Kuwait Environment Public Authority Highlights Coastal Environment Rehabilitation Project at (Amman Climate Week)

Muscat, September 16 (KUNA) -- The Kuwait Environment Public Authority (KEPA) highlighted its project to rehabilitate coastal environments through the cultivation of mangrove plants in several areas. This was presented during a workshop in which KEPA participated, represented by its Biodiversity Conservation Department, under the title “Applications of Regional Climate Modeling in the Arab Region,” as part of the Oman Climate Week 2026, in cooperation with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), in Muscat.

Senior biologist Asma Al-Haddad told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) after her participation in the workshop that she emphasized the positive impact of the project in enhancing and restoring coastal ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and contributing to climate change adaptation efforts. She added that the coastal environment rehabilitation project, which involves cultivating mangrove plants, is supervised by KEPA’s Biodiversity Conservation Department and has been implemented in cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries since 2018.

She explained that black mangrove seeds, scientifically known as *Avicennia marina*, were imported and acclimatized in the department’s laboratories. KEPA imports thousands of seeds from GCC countries, including the Sultanate of Oman, and plants them in the Al-Jahra Nature Reserve, which provides an ideal environment for the growth and reproduction of mangroves.

Al-Haddad noted that mangroves are species that were originally present in Kuwait’s environment, specifically in the Al-Khuways area, where they were recorded in the 1940s before becoming extinct. The current coastal rehabilitation efforts aim to restore ecological balance and biodiversity through mangrove cultivation.

Regarding the importance of mangroves, she stressed that the project enhances biodiversity and helps establish a complete ecosystem in coastal areas. The project has proven successful, with observations of increased reproduction of surrounding organisms, such as crustaceans, and greater bird nesting in cultivation areas. Additionally, Al-Haddad stated that the evergreen mangrove plant serves as an effective barrier against wind, dust, and high waves, and protects soil from erosion in intertidal zones.

She confirmed that the mangrove cultivation project complements the state’s efforts in this field, including a trial conducted by the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). KEPA is keen to strengthen the project through cooperation with GCC countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to establish a marine nursery for mangrove propagation.

Regarding cultivation trials in sites other than Al-Jahra Nature Reserve, Al-Haddad said experiments included planting on Bubiyan Island and at the Ghadeer coast, but the most successful trial was at Al-Jahra Nature Reserve.

On the importance of participating in the workshop, she described it as a suitable opportunity to learn about regional experiences and environmental projects related to climate change adaptation. She highlighted its role in enhancing regional cooperation and exchanging expertise and experiences in environmental protection and addressing climate challenges, noting that the workshop included 50 participants from 15 Arab and foreign countries.

Earlier, KEPA, represented by its Acting Director General Nof Al-Bahbahani, participated in the Women and Climate Summit as part of Oman Climate Week 2026. During a dialogue session titled “Women in Climate Action: Challenges, Resilience, and the Path Forward,” she discussed climate change from a human and societal perspective, emphasizing the role of women in addressing challenges and enhancing resilience.

The second edition of Oman Climate Week 2026 launched in the Sultanate of Oman on Monday, organized by the Oman Environment Authority to support climate action, enhance sustainability efforts, and accelerate the implementation of climate solutions, with broad international participation.

The regional environmental event includes a number of workshops, panel discussions, networking platforms, partnerships, and bilateral meetings among participating entities, alongside the Women and Climate Summit and the Youth and Climate Summit, providing opportunities to explore cooperation, exchange expertise, and showcase projects and initiatives related to climate action. (End) M.J.B. / T.M.A.