By the year 1996, the unique underwater world of the seas surrounding
Arabia will be preserved forever – on film. The Arabian Seas Expedition
(ASE) has set sail to produce a series of thirteen documentary
films highlighting the untamed beauty of a priceless part of the
region’s natural heritage. The ambitious plan is to film marine
life in eight Middle Eastern countries, including Oman, Saudi
Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iran, Jordan
and Yemen.
Think Blue
The aftermath of the Gulf War in 1991 attracted conservation organizations
to the Middle East, like bees to the honey pot. The buzz at the
time was that this was the world’s worst ecological disaster.
It may well have been, but many marine and coastal habitats have
recovered remarkably well (see Vol.1, No.1). There can be no doubt
however, that since the war, conservation objectives in the Gulf
have been given a higher priority. Jonathan Ali Khan, Production
Manager of ASE, intends to make this last and to add an Arabian
voice of concern to the global environmental “green” movement.
The message this time, however, is “Think Blue”. ASE, primarily
through its film productions, is asking Arabia to turn its attention
to the marine environment.
Into The Deep Blue
Funded entirely through sponsorship and endorsed by the Regional
Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME),
the ASE team of international and Arab film crew, scientists and
divers began work in the Sultanate of Oman in May 1993. As with
most projects of this kind, initial lack of financial commitment
from potential sponsors meant starting in the deep end. However,
with a seemingly unlimited variety of marine life from which to
choose, Oman’s natural resources have made life at least a little
easier. Filming in Oman aims to celebrate the abundance and beauty
of the marine environment whilst focusing on important conservation
issues and needs affecting characteristic features of Oman’s seas
and coast.
Contractual agreements with international satellite networks such
as Star TV, and free-of-charge regional distribution of all film
material, will ensure that over 45 million viewers will enjoy
a visual exploration through aquamarine seas studded with the
vibrant colours of coral reefs. From breaching whales and dolphins
that dance, to nesting turtles and tangled thickets of mangrove
forest, within each film lies a complex interwoven theme of marine
science, cultural tradition, modernisation and conservation. ASE,
however, is more than just filming, more than the exploration
of some of the most remote corners of the world.
Deeper Meaning
Active involvement of private sector businesses, local and international,
through sponsorship opportunities, slowly but surely draws the
environmental issues in question into the path of everyday economic
life, in a sense privatising the marine environment. With a monetary
value attached and public opinion at stake, protection of the
environment quickly becomes a higher priority. With considerable
promotional opportunities, sponsors are encouraged to actively
participate in ASE’s activities and receive full benefits from
the project.
Government involvement within ASE is at a ministerial level. In
Oman, direct financial support and continued participation from
the Directorate General of Tourism (Ministry of Commerce and Industry)
is an indication of the forward looking approach adopted by officials
under a new Under-secretary in this Directorate, intent on promoting
a healthy, but well balanced and controlled industry. For example,
ASE are assisting with the development of “ecotourism”; elite
groups of tourists enjoying Oman’s natural wonders, such as underwater
safaris, bird, turtle and whale watching trips, even mountain
hikes and desert camel rides. Some of this may seem a long way
from the sea for a project like ASE, but suitably illustrates
its deeper objectives.
On occasion, Ministry officials are drawn into action as the ASE
team capture dramatic scenes on film, that could provoke unwanted
international concern. A recent example is an hour of raw footage
covering the plight of the endangered green turtle in its quest
for survival. In this case, an exclusive video report addressing
sensitive political conservation issues was presented by ASE to
the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Environment (MRME)
with advice on remedial action. Considered of particular importance
by the project is the establishment of protected areas – ecological
sanctuaries, both marine and coastal, with limited, carefully
controlled human use.
The First Film
Creating public awareness remains ASE’s first and foremost role.
Constant media attention throughout the world is beginning to
show results. The local people however, are the prime target.
Oman’s reputation as a country brimming with environmental concern,
was the single most important deciding factor in commencing the
project here. AKA Video, an Omani company, harbours ASE’s office
and editing studio, while accommodation for the team is situated
in the traditional fishing village of Qantab. However, the reaction
locally has mostly been discouraging. The reason, perhaps, stems
from a misconception of the meaning and potential of conservation.
The popular labelling of conservationists as preservationists,
is one myth that ASE is attempting to dispel. Conservation is
being impressed upon the people as a modern concept, encompassing
ancient traditions and the well-being of future generations, based
on the sustainable use of natural resources and the avoidance
of any unnecessary use. In some parts of central and southern
Oman, this very concept can be seen in action. Areas of coral
reef, put aside and jealously guarded by local fishermen for times
of hardship, is one example which ASE will be highlighting on
film. For its first film, however, ASE has centred its efforts
in northern Oman.
Encased in custom fitted underwater camera housings, Panasonic
M2 cameras are now well known to a considerable range of unusual
forms of marine life in the Gulf of Oman. The cameras, complete
with 600 watts of lighting, must have been viewed as such themselves
at the start of filming, as even regular divers here are not so
regular. This has the obvious advantage, however, of attracting
the curiosity of most potential subjects. Some, however, such
as cetaceans and turtles, have proved less trusting , perhaps
as a result of past experience with human contact. The traditional
practices of fishermen, particularly in relation to shark fishing,
have provided a vehicle to convey the message behind ASE, whilst
film sequences showing the importance of the region to unique
and endangered marine fauna, like the green turtle, acknowledge
the wealth of Arabia’s natural heritage to an international audience.
With the first film showing will come a greater involvement of
local people and a more local taste to future films.
Future Films
Underwater filming requires luck, patience and the ability to
expect the unexpected. Filming under sponsorship requires all
of this and the will to change location at the whim of others.
Promise of support in the United Arab Emirates seems likely to
direct the ASE team to the Arabian Gulf in the near future. Before
that, however, the majestic Musandam, a rocky peninsular of Fjord-like
bays and inlets separated by steep mountainous headlands jutting
out into the Straits of Hormuz, will host the next film.
Filming in Musandam will initially continue the theme of traditional
fisheries activity, covering the day-to-day existence of a typical
fishing family from the port of Khasab. Camera crew will accompany
fishermen in traditional vessels from dawn to dusk, capturing
the means, methods and moods of an ancient and intriguing way
of life. As in all locations, filming in Musandam will also attempt
to highlight the findings of research carried out by government
institutions, independent consultants, universities and international
organizations, such as IUCN (the World Conservation Union) and
the United Nations. Close ties with scientific researchers currently
in Oman also allows ASE to contribute data to on-going research.
A Final Message
With the help of sponsors such as Panasonic, Omega, Gulf Air,
DHL, Evinrude, Bunns, AKA Video, Jotun and the Oman Arab Bank,
the Arabian Seas Expedition is creating an awareness to help safeguard
the seas of Arabia. Such international appeal bears testament
to a region of unique natural wealth. It is a wealth that, if
used wisely, will benefit future generations as it is the present.
Evidence to date demonstrates the need for further action. ASE’s
simple message is aimed at you -Think Environment, Think Blue.