Latest news with #KuwaitEnvironmentProtectionSociety
Arab Times
12-05-2025
- Health
- Arab Times
'Green Schools' program fosters eco and health awareness in students
KUWAIT CITY, May 12: The Kuwait Environment Protection Society (KEPS) continues its commitment to fostering environmental and health consciousness in educational institutions through its "Green Schools" program. This initiative aims to equip educators with the necessary knowledge and tools to address emerging environmental and health challenges, particularly in the context of accelerating climate change. On Monday, KEPS organized an awareness workshop titled "Viruses from Origin to Mutations, Climate Impacts, and Prevention Methods" at Latifa Al-Barak School for Girls. This session is part of a series of activities designed to promote health and environmental awareness in schools and create a safe, child-friendly educational environment. Dr. Hessa Taqi, a certified trainer in the Green Schools program, led the workshop. She provided insights into the origin and genetic evolution of viruses, their relationship to climate change, and the impact of environmental changes on viral mutations. The session also offered practical guidance to help teachers prevent viral diseases within the classroom, especially in light of recurring health challenges. The workshop aimed to raise awareness among teachers about ways to prevent viral diseases and link them to environmental factors, thereby enhancing the ability of schools to provide a healthy and safe educational environment. A simplified guide was distributed, outlining immediate procedures when symptoms of illness appear among students, such as temporary isolation and communication with parents. The guide also emphasized promoting a culture of cleanliness and ventilation inside the classroom and discouraging the sharing of personal items. The importance of seasonal vaccinations, particularly the influenza vaccine, was also highlighted to maintain a healthy and safe school environment for all students and teachers. KEPS's ongoing efforts through the "Green Schools" program underscore its dedication to enhancing environmental and health education in Kuwait's schools, preparing educators and students to effectively respond to the challenges posed by climate change.
Arab Times
12-04-2025
- Arab Times
Kuwait key stop for migratory birds: Important habitats identified
KUWAIT CITY, April 12: Kuwait continues to serve as one of the most significant bird migration routes, offering essential rest and feeding areas for migratory birds. Key locations such as the Jahra Nature Reserve, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) Nature Reserve in Kabd, Abraq Al-Houbari, and the farms of Wafra, Sulaibiya, and Abdali are crucial habitats that attract a wide variety of species. Talal Al-Muwaizri, a member of the bird monitoring and protection team at the Kuwait Environment Protection Society (KEPS), highlighted the natural phenomenon of bird migration in a recent statement. He explained that bird migration is an adaptive process that demonstrates birds' ability to adjust to changing environments. According to Al-Muwaizri, spring migration begins from mid-February and lasts until late May, a period when birds are at their most colorful and vibrant. Each year, birds migrate from the colder northern regions to the warmer southern regions in search of more moderate climates and longer days. This migration spans all continents, with birds fleeing the cold and seeking better conditions. "In our region, birds migrate from Europe and Central Asia, passing through Kuwait and the Middle East before reaching their final destinations in Africa and India," said Al-Muwaizri. This migration is known as the "autumn migration," which typically begins in mid-August and continues until mid-October. During this time, birds settle in Africa and India for the winter. Al-Muwaizri also emphasized that birds rely on various routes for their autumn migration, such as coasts, rivers, or even navigating by following the stars at night. As temperatures rise, food becomes more plentiful, and daylight increases in the spring, birds start their return journey. This migration is known as the "spring migration," as birds make their way back to Europe and Central Asia to breed and raise their young in safer, more resource-rich environments. Among the birds that arrive in Kuwait during the spring migration, the hoopoe is one of the first to appear, signaling the arrival of spring and the end of winter. Al-Muwaizri noted that the hoopoe's arrival marks the start of a gradual influx of other migratory species. These include small birds like the za'ara, yikiki, crucifix, mardam, hammer, hamira ras, sweida ras, hamroush, shola, baghl as-saman, bint al-sabbagh, qalliba, humimij, and others such as eagles, gulls, fri, and wild pigeons of the turtledove family. Additionally, Al-Muwaizri mentioned the arrival of small birds of prey, specifically the shrike species, in successive waves. The first to arrive are the qahfi, Arabian pigeon, and the left-handed shrikes. Following them are the more visually striking species, such as the Husseini (masked shrike) or polar shrike. The last birds to arrive, towards the end of April and May, are the Hasawi pigeon and the cage pomegranate and chatbi family, signaling the close of the spring migration season. Kuwait's role in providing safe passages and habitats for these migratory birds emphasizes its importance as a key stopover on their long journeys between continents. The country continues to play an essential role in supporting wildlife conservation efforts through its protected natural reserves and dedicated environmental work.
Gulf Insider
08-04-2025
- General
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait's Waste Crisis Among World's Worst
Kuwait is facing an escalating waste crisis that activists say demands immediate, systemic change. As one of the world's highest per capita producers of organic waste, estimated at 1.4 kilos per person per day, the country is grappling with the environmental, health, and economic toll of a growing mountain of solid, liquid, and gaseous waste. Environmental leaders warn that without radical, sustainable solutions, Kuwait's waste problem will continue to worsen. 'We need to convert waste into electrical energy,' said Jenan Behzad, Secretary-General of the Kuwait Environment Protection Society. She called for a comprehensive policy shift, from expanding recycling infrastructure to raising public awareness about waste reduction. According to Behzad, Kuwait's reliance on consumption-heavy lifestyles, weak recycling practices, and continued dependence on landfills have created an unsustainable trajectory. The country currently uses three primary landfill sites, Jahra, the Seventh Southern Ring Road, and Mina Abdullah, to manage household waste. However, plastic packaging from supermarkets and restaurants is fuelling a surge in plastic waste, now comprising nearly 80 per cent of floating marine debris, threatening coastal ecosystems. Food waste, she added, is particularly acute during religious and national holidays. A recent study by the Kuwait Environment Protection Society revealed that food waste can spike significantly during Ramadan, with edible items often discarded in excess. In the Gulf region overall, food waste constitutes around 50 percent of total waste, a staggering figure. To combat this, Behzad called for the use of waste-to-energy thermal conversion technology and methane harvesting from organic waste to generate power. She also suggested biofuel production from discarded food, citing successful examples in Germany and Sweden. 'Solid waste contributes to 2.4 per cent of Kuwait's total greenhouse gas emissions,' she noted, adding that recycling and energy recovery could not only reduce pollution but also diversify the country's energy sources. A key part of the solution, she argued, lies in mandatory household and commercial waste sorting. Separate bins for plastics, paper, metals, and organic waste would improve collection and recycling rates. Behzad also proposed establishing government-run sorting stations in every governorate, with the private sector playing a central role in waste collection, sorting, and investing in recycling ventures. Despite existing laws, enforcement remains weak. 'The Environmental Protection Law imposes fines of up to 500 Kuwaiti dinars for dumping waste in undesignated areas,' she explained. 'Yet 58 percent of those surveyed by our society said they were unaware of the law's details.' Engineer Alaa Hassan, CEO of the International Petroleum Services Company (PSCO), described the waste issue as 'a ticking time bomb.' She criticized the lack of serious planning and pointed to the accumulation of between 8 and 10 million damaged tires annually. These tires, often left in open areas, represent a major environmental hazard. 'We must hold illegal dumpers accountable,' she said, urging private sector engagement in converting waste into raw industrial materials. Environmental activist Barak Ramadan Al Hindal echoed the call for change, emphasizing the untapped financial and employment potential of the recycling sector. He called for a cultural shift in waste management, beginning in homes and schools, extending to offices and hospitals. 'Many countries around the world have transformed waste into opportunity,' Al Hindal said. 'Kuwait must follow suit if we are serious about building a sustainable future.' For now, environmentalists agree that time is running out. Without bold reforms and public buy-in, Kuwait's waste crisis threatens to outpace the systems designed to manage it, posing long-term risks to the country's environment, economy, and public health. Also read: Senior Kuwaiti Officials Monitor Raffle Draw Amid Fraud Concerns
Zawya
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Kuwait faces growing waste crisis, one of the largest in the world
KUWAIT CITY - As the waste crisis in Kuwait worsens, environmental activists have emphasized the urgent need for action to address this growing issue. They have pointed out that the per capita production rate of organic (biodegradable) waste in Kuwait is 1.4 kilograms per day, one of the highest globally compared to countries in the Middle East and Europe. Activists highlighted that waste has long been a major problem in Kuwait, affecting all forms—solid, liquid, and gaseous. They warned that waste poses a significant environmental, health, and economic threat. The activists believe that the issue requires radical and sustainable solutions, calling for increased environmental awareness, waste reduction, and a stronger push for recycling. They also suggested that Kuwait should adopt policies similar to those implemented by government bodies and voluntary organizations, which have launched several awareness campaigns focused on waste sorting and its potential uses in industries like agriculture. "We need to convert waste into electrical energy," said Jenan Behzad, Secretary-General of the Kuwait Environment Protection Society. Behzad emphasized that the waste problem in Kuwait has become exacerbated by rising production and consumption, coupled with inadequate recycling and sustainable waste management practices. She argued that the solution lies in developing effective policies that prioritize recycling, waste reduction, and environmental education to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. She added that "solid waste contributes to 2.4 percent of Kuwait's total greenhouse gas emissions," which highlights the environmental impact of waste. Furthermore, the daily per capita production of organic waste in Kuwait remains one of the highest in the region, further stressing the need for action. Behzad proposed that waste sorting—both at homes and businesses—could lead to better environmental sustainability. Separate bins should be provided for plastics, paper, metals, and food waste, she noted, to facilitate recycling. She also called for the development of recycling centers by establishing government sorting stations in each governorate. These stations would make it easier to transfer recyclable waste to the appropriate factories and companies. The private sector, she suggested, could play a key role in waste collection and sorting, opening up new investment opportunities in the recycling industry. Behzad also highlighted the growing issue of food waste, noting a study conducted by the Kuwait Environment Protection Society last year that found significant increases in food waste during Ramadan and other special occasions. Studies across the Gulf region show that food waste represents around 50 percent of the total waste produced, a staggering statistic that exacerbates the overall waste problem. To combat this, Behzad advocated for the conversion of waste into electrical energy using waste-to-energy thermal conversion technology. This process could reduce the country's reliance on oil and help mitigate environmental pollution. She also suggested harnessing methane gas from organic waste to generate energy for industrial use, which could enhance resource efficiency. Additionally, she proposed biofuel production from food waste, similar to practices in countries like Sweden and Germany. Kuwait currently relies on three main landfills—Jahra, the Seventh Southern Ring Road, and Mina Abdullah—for managing household waste. However, Behzad warned that Kuwait remains heavily dependent on plastic packaging, both in cooperatives and restaurants, which further contributes to the volume of plastic waste. Data shows that plastic waste accounts for 80 percent of floating debris, which poses a threat to marine life and damages Kuwait's coastal environment. Behzad also noted that the problem of food waste intensifies during special occasions like Ramadan, where excess consumption leads to a sharp rise in household waste. "The Environmental Protection Law imposes fines of up to 500 Kuwaiti dinars for dumping waste in undesignated areas," she explained, though she pointed out that studies by the Kuwait Environment Protection Society found that 58 percent of people surveyed were unaware of the details of these laws. To tackle these issues, Behzad recommended imposing fees and fines on households and institutions that fail to comply with mandatory waste sorting regulations. This would encourage adherence to environmental standards. Engineer Alaa Hassan, CEO of International Petroleum Company (IPSCO), echoed these concerns, calling waste a "time bomb" in all its forms—solid, liquid, or gaseous. She criticized the lack of serious, well-thought-out plans to address waste management in the country, noting that Kuwait generates between 8 to 10 million damaged tires annually, which are often left in unauthorized areas due to weak enforcement of recycling laws. Hassan stressed the importance of holding accountable those who illegally dispose of waste, urging the private sector to contribute its expertise in developing solutions. She also highlighted that recycled tires could be converted into raw materials used in industrial and consumer sectors, ultimately benefiting the Kuwaiti economy. Environmental activist Barak Ramadan Al-Hindal also stressed the importance of recycling projects, highlighting the potential for high financial returns and job creation in the sector. He called for widespread cultural change regarding waste sorting, from homes and schools to offices and hospitals, to reduce the burden on state-designated landfills. Al-Hindal pointed out that many countries worldwide have benefited from waste recycling projects and transformation industries. He called for the implementation of similar policies in Kuwait, particularly after the government and voluntary organizations have already invested in raising awareness about waste sorting and its potential applications in industry and agriculture. Through these efforts, activists believe Kuwait can address its growing waste problem, reduce its environmental impact, and create a more sustainable future for all. Arab Times | © Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( arabtimes
Arab Times
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Kuwait faces growing waste crisis, one of the largest in the world
KUWAIT CITY, April 6: As the waste crisis in Kuwait worsens, environmental activists have emphasized the urgent need for action to address this growing issue. They have pointed out that the per capita production rate of organic (biodegradable) waste in Kuwait is 1.4 kilograms per day, one of the highest globally compared to countries in the Middle East and Europe. Activists highlighted that waste has long been a major problem in Kuwait, affecting all forms—solid, liquid, and gaseous. They warned that waste poses a significant environmental, health, and economic threat. The activists believe that the issue requires radical and sustainable solutions, calling for increased environmental awareness, waste reduction, and a stronger push for recycling. They also suggested that Kuwait should adopt policies similar to those implemented by government bodies and voluntary organizations, which have launched several awareness campaigns focused on waste sorting and its potential uses in industries like agriculture. "We need to convert waste into electrical energy," said Jenan Behzad, Secretary-General of the Kuwait Environment Protection Society. Behzad emphasized that the waste problem in Kuwait has become exacerbated by rising production and consumption, coupled with inadequate recycling and sustainable waste management practices. She argued that the solution lies in developing effective policies that prioritize recycling, waste reduction, and environmental education to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. She added that "solid waste contributes to 2.4 percent of Kuwait's total greenhouse gas emissions," which highlights the environmental impact of waste. Furthermore, the daily per capita production of organic waste in Kuwait remains one of the highest in the region, further stressing the need for action. Behzad proposed that waste sorting—both at homes and businesses—could lead to better environmental sustainability. Separate bins should be provided for plastics, paper, metals, and food waste, she noted, to facilitate recycling. She also called for the development of recycling centers by establishing government sorting stations in each governorate. These stations would make it easier to transfer recyclable waste to the appropriate factories and companies. The private sector, she suggested, could play a key role in waste collection and sorting, opening up new investment opportunities in the recycling industry. Behzad also highlighted the growing issue of food waste, noting a study conducted by the Kuwait Environment Protection Society last year that found significant increases in food waste during Ramadan and other special occasions. Studies across the Gulf region show that food waste represents around 50 percent of the total waste produced, a staggering statistic that exacerbates the overall waste problem. To combat this, Behzad advocated for the conversion of waste into electrical energy using waste-to-energy thermal conversion technology. This process could reduce the country's reliance on oil and help mitigate environmental pollution. She also suggested harnessing methane gas from organic waste to generate energy for industrial use, which could enhance resource efficiency. Additionally, she proposed biofuel production from food waste, similar to practices in countries like Sweden and Germany. Kuwait currently relies on three main landfills—Jahra, the Seventh Southern Ring Road, and Mina Abdullah—for managing household waste. However, Behzad warned that Kuwait remains heavily dependent on plastic packaging, both in cooperatives and restaurants, which further contributes to the volume of plastic waste. Data shows that plastic waste accounts for 80 percent of floating debris, which poses a threat to marine life and damages Kuwait's coastal environment. Behzad also noted that the problem of food waste intensifies during special occasions like Ramadan, where excess consumption leads to a sharp rise in household waste. "The Environmental Protection Law imposes fines of up to 500 Kuwaiti dinars for dumping waste in undesignated areas," she explained, though she pointed out that studies by the Kuwait Environment Protection Society found that 58 percent of people surveyed were unaware of the details of these laws. To tackle these issues, Behzad recommended imposing fees and fines on households and institutions that fail to comply with mandatory waste sorting regulations. This would encourage adherence to environmental standards. Engineer Alaa Hassan, CEO of International Petroleum Company (IPSCO), echoed these concerns, calling waste a "time bomb" in all its forms—solid, liquid, or gaseous. She criticized the lack of serious, well-thought-out plans to address waste management in the country, noting that Kuwait generates between 8 to 10 million damaged tires annually, which are often left in unauthorized areas due to weak enforcement of recycling laws. Hassan stressed the importance of holding accountable those who illegally dispose of waste, urging the private sector to contribute its expertise in developing solutions. She also highlighted that recycled tires could be converted into raw materials used in industrial and consumer sectors, ultimately benefiting the Kuwaiti economy. Environmental activist Barak Ramadan Al-Hindal also stressed the importance of recycling projects, highlighting the potential for high financial returns and job creation in the sector. He called for widespread cultural change regarding waste sorting, from homes and schools to offices and hospitals, to reduce the burden on state-designated landfills. Al-Hindal pointed out that many countries worldwide have benefited from waste recycling projects and transformation industries. He called for the implementation of similar policies in Kuwait, particularly after the government and voluntary organizations have already invested in raising awareness about waste sorting and its potential applications in industry and agriculture. Through these efforts, activists believe Kuwait can address its growing waste problem, reduce its environmental impact, and create a more sustainable future for all.
