Kuwait launches environmental bootcamp for high school students
KUWAIT: A new summer camp launched in Kuwait aims to raise environmental awareness among high school students across the region through a packed schedule of hands-on learning, field visits, and interactive workshops.
The Blue Pioneer camp, organized by the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME), brings together young participants and a range of local institutions, including the Environment Public Authority (EPA), Kuwait University, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, and the Kuwait Coast Guard.
The initiative aimed at educating high school students on key environmental challenges and laws in Kuwait. 'The camp is designed to raise awareness and educate secondary school students about environmental issues,' said Sheikha Al-Ibrahim, Director of Public Relations and Media at the EPA, in a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).
Organized in collaboration with the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME), the EPA's participation reflects its ongoing efforts to empower youth and promote their role in environmental protection. 'This collaboration stems from our belief in the importance of empowering young people and strengthening their role in preserving the environment,' Al-Ibrahim said. 'It's part of our continuous efforts to boost environmental cooperation and help build a generation that's aware of environmental issues.'
Hands-on training
As part of the program, the EPA will host hands-on field activities at its headquarters over the next two days. Students will explore Kuwait's biodiversity and learn how the country's environmental laws are enforced. 'The activities also include an introduction to the role of judicial officers in enforcing the Environmental Protection Law, including how violations are recorded and the common types of infractions,' Al-Ibrahim explained.
She stressed the importance of familiarizing students with the Environmental Protection Law, saying it helps increase environmental awareness and gives participants the knowledge to apply these principles in real life.
Marwa Abul, head of the Capacity Building Unit at ROPME, told KUNA that the camp is designed to 'educate and inspire future environmental leaders from high school students across all member countries.' She said the program combines interactive lectures, field visits, and hands-on training across various institutions and coastal sites. Students will tour EPA laboratories to learn how to collect and analyze water and marine samples using scientific methods. They'll also get hands-on experience with coral farming and fish feeding in aquariums.
Other highlights include mapping training with the Coast Guard, workshops at the fish market on identifying healthy fish and collecting samples, and a visit to a fish farming facility in Wafra that introduces aquaponics techniques. Students will also tour the Ahmad Al-Jaber Oil and Gas Exhibition and take part in a marine pollution response workshop. To top it off, the program includes scuba diving sessions and educational film screenings at the Scientific Center's IMAX theater. Abul said the program aims to connect what students learn with real-world environmental challenges and prepare them to apply their knowledge 'in practical life.'— KUNA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait News Agency
3 hours ago
- Kuwait News Agency
Kuwaiti Justice Min.: Full digital transformation of all services "underway"
محاكم LOC14:38 11:38 GMT KUWAIT, Aug 6 (KUNA) -- Justice Minister Nasser Al-Sumait said on Wednesday the Ministry of Justice is weeks away from a comprehensive digital transformation, which is designed to reduce bureaucracy, speed up casework and deliver streamlined judicial services to citizens and residents alike. Touring the new Palace of Justice on Wednesday, Al-Sumait told KUNA that enabling legislation was in its final stages, paving the way for every ministry service to migrate online. Technology heavyweights Google and Microsoft have been contracted to build the infrastructure, he pointed out The initiative will introduce end-to-end electronic filing, notifications and fee payments while overhauling court procedures to trim long-standing backlogs, Al-Sumait mentioned. Just as crucial, a new digital platform will enforce judgments promptly after they are issued, he added. Accompanied by senior officials, the minister said his visit aimed to spot and resolve bottlenecks hampering litigants and court staff. He vowed regular field inspections to keep the reforms on track, echoing His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's directive for faster, more accessible justice. (end)
Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait advances environmental vision; execution in early stages
Government strategies target carbon neutrality, desertification, waste reform KUWAIT: Environmental sustainability has taken center stage in Kuwait's national agenda, with the government intensifying efforts over the past two years to outline long-term strategies aimed at reducing pollution, preserving natural resources, and tackling climate change. Backed by the country's leadership, including directives from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti Cabinet has been actively reviewing the national low-carbon roadmap — a key element of the country's sustainable development policy. Minister of Oil Dr Tareq Al-Roumi and officials from the Environment Public Authority (EPA) recently presented the roadmap's vision, which aims to boost national resilience to climate change through innovation, green investment, and circular carbon economy solutions. The roadmap remains in its early implementation phase. Kuwait has also expanded coordination with China through memorandums of understanding focused on low-carbon systems, renewable energy, waste recycling, and wastewater treatment infrastructure. These agreements are expected to support the country's broader environmental targets under its 'New Kuwait 2035' vision. Carbon neutral by 2060 In line with that vision, the EPA in November 2023 announced the 'Low Carbon Strategy 2050' in cooperation with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and other state sectors. Kuwait became the second Gulf country to submit such a strategy, reaffirming its commitment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The strategy outlines Kuwait's long-term goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 through expanded use of renewable energy and reduced reliance on fossil fuels. As of now, implementation details have not been made public. Progress has included the release of Kuwait's first State of the Environment report, published last year in cooperation with UNEP. The report offers an in-depth review of seven key issues: climate change, waste management, land and water resources, air quality, biodiversity, and marine and coastal environments. It also examines Kuwait's institutional and legal environmental frameworks, though follow-up actions on its findings have not yet been disclosed. The EPA has since announced four strategic environmental projects: The national environmental strategy; a monitoring and enforcement system for the national waste management strategy; a national strategy to combat desertification; and a plan to enhance environmental data management. Details on these projects, which are under development, are not publicly available, but they are expected to guide future policy. They aim to strengthen public-private cooperation, improve performance indicators, and enable better data sharing across agencies to support long-term environmental planning. Waste management strategy One of the most detailed initiatives is the National Waste Management Strategy 2040 (KNWMS), announced in mid-2024. It was developed by the EPA in partnership with the German Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology (UMSICHT), following a five-year study — one of the most comprehensive in the Gulf region to date. The project team analyzed waste generation trends, studied 20 major landfill sites, and interviewed over 400 waste stakeholders. They also tested hundreds of waste samples and installed 100 electronic 'e-noses' in odor-intensive areas to monitor air quality. The resulting strategy sets 28 national goals, including reducing landfill rates and increasing recycling of construction and municipal solid waste. A new geo-database and digital monitoring tools were created to help agencies track and manage waste more efficiently. While the strategy provides a robust framework, its implementation is still in the early stages. Renewable energy in-progress Efforts to integrate sustainability into everyday life are also reflected in Kuwait's development plans. A national program for environmentally harmonious living areas promotes efficient resource use and pollution reduction, with a focus on building eco-friendly cities that use green infrastructure and smart technology. The Fourth Kuwait Master Plan (2040) supports green buildings and improved urban sustainability. Many of these initiatives remain at the policy or pilot-project level. On the legislative front, Kuwait's environmental protection law outlines measures to safeguard ecosystems, reduce pollution, and promote biodiversity. It includes provisions to identify pollution sources, prevent harmful practices, and impose penalties for violations. At the 2025 Kuwait Sustainable Energy Conference, the government reaffirmed its plan to derive 50 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2050. Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem said Kuwait is pursuing 'carefully planned projects' that align with both international climate commitments and national development goals. However, specific milestones or progress updates are yet to be reported. Kuwait's renewable energy plans fall into three categories: Long-term initiatives such as the Shagaya project; medium-term projects like Abdaliya; and small-scale efforts under a national energy code requiring all facilities to produce at least 10 percent of their electricity from renewable sources. The Shagaya complex, developed via a public-private partnership, is expected to deliver 1,600 MW in two phases — 1,100 MW in the first and 500 MW in the second. Combatting desertification Other government bodies are also involved in environmental efforts. The Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) is leading afforestation campaigns across Kuwait, including in northern and southern border areas. Drought-resistant trees like Sidr and Tamarix are being planted to reduce dust pollution and combat desertification. Public parks and green spaces are being expanded, though comprehensive data on completion rates or outcomes has not been made available. Urban green infrastructure is expanding through public gardens, some spanning entire residential districts. Projects for natural reserves and eco-tourism are under discussion, with some initiatives underway. International organizations have acknowledged Kuwait's recent environmental actions. UNEP's Regional Director for West Asia, Sami Dimassi, highlighted Kuwait's commitment to developing 'responsive strategies that meet both current needs and future goals.' Meanwhile, Ghada Al-Taher, the UN Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, praised the country's engagement in efforts to combat desertification, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. — Agencies
Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait environmental sustainability constitutes developmental strategic pillar, effective partnerships
KUWAIT: Kuwait is prioritizing environmental concerns as a pivotal and strategic pillar within its national plans and future programs. Over the past two years, the government has intensified its efforts to adopt strategies for environmental sustainability, guided by the directives of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The Cabinet has played a key role in advancing the national vision for environmental sustainability, regularly placing the long-term low-carbon development roadmap at the forefront of its this context, Oil Minister Tareq Al-Roumi and officials from the Environment Public Authority (EPA) presented a visual outline of the roadmap in July. This plan aims to enhance resilience against climate change by employing integrated, innovative, and technical solutions within a circular carbon economy, and it also includes supportive initiatives for environmental innovation and green investment across multiple sectors. Kuwait has strengthened coordination with China to activate memoranda of understanding (MoU) in key areas, such as low-carbon green systems for waste recycling, electrical infrastructure, renewable energy, and the environmental development of sewage treatment facilities. These agreements serve as key components in translating the country's ambitious goals into tangible steps toward a sustainable future aligned with Kuwait Vision 2035. A central aim is to preserve the environment for future generations. In parallel, Kuwait's 2050 Low-Carbon Strategy, launched by the EPA in November 2023 in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme and other state sectors, underscores its commitment to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Kuwait became the second Gulf country to present such a strategy. The country is targeting carbon neutrality by 2060, with a focus on diversifying energy revenue, increasing renewable energy use, replacing fossil fuels with natural gas, and utilizing waste to support environmental sustainability. The first State of the Environment Report, issued by the EPA last year, marks a major milestone in assessing environmental conditions and exemplifies successful cooperation among governmental in collaboration with the UN, the report focuses on seven key areas: Climate change, waste management, water resources, biodiversity, marine and coastal environments, and EPA's efforts have led to the launch of four strategic projects focused on environmental protection, sustainable development, waste management, and combating desertification. These initiatives aim to improve performance indicators and foster public-private partnerships in environmental planning efforts, such as Kuwait's Fourth Structural Plan (2040 Master Plan), promote green buildings and healthier living environments. On the legislative side, Kuwait's environmental protection law includes policies aimed at conserving natural resources and ecosystems. These measures are designed to prevent or reduce air pollution, ensure biodiversity, and promote sustainable living conditions. The law mandates the identification and regulation of fixed pollution sources and enforces penalties for environmental violations. During the recent Sustainable Energy Conference, Kuwait reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a balanced energy mix, aiming for 50 percent of its electricity to come from renewable sources by 2025. In his speech, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and Acting Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs, Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem, emphasized the adoption of comprehensive plans and ambitious projects that align with Kuwait's global commitments and its vision for a sustainable renewable energy strategy involves three tracks: Long-term projects like the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park, short-term solutions, and smaller-scale initiatives requiring all facilities to generate 10 percent of their electricity from renewable sources. The Shagaya project, a public-private partnership, is being developed in two phases: the first will generate 1,100 MW, and the second 500 Public Authority of Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources is also advancing initiatives to expand green cover across the country by planting trees and increasing green spaces in parks and along streets. The authority has implemented plans for artificial barriers and redistributed agricultural areas to help control sand dunes, fight desertification, and mitigate pollution. Public parks remain a cornerstone of Kuwait's environmental efforts, offering diverse green spaces across the has consistently affirmed its commitment to regional and international environmental agreements and has actively collaborated with global organizations in this field. In this context, Sami Dimassi, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) representative and Regional Director for West Asia, praised Kuwait's commitment to developing responsive strategies and action plans that address urgent environmental needs. He highlighted the progress Kuwait has made in promoting environmental initiatives and sustainable development. Ghada Al-Taher, UN Resident Coordinator in Kuwait, lauded the country's active role in environmental sustainability and its participation in initiatives addressing critical issues such as desertification, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. Kuwait ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1995 and the Kyoto Protocol in 2005 and has consistently participated in global climate the Middle East Green Initiative Summit 2022 in Sharm Al-Sheikh in Egypt, Kuwait reaffirmed its full commitment to the initiative's outcomes-marking a key regional turning point in climate action and a foundation for regional collaboration in combating climate change. — KUNA
