Nuwat Winter School 2026: Learning From the Wisdom of the Land and Sea

From mid-January to mid-February 2026, our education team hosted its Winter School 2026, a month-long programme designed to bring people closer to Bahrain’s natural environments through immersive learning experiences, field exploration and dialogue.

The programme brought together participants from different backgrounds who share a common curiosity about nature and a desire to better understand the ecosystems that sustain life in Bahrain.

Through a combination of field excursions, expert-led sessions and reflective gatherings, participants explored the diversity of life across Bahrain’s landscapes, from the shorelines of the intertidal zone to pollinator habitats and coral reef ecosystems.

Discovering the Hidden Life of the Intertidal Zone

One of the highlights of the Winter School was the intertidal ecology field excursion, where participants had the opportunity to explore the narrow yet incredibly rich zone between land and sea.

Often overlooked, the intertidal zone is home to a surprising diversity of life. During the excursion, participants observed marine organisms adapted to fluctuating tides, temperature and salinity, gaining a deeper appreciation for the resilience and complexity of these coastal ecosystems. By slowing down and observing carefully, our participants discovered that there is far more life along the shoreline than meets the eye.

Exploring the World of Bees

The programme also included a visit to a local bee farm, where participants learned about the vital role pollinators play in supporting ecosystems and food systems in addition to meeting local bee farmers.

The session introduced participants to the fascinating world of bees, from their behaviour and social structures to the ecological importance of pollination. Participants also had the opportunity to learn directly from local beekeepers about the challenges and opportunities associated with sustaining bee populations in the region. The experience highlighted the important connection between people, food systems and biodiversity.

Learning About Coral Reef Ecology

Complementing the field experiences, participants also joined online coral reef ecology sessions, which introduced the fundamentals of coral reef ecosystems, biodiversity and conservation. These sessions explored the ecological roles that coral reefs play, the environmental pressures they face globally and the unique conditions shaping reef systems in the Arabian Gulf.

Our First Suwalf Earth Circle

Winter School 2026 also marked the launch of Nuwat’s first Suwalf Earth Circle, a reflective gathering designed to create space for dialogue, storytelling and shared reflection about our relationship with nature. Participants gathered to exchange perspectives, insights and observations inspired by the landscapes and ecosystems they encountered throughout the immersion as the group tapped into the wisdom of the land.

The Suwalf Earth Circle created a space where science with spirit, ancestral knowledge and personal reflection could meet, reminding us that learning about nature is not only about data, but also about connection and awareness.

Building a Community Around Nature

Beyond the knowledge shared, the Winter School helped cultivate something equally important which is community. Participants connected with one another through shared curiosity, learning experiences and conversations about the future of Bahrain’s natural heritage. This growing network of nature enthusiasts and learners became the foundation for future initiatives, including the upcoming launch of Juthoor, our latest citizen science initiative, which aims to empower individuals to contribute to biodiversity knowledge through citizen science.