Environment: World Day for Combating Desertification and Drought an Opportunity to Raise Awareness on Mitigating Its Impacts
The Public Authority for Environment confirmed that World Sand and Dust Storm Awareness Day, which coincided yesterday, presents an opportunity to enhance environmental awareness regarding the importance of mitigating the negative impacts of sand and dust storms on air quality, public health, and ecosystems, particularly in desert areas.
Sheikha Al-Ibrahim, Director of the Public Relations and Media Department at the Authority, told KUNA that, given its geographical location and desert nature, Kuwait is among the countries affected by sand and dust storms during various periods of the year. This necessitates concerted national efforts and enhanced community awareness of the importance of adhering to preventive guidelines issued by competent authorities to safeguard individual health and safety.
Al-Ibrahim emphasized the Authority’s continued efforts to monitor and track air quality indicators through environmental monitoring stations distributed across various regions of the country, thereby providing accurate data to support the implementation of appropriate measures. This is complemented by cooperation with relevant government entities to mitigate the environmental and health impacts resulting from these natural phenomena.
She clarified that addressing the impacts of sand and dust storms is not limited to response efforts during their occurrence, but also includes promoting sustainable environmental practices, preserving vegetation cover, and supporting initiatives aimed at combating desertification, as these factors contribute to reducing dust dispersion and improving environmental quality.
She noted that the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2024 declaring the decade 2025–2034 as the International Decade for Action on Water for Sustainable Development, with a specific focus on enhancing international and regional cooperation in combating sand and dust storms, as they pose a challenge to efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development goals and represent a threat to human health and ecosystems.
She stressed the Authority’s ongoing implementation of awareness and educational programs to embed environmental culture among various segments of society, in alignment with the State of Kuwait’s vision of achieving sustainable development and protecting natural resources for future generations.
