KUWAIT CITY: The Kuwaiti diving team, affiliated with the Environmental Voluntary Foundation, has been awarded the national certificate for the 2024 Energy Globe Award. This accolade recognizes the team's dedication to protecting marine life in the Kuwaiti islands. According to Kuwait News Agency, Dr. Dhari Al-Huwail, the team's External Relations Officer, stated that the Austria-based foundation commended the team's innovative and sustainable initiatives in preserving marine ecosystems. The foundation highlighted the team's efforts in developing creative solutions to environmental challenges. Dr. Al-Huwail mentioned that this recognition not only enhances Kuwait's reputation as a supporter of environmental initiatives but also fosters global collaboration in marine protection. He emphasized that the award enables the team to engage with international partners in marine conservation, showcasing Kuwait's commitment to environmental efforts and promoting volunteerism. The team's project was selected as the b est initiative from Kuwait and was featured alongside over 2,000 projects from more than 141 countries. Over the past 30 years, the team has removed over 100 tons of waste, including abandoned fishing nets and debris, from coral reefs around islands such as Qaruh, Umm Al-Maradim, and Kubbar. They have also installed 130 marine moorings to prevent anchor damage and collaborated with the University of Queensland on monitoring coral health. Their recent project, Jaber Al-Kuwait Marine Reserves, has created 24 artificial marine habitats to restore damaged coral reefs and support marine life. The team actively raises environmental awareness through educational programs, exhibitions, and media campaigns. Dr. Al-Huwail highlighted that their efforts include educational programs for students, participation in exhibitions and conferences, and the dissemination of environmental awareness materials via social media, television programs, and publications. The Energy Globe Foundation is a non-profit organization that le ads globally in sustainability. It aims to raise awareness about sustainable resource use, create a better future for upcoming generations, and improve living conditions in developing countries. Established in 1999, the Energy Globe Award is one of the world's most prestigious environmental honors, recognizing innovative sustainability efforts globally.
