Kuwait marks Int'l Mother Earth Day with environmental initiatives
KUWAIT CITY, April 22: The Kuwait Society for Earth Sciences (KSES) marked International Mother Earth Day with a series of environmental activities aimed at promoting sustainability and raising awareness about the importance of preserving the planet.
Dr. Mubarak Al-Hajri, Chairman of KSES, underscored the society's commitment to participating in global environmental observances, reflecting Kuwait's ongoing dedication to environmental preservation and adherence to international agreements.
The day's activities began with a scientific forum titled "Earth in the Eyes of Burgan," hosted at Burgan Secondary School for Girls in Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate. Under the patronage of Sheikh Sabah Bader Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Governor of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, the forum focused on the significance of geology and explored Kuwait's potential as a destination for geological tourism.
The second event took place in collaboration with the Green Hands environmental volunteer team at the rainforest site in the Andalusia region. Activities included planting seedlings, pruning trees, preparing agricultural basins, collecting seeds for future replanting, and cleaning up waste from previously planted areas. These efforts aimed to raise environmental awareness and contribute to the sustainability of local ecosystems.
Dr. Al-Hajri emphasized that the initiatives undertaken by KSES align with the global observance of International Mother Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22 since 1970. The day serves as a reminder of the critical need to protect the Earth and its ecosystems to improve livelihoods, combat climate change, and halt biodiversity loss.
KSES's activities reflect Kuwait's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and its active role in fostering regional cooperation for sustainable development.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
22-05-2025
- Arab Times
NASA's Mars Perseverance snaps a selfie as a Martian dust devil blows by
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla., May 22, (AP): The latest selfie by NASA's Perseverance rover at Mars has captured an unexpected guest: a Martian dust devil. Resembling a small pale puff, the twirling dust devil popped up 3 miles (5 kilometers) behind the rover during this month's photo shoot. Released Wednesday, the selfie is a composite of 59 images taken by the camera on the end of the rover's robotic arm, according to NASA. It took an hour to perform all the arm movements necessary to gather the images, "but it's worth it,' said Megan Wu, an imaging scientist from Malin Space Science Systems, which built the camera. "Having the dust devil in the background makes it a classic," Wu said in a statement. The picture - which also shows the rover's latest sample borehole on the surface - marks 1,500 sols or Martian days for Perseverance. That's equivalent to 1,541 days on Earth. Perseverance is covered with red dust, the result of drilling into dozens of rocks. Launched in 2020, it's collecting samples for eventual return to Earth from Jezero Crater, an ancient lakebed and river delta that could hold clues of any past microbial life.
Kuwait Times
17-05-2025
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait Society for Geosciences eyes UNESCO Global Geoparks Network listing for key sites
Establishing geological parks aligns with sustainable development objectives KUWAIT: Chairman of the Kuwait Society for Geosciences Dr Mubarak Al-Hajri affirmed that Kuwait is home to several significant geological sites that are eligible for inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. In remarks to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Saturday, Dr Al-Hajri stressed that establishing geological parks in the country aligns with sustainable development objectives, serves as a potential source of national income, and supports the tourism sector. Dr Al-Hajri noted that listing local geological sites under the Global Geoparks Network is a strategic goal for the Society and a vital step in preserving the country's natural and cultural heritage. He emphasized that the initiative could be realized through cooperation with relevant government bodies. Explaining the nature of geological parks, he said they are geographically defined areas known for their unique and diverse geological features, and are managed comprehensively to protect their heritage while promoting sustainable development. These parks support education, tourism, local community participation, and job creation. Subiya geological site that mimics the surface of Mars. Natural laboratories open to students and researchers to study Earth sciences. An attractive site for visitors interested in nature, contributing to strengthening the local economy and raising environmental awareness. 'Geological parks serve as open-air laboratories for students and researchers to explore earth sciences, biodiversity, and climatic history,' he stated. 'They are also attractive destinations for nature enthusiasts, thereby contributing to the local economy and fostering environmental awareness.' Citing international examples, Dr Al-Hajri said many countries have successfully leveraged geological parks to reduce disaster risks and raise public awareness on seismic and volcanic hazards. These parks also serve as sanctuaries for rare ecosystems, helping to safeguard biodiversity. Outlining the Society's vision, Dr Al-Hajri described the project as a national endeavor that requires the collaboration of government entities, private sector partners, civil society organizations, and academic institutions. He highlighted the importance of incorporating cultural and heritage components such as traditional crafts, local cuisine, and community-led activities that support sustainability while protecting fragile sites from neglect or misuse. Among the sites identified for the initial phase of the project is Al-Subiya, which Dr Al-Hajri described as one of the most promising candidates due to its historical significance, links to the ancient Ubaid civilization, and its rich environmental and ecological diversity. He explained that the implementation process involves several stages, including evaluating candidate sites based on their geological, environmental, and cultural value; ensuring connectivity among them to form a cohesive geological network; and developing necessary infrastructure such as visitor trails, signage, and information centers. Certain areas would be open to visitors while others would be protected to maintain ecological balance. The plan also includes forming a multidisciplinary site management team comprising geologists, environmentalists, cultural experts, and tourism professionals, in addition to establishing monitoring systems to prevent environmental violations or degradation. Future phases will involve launching educational and training programs, organizing tourism-related activities, collaborating with international geoparks, and utilizing digital technologies to enhance site promotion and accessibility through media platforms. Dr Al-Hajri reiterated that the initiative reflects Kuwait's broader commitment to developing its tourism sector as a key pillar of the 'New Kuwait 2035' vision, which aims to diversify income sources and promote sustainable growth. He also noted Kuwait's readiness to host the 52nd meeting of the UN World Tourism Organization's Regional Commission for the Middle East next year, under the chairmanship of Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi. The UNESCO Global Geoparks designation, launched in 2015, is awarded to geographic areas with internationally significant geological heritage and managed under a holistic model integrating conservation, education, and sustainable development. The designation is valid for four years and subject to periodic reevaluation to ensure continued compliance with UNESCO standards.— KUNA
Arab Times
17-05-2025
- Arab Times
Kuwait has several sites fit for UNESCO Geoparks status: official
KUWAIT CITY, May 17: Dr. Mubarak Al-Hajri, Chairman of the Kuwait Society for Earth Sciences, affirmed that Kuwait possesses several significant geological sites that could be eligible for inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. In an interview with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Saturday, Al-Hajri stated that geological parks are increasingly seen as integral to sustainable development strategies. They offer not only economic benefits but also contribute to tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage. He emphasized that integrating Kuwaiti sites into the UNESCO Geoparks Network is a strategic objective of the society, which seeks to preserve the country's geological heritage in collaboration with relevant government entities. Al-Hajri explained that geological parks are areas of unique and diverse geological significance managed under a framework that promotes both conservation and sustainable development. These parks serve as educational platforms, research hubs, and tourist attractions, fostering environmental awareness and supporting local economies through job creation and community engagement. 'These natural areas serve as open-air laboratories for students and researchers studying earth sciences, biodiversity, and climate history,' he said. 'They are also appealing destinations for nature enthusiasts and eco-tourists.' He noted that geological parks have proven successful in other countries, particularly in promoting disaster risk awareness and supporting biodiversity through the conservation of unique ecosystems. They also play a role in educating the public on the dangers of earthquakes and volcanic activity. Describing the society's vision, Al-Hajri said the initiative is a national project that requires close collaboration between the government and private sectors, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. The parks would also showcase traditional crafts, local cuisine, and cultural activities, all aligned with sustainable development goals and aimed at protecting rare sites from neglect or misuse. He highlighted Al-Subiya as one of the primary candidates for the initial phase of the project. The area is rich in historical and environmental value, having once hosted the Ubaid civilization, and features diverse wildlife and ecosystems that support its potential as a designated geopark. Al-Hajri outlined a phased approach for the project's completion. This includes evaluating geological, environmental, and cultural significance; ensuring site connectivity to form an integrated geopark network; and developing essential infrastructure such as trails, signage, and visitor centers. He stressed the importance of identifying areas accessible to the public and those that must remain protected. The project will also require the establishment of a dedicated management team comprising specialists in geology, environmental science, culture, and tourism, as well as a monitoring system to safeguard against encroachments and damage. Development plans include creating educational programs, organizing tourism activities, and building international partnerships with other geoparks. Digital tools will also be used for promotion and visitor engagement. Al-Hajri said the initiative aligns with Kuwait's broader development goals under the "New Kuwait 2035" vision, which aims to diversify the national economy and promote sustainable growth. He noted that Kuwait's commitment to developing its tourism sector is further reflected in its upcoming hosting of the 52nd meeting of the UN Tourism Organization's Regional Commission for the Middle East, to be chaired by Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi. UNESCO Global Geoparks are defined as unified geographical areas of international geological significance managed with a holistic approach that integrates conservation, education, and sustainable development. The designation, introduced in 2015, is valid for four years and subject to periodic review.
