GPIC organises beach clean up

The Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) organised a clean up of the beach area around the Bahrain Fort as part of its campaign to take care of and preserve the environment.

The campaign came in response to an annual initiative by the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), which seek to create awareness among the community and highlight the importance of recycling.

Such campaigns have earlier been held in Riyadh, Jeddah, Jubail, Kuwait, Doha, Sohar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai between February 7 and 11.

In a statement, GPIC President Dr. Abdulrahman Jawahery thanked GPCA Secretary General Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun for having thought of such events and said these have a direct impact on communities in the Gulf and offer an insight into what the industrial sector can do for the preservation of the environment. It also contributes to a volunteer spirit and provides an opportunity for employees to take part in meeting the needs of the community.

Dr. Jawahery said the campaign does not target a specific segment, but will benefit all sectors of society from beachgoers to tourists. He praised the efforts of the organising committee to raise and enhance the level of public awareness. He also praised such steps that meet the needs of society and to enables people to instil in themselves a sense of loyalty towards the community.

He said the GPIC management made sure to have qualified medical staff at hand to take care of any emergency.

Dr. Jawahery also spoke of the importance of providing clean beaches as well as the protection of marine organisms that are endangered by the dumping waste in coastal areas. He called upon the people to avoid harmful practices and not to throw waste that may harm the marine environment and natural components.

Dr. Jawahery also thanked the Manama Municipality Director General Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, for his guidance in employing all possible means, equipment and labour for the campaign’s success.

Sheikh Mohammed said the municipality is aware of the importance of the private sector’s participation in the government's efforts to preserve the environment and added the responsibility should be on all those in a position to take part in the environmental mission.

He praised the volunteer efforts and those of the GPIC staff, who, he said, are known for their social and humanitarian efforts. He said participation in the campaign affirmed encouraging children on the importance of volunteer work. He noted the efforts and contributions of the GPIC in such campaigns.

Shaikh Mohammed said such volunteer campaigns are consistent with official attitudes towards the marine environment and the cleanliness of the beaches. He said the Ministry of Municipalities and Urban Planning has stepped up awareness campaigns in a bid to bring back the original beauty of the Bahrain shoreline.

Shaikh Mohammed emphasised the company's commitment to active participation in community service efforts and take advantage of all available resources it has for the campaign to succeed.

The campaign was organised on February 9, with a large number of government and private school students taking part. The GPIC provided all the necessary expertise and equipment necessary to ensure the event’s success. This included gloves and plastic bags, sunscreen and hats. Drinking water and refreshments were also provided.

The initiative aims to promote an environmental culture in the community that highlights the importance of combating all forms of pollution, and to maintain the cleanliness of the beaches of the Arabian Gulf. The campaign is also aimed at activating a partnership between the company and civil society.