Latest news with #EnvironmentPublicAuthority
Kuwait Times
26-05-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait reaffirms environmental commitment
KUWAIT: The Environment Public Authority (EPA) affirmed on Sunday that the 22nd meeting of the Permanent Committee for the Convention on the Conservation of Wildlife and Their Natural Habitats in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states reflects the ongoing commitment of GCC nations to environmental cooperation and the protection of the region's ecological heritage. Speaking to KUNA, Acting Director General of the EPA, Nouf Behbehani, said the meeting—held in Kuwait—comes in line with the directives of GCC leaders to strengthen joint environmental action, preserve natural resources and ensure ecological sustainability and biodiversity across the region. Behbehani noted that the gathering brings together representatives from GCC states, environmental specialists, and officials from the GCC General Secretariat. Discussions will focus on key environmental developments, including updates to the environmental operational plan extending to 2030, and Kuwait's proposal to form technical working groups to support biodiversity-related environmental agreements. Acting Director General of the Environment Public Authority, Nouf Behbehani Engr Abdullah bin Ali Al-Rubaie The meeting's agenda also includes preparations for the first Gulf Wildlife Conference, the adoption of a unified logo for the event, and updates to the Gulf Wildlife Agreement and the GCC's environmental strategic framework. Participants will explore enhanced coordination in implementing global environmental treaties such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Ramsar Convention, and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Additional topics include the regulation of falcon ownership and broader wildlife protection measures. The committee is expected to issue a series of recommendations and action plans, including the endorsement of a unified framework for electronic CITES permits and the approval of upcoming training workshops aimed at protecting endangered species and rehabilitating ecosystems. Meanwhile, Head of the Human and Environment Affairs Sector at the GCC General Secretariat, Eng. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Rubaie, underscored the importance of the meeting, describing it as a significant step toward achieving greater accomplishments in wildlife conservation in accordance with international best practices. Al-Rubaie praised Kuwait's leadership and continued commitment to environmental treaties, commending the collaborative efforts of GCC representatives, experts, and officials in promoting environmental sustainability for future generations. — KUNA
Kuwait Times
26-05-2025
- Science
- Kuwait Times
Rare oceanic bird species spotted in Kuwaiti waters
KUWAIT: A team of Kuwaiti and international bird experts recorded the sighting of rare oceanic bird species during a recent expedition in Kuwaiti territorial waters, the Environment Public Authority's bird monitoring and protection team member Mohammad Al-Hudhaina said on Sunday. Among the notable discoveries were the short-tailed shearwater and the arctic skua, both considered unusual sightings in the region. According to Al-Hudhaina, this marks only the fourth recorded appearance of the short-tailed shearwater in Kuwait. The bird was previously observed in 2014, 2021, and again earlier this month during the current voyage. Al-Hudhaina noted that the short-tailed shearwater is typically found across the Pacific Ocean, ranging from the North to the South Pole. 'Its presence outside its native migratory route is rare,' he said, adding that the bird is similar in size to the common gull and is distinguished by its unique and efficient hunting style. Short-tailed shearwater Commenting on the arctic skua, Al-Hudhaina said it appears sporadically in small numbers in Kuwait during migration periods. 'It is one of the fastest and most agile seabirds in flight, capable of sharp acceleration that gives it a predatory profile,' he explained. Known for its opportunistic feeding behavior, the arctic skua often chases gulls and terns mid-air and is notably larger than the common gull, making it identifiable from a distance. These rare observations underscore Kuwait's role as a significant environmental station along the migratory routes of seabirds, Al-Hudhaina affirmed. He emphasized that the continued efforts of local and international experts contribute to documenting the rich biodiversity of Kuwait's marine ecosystem. The survey team included Kuwaiti birdwatchers Abdulrahman Al-Sarhan, Omar Al-Shaheen and Hamoud Al-Shaiji, as well as European specialists Peter Alfre from England and Belgian observers Vincent Legrand and Julien Hainaut. — KUNA
Kuwait Times
22-05-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
Biodiversity protection a shared responsibility for sustainability: EPA
KUWAIT: The Environment Public Authority (EPA) reaffirmed Thursday that the protection of biodiversity is a collective responsibility and a moral and humanitarian obligation, requiring unified national and global efforts to secure a prosperous present and a sustainable future for generations to come. Acting Director General of the EPA Nouf Behbehani made the remarks during a ceremony marking the International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD), organized by the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET), Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC), and the National Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In her address, Behbehani noted that IBD, observed annually on May 22, commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity during the landmark 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The summit, she said, marked a pivotal moment in global environmental governance with the adoption of three major conventions: the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), forming the foundation of international environmental sustainability efforts. Behbehani highlighted that this year's celebration is held under the theme 'Be Part of the Plan,' which calls for harmonizing development with nature and underscores the urgent need to redefine humanity's relationship with the environment. She emphasized that safeguarding biodiversity is vital to ensuring food and water security, climate stability, and public health. She outlined four key pillars of the national biodiversity campaign: raising public awareness on the importance of biodiversity; updating national strategies in alignment with international frameworks; strengthening cross-sectoral collaboration to fulfill obligations under global environmental treaties; and encouraging development initiatives that prioritize environmental protection and long-term sustainability. Representing KOTC's Acting CEO Sheikh Khaled Ahmed Al-Malik Al-Sabah, Acting Director of the Health, Safety and Environment Group Mohammed Mirza reiterated the company's longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship. He affirmed KOTC's active role in promoting sustainable practices and supporting national initiatives aligned with Kuwait's environmental vision. Mirza highlighted the company's achievements, including the full operation of its LPG filling branches in Shuaiba and Umm Al-Aish using solar energy. He also pointed to the environmental compliance of the company's fleet, which adheres to international maritime regulations such as ballast water treatment systems and emission reduction measures. KOTC, he added, remains engaged in various environmental initiatives, including coastal cleanups, awareness campaigns, tree planting, recycling, and climate change mitigation. Meanwhile, Dr Wijdan Al-Oqab, Chairperson of the IUCN National Committee and President of the Kuwait Environment Protection Society (KEPS), emphasized Kuwait's international commitment to biodiversity through its ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the submission of national reports. She called for a serious re-evaluation of the current environmental situation in the country and advocated for a shift from an exploitative relationship with nature to a balanced and cooperative approach. Dr Al-Oqab lauded the EPA's executive role in implementing environmental legislation and monitoring adherence to global agreements, in addition to the contributions of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and civil society organizations in advancing environmental awareness. She further praised KEPS' pioneering efforts in public education, including the production of Arab-recognized environmental documentaries such as 'Every Day a Bird' and 'Every Day a Plant,' which have documented Kuwait's wildlife and now serve as valuable scientific and educational resources across the Arab world and within Kuwaiti schools. The event underscored a unified call for action to protect biodiversity as a cornerstone of sustainable development and environmental resilience. — KUNA
Arab Times
08-05-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
Kuwait's oil sector drives push for safer workplaces
KUWAIT CITY, May 8: Minister of Oil representative at the 12th International Conference on Occupational Safety, Health and Cybersecurity and acting Director General of the Environment Public Authority (EPA) Nouf Behbehani has affirmed the commitment of the ministry to provide all the necessary facilities to industrialists as part of the expansion of craft and industrial enterprises supporting the oil sector. Speaking on the sidelines of the conference organized by the American Society of Occupational Safety and Health Professionals-Kuwait Branch on May 7-8, Behbehani pointed out that EPA Law No. 42/2014 and its amendment, Law No. 99/2015, require all parties to implement health and occupational regulations in newly established industrial facilities in order to obtain professional and preventative accreditation. She stressed that the authority is striving to facilitate the process of obtaining approvals and accreditation for facilities in accordance with the regulations, indicating EPA has adopted an open-door policy for all professionals and industrialists. She explained the accreditation for entities seeking to implement quality must take into account occupational health and preventive regulations, while emphasizing the need to provide awareness opportunities for the industrial and oil sectors and all sectors involved in hazardous work. She praised the role of the conference organizers; considering this a crucial step in keeping up with developments in the fields of security, safety, and protection from fires and disasters. Moreover, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the American Society of Safety Professionals Fadel Al-Ali revealed the conference focused on the latest developments in health and safety technology and policies, procedures and changes 'that make us more determined and committed to implement them.' He said the conference workshops included stakeholders from governmental and private entities; as well as specialists in health, safety and the environment, with the aim of improving performance and keeping pace with developments. He added the oil and industrial sectors are the most impacted by security and safety operations. 'Therefore, the society focuses on these entities and their participation. The Ministry of Oil and Kuwait Petroleum Corporation are the sponsors of the conference. Challenges are ongoing; hence, the need for joint action to overcome them,' he stressed. He urged all stakeholders in the oil, industrial and contracting industries to be updated on global requirements and policies, as well as utilize and implement best practices. He said the conference tackled more than 20 working papers, including research on regional and global security and safety issues. CEO of the American Society of Occupational Safety Professionals - Kuwait Branch Eng. Bader Al-Hadrami stated that artificial intelligence currently provides valuable opportunities to develop the occupational safety and health systems, including modern mechanisms that help implement requirements quickly. He added the 12th edition of the conference focuses on diverse experiences, with more than 200 participants, to achieve the greatest possible benefit for those who participate in the workshops and lectures. He stated that the most difficult challenge is cybersecurity, which has prompted the society to focus on it, based on emerging solutions. He said the discussions set specific standards for measuring the risk index in protection and developing optimal solutions. Conference Director General Ahmed Ismail said that after 25 years of conference work, this year's conference seeks to achieve the greatest possible success by discussing the latest developments in the field of health and safety, with the aim of producing the best recommendations that serve participants locally and regionally. He disclosed that the conference participants include ministries, government agencies, oil sector companies and the private sector -- all of whom are interested in the fields of health, security, and safety. He added that the cost of implementing international safety standards is estimated at tens of millions of dollars annually, with the amount varying from one entity to another; depending on the region, entity and surrounding risks. He pointed out that spending on security and safety has increased over the past 10 years, given the heightened focus on these areas. Occupational Safety Consultant Mansour Fayez Al-Maghamsi explained that his participation in the exhibition stems from his membership in the American Society of Occupational Safety Professionals. He also presented a working paper on occupational safety and health management in petroleum refineries, as it is the main pillar for aircraft refueling and other industries. He said the society boasts of extensive expertise in cybersecurity and other areas needed by many sectors, in addition to providing members and others with the latest developments in the field of occupational health and safety.
Kuwait Times
06-05-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
EPA, UN-Habitat and volunteers plant 300 mangrove saplings
KUWAIT: The Environment Public Authority (EPA), in cooperation with the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) and the volunteer team from the Al-Shamiya Reserve, planted 300 mangrove saplings in the Jahra Nature Reserve on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. This initiative is part of an ongoing project launched in 2018 to experiment with mangrove cultivation in various parts of Kuwait, aiming to rehabilitate the coastal environment. default Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Since the project's inception, an increase in biodiversity has been observed, including marine crustaceans, coastal birds, and insects such as bees and butterflies during the plants' flowering season. Notably, today marked the recording and documentation of a rare insect species - the Dark-winged Groundling - which is found only in Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Syria and Palestine. As of 2006, the species has been listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
