Environment Public Authority: Adopting sustainable environmental solutions to curb the growing sandstorms
The Kuwait Society for the Protection of the Environment has called for the adoption of sustainable environmental solutions to prevent the escalation of dust storms in the country and to mitigate their adverse effects on human health and Kuwait’s environment.
Speaking to KUNA on the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, Society member Dr. Wafa Bahbahani stated that dust and sand and dust storms are developmental issues that require integrated efforts among various concerned parties, as they constitute a hazardous environmental phenomenon with direct impacts on ecosystems.
Dr. Bahbahani added that the repercussions of dust extend beyond reduced visibility, posing economic and social challenges that affect road users’ safety, disrupt air traffic, halt certain port operations, negatively impact the agricultural sector, and lead to declining productivity.
She clarified that afforestation is one of the most important scientific tools for mitigating the effects of this phenomenon, as it plays a role in soil stabilization, curbing sand encroachment, and reducing the transport of soil and dust, thereby positively reflecting on the environment, public health, and quality of life.
She emphasized that increasing vegetation cover represents a long-term investment in environmental security, as trees, green belts, and windbreaks reduce wind speeds near the ground, limit soil erosion, and prevent the dispersal of fine particles.
She noted that greening contributes to improving air quality and lowering dust levels, while also reducing temperatures in urban areas and enhancing cities’ capacity to adapt to climate change.
She stressed that the success of afforestation projects in Kuwait depends on scientific planning and the selection of plant species suitable for the local environment, capable of withstanding high temperatures, soil salinity, and water scarcity.
She indicated that the sustainability of these projects requires continuous monitoring and maintenance programs, along with close cooperation between government entities, the private sector, and civil society organizations, to ensure that afforestation transitions from seasonal initiatives to a permanent national project that enhances environmental sustainability and improves the quality of life for future generations.
She affirmed that Kuwait’s environmental legislation constitutes a cornerstone in combating desertification and limiting land degradation, noting that the Environmental Protection Law does not merely impose penalties but adopts a preventive approach aimed at preserving vegetation cover as the first line of defense against sand encroachment and dust storms.
She pointed out that Article 41 of the Law stipulates the “prohibition of overgrazing and exploitation of land, or engaging in any activity that harms the quantity or quality of vegetation cover, which may lead to desertification. It also prohibits uprooting trees or picking plants and flowers in squares, streets, and public facilities.”
Dr. Bahbahani noted that including these provisions in the law reflects the legislator’s awareness of the importance of protecting natural resources and consolidating a culture of preserving native plants and green cover.
