Dr Sabah Al-Jenaid, Academic Supervisor of the Academic Chair of His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at Arabian Gulf University (AGU), participated in a recent roundtable discussion on carbon removal, organised by Sustainability Forum Middle East in collaboration with the Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) and the Supreme Council for Environment.

During the event, Dr Al-Jenaid highlighted the university’s contributions to coastal ecosystem research and emphasised its expertise in blue carbon studies within the region. She presented research findings on coastal ecosystems such as salt marshes, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows, which are highly effective at capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide in a process known as "blue carbon sequestration."

Dr Al-Jenaid also discussed the objectives of a joint study conducted by AGU and DANAT, focusing on assessing the impacts of current and future climate change on pearl oyster beds and seagrasses, as well as estimating the carbon stored by these marine resources. She underscored the importance of scientific research and collaboration between universities, government bodies, and private sector entities to advance climate science and address climate change challenges in Bahrain and the wider Gulf region. She noted that the university's academic and research staff include specialists with over ten years of experience in these fields.

Furthermore, Dr Al-Jenaid explained how sustainable pearl fishing practices contribute to the health of marine ecosystems and biodiversity, highlighting the critical role of seagrass beds in carbon sequestration.

The roundtable series, themed "Oceans on the Front Lines" focused this year on "Decarbonisation and Harnessing Marine Ecosystems for Climate Action” highlighting key strategies within environmental and energy policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions to combat climate change.