kingdom.
Among them is Lord Darren R. Schneider, who reached out to The Daily Tribune through the “Clean Bahrain” social media campaign, sharing his inspiring journey with Bahrain Beachcombers, a group that has been transforming Bahrain’s shores since 2014.
Recently, the Ministry of Municipality and Agriculture recognized an expatriate couple for their heartfelt beach-cleaning efforts — a moment that went viral on social media and highlighted the impact of volunteerism in the kingdom.
Encouraged by this momentum, we invited expatriates to share their environmental activities with us. Here’s the story of Bahrain Beachcombers.
A small yet determined initiative quietly began in Bahrain, driven by one man’s desire to make a difference.
Lord Schneider, an Australian who has called Bahrain home for over 25 years, founded Bahrain Beachcombers, the island’s first beach community clean-up group.
What started with a handful of people has blossomed into a large, diverse community of passionate volunteers, including schools, corporates, military personnel, and local families — all united by a mission to protect Bahrain’s shores.
The First Steps
The spark for Bahrain Beachcombers was ignited during Schneider’s morning walks along Nurana Island.
“I noticed the sheer amount of rubbish washed up on the beach,” Schneider recalls. “I started taking a garbage bag with me each day, but it felt like fighting a losing battle. That’s when I realized I needed more hands to help.”
This realization led to the first community clean-up in 2014. Schneider reached out to friends, schools, and social groups, who eagerly joined the cause.
“My son’s school, the British School of Bahrain, approached me to get involved, and teachers I knew also wanted to help,” he explains. “The military joined through word of mouth. It was amazing to see how many people wanted to help once they knew how to contribute.”
A System That Works
Bahrain Beachcombers operates with a carefully designed system to ensure maximum efficiency during clean-ups.
The group meets monthly on a Friday or Saturday morning for two hours of focused cleaning.
Volunteers are guided on what to collect — mostly plastics — while avoiding organic materials, sharp objects, or anything that might tear garbage bags.
“The collected waste is always disposed of properly, and we emphasize consistency by revisiting sites for follow-ups,” Schneider says.
Memorable Moments and Milestones
Over the years, Bahrain Beachcombers has had its share of unforgettable experiences.
One particularly heartwarming moment was when a local Bahraini family joined the effort.
“They came with their children and even brought drinks for everyone,” Schneider shares. “Their regular presence became a highlight of our clean-ups.”
Another notable success was saving a sea turtle entangled in a fishing line.
“That was a good day,” he smiles. “But the most rewarding sight is always seeing the beach completely clean — it’s a reminder of the impact we’re making.”
Since 2014, Schneider has seen a significant shift in how environmental conservation is perceived in Bahrain.
“When we started, there was no one regularly organizing community clean-ups,” he reflects. “Now, more groups, clubs, and organizations have joined the environmental movement. Schools are actively including environmental awareness in their programs, and even the local government has been supportive."
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