Kuwait City: Kuwait's Environment Public Authority announced that safeguarding biological diversity is a collective moral and humanitarian responsibility, needing united efforts for a prosperous present and a sustainable future.
According to Kuwait News Agency, this statement was made by the authority's Acting Director-General, Nouf Bahbahani, during her speech on the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity, observed on May 22 each year. The event saw participation from the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Bahbahani outlined that this year's focus is on enhancing community awareness about the significance of biodiversity, revising national biodiversity strategies, and fulfilling international agreements related to environmental conservation.
Mohammad Mirza, Acting Director of the Health, Safety, and Environment Group at KOTC, representing the company's Acting CEO, Sheikh Khaled Ahmad Al-Malik Al-Sabah, reiterated the company's commitment to supporting environmental conservation and sustainable projects. Mirza detailed the company's compliance with environmental standards and international maritime laws, highlighting the implementation of a ballast water treatment system and efforts to reduce harmful emissions, aligning with Kuwait's vision to achieve carbon neutrality.
Dr. Wijdan Al-Oqab, Chairwoman of the National Committee for IUCN and President of the Kuwait Environment Protection Society (KEPS), noted Kuwait's ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the preparation of national reports, showcasing its global commitment to biodiversity preservation. Al-Oqab acknowledged the authority's role as an executive and regulatory body enforcing environmental laws, as well as the contributions of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and civil society organizations in promoting environmental awareness. She emphasized KEPS's pioneering role in raising awareness through its Arab-accredited environmental documentary series.