Productive Community Partnerships with Major Industries in Bahrain: An Economic Model for Sustainability and Local Development

During a recent visit to the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC), I was struck by the company’s dedication to nature, from green landscaping to wildlife protection; I even saw signs indicating the presence of a bird sanctuary! Additionally, the company actively engages in community projects focused on environmental sustainability.

Similarly, I have heard much about Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) and its initiatives to restore mangrove trees in Tubli Bay, clean coastlines, and support various local associations surrounding the facility.

These observations raised an important question: How can we create a sustainable community partnership between Bahrain’s industries, environment, and local communities? A partnership that integrates management, production, and innovation to achieve effective and lasting sustainability.

Such a three-pronged approach is essential for any country aiming to thrive, as industries enable self-sufficiency, boost exports, and contribute to the national treasury, ultimately improving citizens’ living standards and building a strong national reputation regionally and internationally. A prime example of this is Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA), whose quality advancements and global presence have achieved remarkable success.

From an environmental perspective, ensuring a healthy and robust “lung” for the country is vital. Expanding green spaces helps balance industrial emissions. While many factories work diligently to control their emissions, green areas can play a complementary role, reinforcing sustainability in a practical, lasting way.

As for the community, it is the essential driving force. With its human capital and dynamic participation, it is the conductor that harmonizes industry and environment. This article outlines a proposed initiative for a three-way relationship based on:

1. Sustainability
2. Effectiveness
3. Mutual support and shared benefits

The initiative seeks to foster a circular economy between industries, communities, and the environment through the following pillars:

1. Industry’s Relationship with the Community

Initially, this relationship should focus on local communities near major factories in Bahrain due to their proximity and the impact factories have or could have in the future. As primary stakeholders, these communities experience the first and most direct effects, and are thus included in what is called "Environmental Justice" or "Sacrifice Zones."

These zones often host industrial activities that may have gradual direct or indirect impacts, so priority is given to these communities in employment, healthcare, and, where needed, compensation. The objective is not to trade health for economic projects but rather to design mutually beneficial relationships, with factories committed to emission reduction. Bahrain’s latest achievements can be tracked on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI), where Bahrain scored 42 overall, ranking 90th among 180 countries. Bahrain performs well in solid waste management but faces challenges in air quality improvement, as noted in the report.

The EPI results indicate that while Bahrain has made progress in some environmental areas, opportunities remain for improvement in air quality and climate change policies, which could inspire further environmental enhancements for future sustainable development.

Source: EPI Bahrain 2024

Practical Solutions for Sustainable Projects between Industries and Surrounding Communities

Practical solutions benefiting both parties can promote a positive relationship between factories and communities in a win-win format. Examples include:

• Establishing supportive companies within local communities near factories to manage industrial waste, provide some essential supplies, and create economic sustainability between both entities. This establishment would be guided by three main aspects:

1. Financing - Factories would contribute the most significant share of funding, treating the new company as a subsidiary. After a time, local investors from surrounding areas could purchase shares, fostering financial partnerships between the factory and local investors.

2. Training and skill development - Working collaboratively with Tamkeen, factories could allocate budgets to train locals to operate this subsidiary, covering industrial waste recycling and supply chain support. This company could eventually expand its services locally and regionally.

3. Company operations - The company would operate on two main tracks:

• Waste Recycling
• Supply Chain Management (procuring necessary industrial materials and supplies for the factory)

Initially, these materials may be imported, but with a knowledge transfer strategy, the company could become self-sufficient, reducing factory expenses in the medium term.

2. Industry’s Relationship with the Environment

Expanding on the environmental initiatives of GPIC and Bapco, it would be beneficial for other factories to adopt similar green practices customized to their needs and available space. Potential actions include expanding green spaces within open areas on factory grounds. In cases of factory expansion, these green zones could be relocated either within the factory or nearby, allowing continuous, sustainable use of existing vegetation.

Other initiatives could incorporate modern technologies for air filtration and monitoring factory emissions, keeping up-to-date with technological advances. This includes phased production adjustments to mitigate environmental impact while adopting new methods to ensure sustainable growth.

3. Community’s Relationship with the Environment

A newly established joint company could help green the area between factories and communities, effectively filtering emissions and providing additional revenue streams through plant sales. For instance, using greywater for irrigation, the company could grow decorative plants, cacti, and hardy species like lavender that are suitable for Bahrain’s climate.

Greywater from factories and nearby communities could irrigate these plants, benefiting community health and environmental quality.

Results of a Balanced Industry-Community-Environment Partnership

This model of cooperation between factories, communities, and the environment would achieve the following:

1. Environmental Justice Improve living conditions in communities near major factories through comprehensive initiatives that create job opportunities, provide healthcare, and ensure effective measures to reduce environmental impact.
2. Sustainable Circular Economy Promote a circular economy through the joint company’s work in industrial waste recycling and essential materials provision, reducing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. Practical examples include:

• Manufacturing rubber-based flooring and sports surfaces, providing a flexible and durable material for gym floors and sports complexes.
• Production of playground surfaces, using shredded rubber for child-friendly, shock-absorbing grounds.
• Insulation materials, including rubberized asphalt for improved road durability.
• Noise insulation solutions, transforming rubber into materials that reduce sound transmission in walls and floors.
• Creating versatile products such as soles for shoes, mats, and other household items, adding value to otherwise discarded rubber waste.
• 3. Improving Air Quality and the Environment Increasing green cover within and around factories will enhance air quality and reduce emissions.
• 4. Local Skills Development With training partnerships between factories and Tamkeen, local communities will gain competencies in waste management and circular economy practices.
• 5. Encouraging Innovation Focusing on waste management and recycling opens doors to innovative local production opportunities.
• 6. Developing Agricultural Projects Utilizing greywater for plant irrigation can create a local market for ornamental plants.
• 7. Raising Environmental Awareness Tours and field visits to the factories and joint company would showcase the tangible benefits of environmental efforts and community collaboration.
• 8. Strong Partnership Between the Three Parties This collaborative relationship between Bahrain’s major industries, nearby communities, and the environment will generate shared economic, environmental, and social benefits.
• 9. Enhancing Factory Reputation Through these mutual benefit initiatives, factories will gain community and client trust, exemplifying a commitment to ethical practices.

For instance, Patagonia, renowned for environmental sustainability and social responsibility, has become a symbol of ethical business success in the United States. More on Patagonia's model can be found here:

• Patagonia Website
• Forbes on Patagonia

Conclusion

The concept of community partnerships between Bahrain’s major factories and surrounding communities is not merely an economic project but a step toward creating a conscious, sustainable society. From resource utilization and waste recycling to training local human resources and environmental care, this relationship mutually benefits industries, communities, and the environment.

Regional experiences, such as Al Dahra International Development and Investment Company in Oman, serve as examples of how this model can succeed. This partnership shifts from a reliance-based economy to a production-based economy and can serve as a leading model for balancing industrial development with environmental sustainability and community responsibility, paving the way for a productive, sustainable future.