Bahrain going 'green'

THREE Bahraini teenagers have inspired a multinational giant to invest in a major environmental campaign which aims to clean-up the island with support from the community.

Bosses at Coca Cola were so impressed by Durra Al Ali, Zain Marhoon and Sara Seyadi they have even offered to fly them home from their university studies in the UK for a special celebration and presentation.

Zain, 18, from Umm Al Hassam, who is studying accounting and finance, said: "I am flattered. It's nice and I am glad we have made a difference. That was the point actually - to bring awareness to people but I really didn't think it would go this far."

Last August they rallied more than 80 friends to tidy up Al Jazair beach and their actions prompted GulfWeekly to launch a 'Clean Up The Beaches' campaign.

After reading our front page comment executives at Coca Cola contacted event management consultants, Eventscom, to become major sponsors of its annual Environmental Treasure Hunt event with the theme of 'Greener Bahrain'.

"We were so inspired by the girls' efforts that we wasted no time in planning an environmental project," said Amer Ahmed, public affairs and communication manager, The Coca Cola Export Corporation.

"Bahrain is a small island and it is very sad that people cannot fully enjoy the beaches."

Back home on holiday from the UK where they are all attending university, the girls told GulfWeekly that they hope to arrange another clean-up initiative when they return during the summer months.

Durra, 17, from Muharraq, a law student, said: "Our environment is very important and many people agree with us. I am really glad that Coca Cola is taking this initiative."

Now called 'The Coca Cola Environmental Treasure Hunt' - it will in fact be the largest of five annual events organised by Eventscom, in co-ordination with the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife.

"Through the Treasure Hunt, we aim to raise awareness of the people in Bahrain about environmental problems such as beach pollution, water shortages, pollution, reclamation of land and its effect on marine life and desertification," said Mr Ahmed.

"Bahrainis are anxious and aware of the problems. We are willing to work with the government and the people on issues like this - just like how the girls began. They have done a wonderful thing."

Sara, 18, from Zinj, who is studying business, said: "I am very honoured and really happy that we have inspired people to care about the country and its pollution problems.

"We are trying to set a good example."

Mr Ahmed mentioned that for the success of the event it was important to have everyone's involvement - the government, local authorities, charities, agencies, small and big corporate companies, schools, universities as well as caring individuals.

He added: "We have the expertise but cannot work alone and that's where we need everyone's help. We don't want to inject our resources into a non-sustainable project."

The US-based soft drinks company has an impressive track record of supporting successful environmental campaigns across the world.

Executives are hoping to make the final day of the Bahrain initiative a major ceremony by celebrating the girls' positive actions and hard work.

Mr Ahmed added: "They are the real heroes of this country and need to be rewarded. They did it because they really care."

Every week until the early summer treasure there will be activities for everyone from children to the elderly. It will consist of workshops, seminars, exhibitions, educational camps, beach clean-ups and tree plantations. Forty teams with four members each will be formed with each being given a task to complete.

The last of the activities will include a question-answer session related to environment and gifts and incentives will be given to the teams.

Zakariya Khonji, the commission's public relations and environment media head, stressed the importance of continuing to educate people living in Bahrain about environmental matters.

He said: "Five thousand years ago Bahrain was an amazing oasis with more than 1.5 million palm trees in the midst of an extraordinarily dry environment, making it a marvel! Let's try to make Bahrain 'The Island of a million palm trees' once again!"