Safaniya Lagoon Corporate Stewardship Biodiversity Sanctuary

Abstract

Among the many goals of environmental management in Saudi Aramco, protection of special environmental areas is recognized as high priority to both the company and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In line with this objective, Safaniya Onshore Producing Department (SONPD) designated Safaniya area sea water lagoon as Corporate Stewardship Biodiversity Area. The area is estimated to be 6 km2 peninsula, which is located in the north east of the Safaniya Producing Plant, where undisturbed native flora combines with a pristine shallow sea water lagoon, and provide a safe place for land wildlife (foxes, rodents, reptiles), marine wildlife (turtles, shrimps, fish, mollusks) and birds (flamingos, seagulls, etc.). Establishment of the Safaniya Lagoon started with surveying Safaniya and Tanajib Area, in collaboration with Saudi Aramco Environmental Protection Department (EPD) to select the most suitable region for biodiversity development. An establishment procedure was followed to secure the area with fences to limit the accessibility and prevent improper usage. A signboard was installed to identify the area as a sanctuary, forbidding entrance or any type of land use. Site development included mangrove plantation, already existing trash clean-up, and observation any type of waste dumped in the area, to ensure no contamination or danger to the habitat in the lagoon. The department successfully cooperated with Saudi Aramco EPD to plant more than 9,000 mangrove seedlings at the first two years of development. SONPD in collaboration with Society of Advocates and Volunteers for the Environment (S.A.V.E) invited employees with their respected family members to participate in a biodiversity beach clean-up campaign. The campaign helped collect more than 300 kg of waste, consisting of plastic bottles, old ropes, wood, and other waste materials. SONPD, along with its partners and programs, has now established the Safaniya Lagoon ecological and biological diversity sanctuary as a permanent refuge, with in-place protection and future mangrove planting events planned, the area is expected to expand in biodiversity with native flora and fauna, and expand a natural breeding and hatchery. During the winter season, migratory birds — such as flamingos and Amur Falcons, with flyways that pass over Safaniya Lagoon — are seeking warm weather and abundant food supplies. Creation of biodiversity is just the beginning of further area development. The next phase of sanctuary enhancement will be reutilization of tertiary treated wastewater for trees, which will form a wind barrier for mangroves.