Development Minister: Protecting the Marine Environment and Ensuring Resource Sustainability Are Key Pillars of Sustainable Development

Kuwait City, October 21 (KUNA) — State Minister for Development and Sustainability Dr. Reem Al-Faleh said on Wednesday that protecting the marine environment and ensuring the sustainability of its resources are two fundamental pillars in the State of Kuwait’s efforts to achieve sustainable development.

In her speech at a workshop organized by the Public Authority for Environmental Affairs on the “National Plan for Emergencies and Response to Marine Pollution by Oil and Harmful and Hazardous Substances,” Dr. Al-Faleh emphasized the importance of developing the plan to enhance national preparedness and preserve natural resources.

She explained that the Authority is working on developing and expanding the plan to include harmful and hazardous substances alongside oil pollution, thereby strengthening the capacity to handle various marine pollution incidents within an integrated national system for preparedness, coordination, and intervention. This system aims to contain incidents and mitigate their environmental and economic repercussions.

Dr. Al-Faleh stressed that the effectiveness of the plan depends on the speed of incident reporting, the clarity of roles and responsibilities of relevant entities, the readiness of teams and equipment, the efficiency of field coordination, and data exchange. These factors contribute to enhancing the integration of efforts and raising the efficiency of responses to protect the marine environment and the state’s vital interests.

She noted that advance preparedness for pollution incidents and improving response efficiency support the state’s efforts to achieve environmental sustainability by protecting the marine environment, preserving its natural resources, and safeguarding them for future generations.

She underscored the importance of continuing training and joint exercises, assessing preparedness levels, and periodically updating response plans. She stressed the necessity of translating the workshop’s outcomes into practical steps that contribute to developing national capabilities, enhancing the efficiency of handling marine pollution incidents, and consolidating sustainability in efforts to protect the marine environment and manage its resources.

For his part, Commander Rear Admiral Sheikh Mubarak Ali Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, Director General of the Coast Guard Administration, said in a similar speech that protecting the marine environment is a shared environmental and national responsibility and an integral part of the national security system. It requires concerted efforts and role integration among various relevant entities.

He stated that marine pollution incidents involving oil and hazardous materials are challenges that require advance preparedness and the ability to respond quickly and in an organized manner, as well as readiness to mobilize the necessary capabilities and resources to mitigate their impacts and protect lives, property, and natural wealth.

He added that the National Plan serves as a unified framework that organizes the responsibilities of participating entities and defines reporting, coordination, and response mechanisms, ensuring the swift implementation of necessary measures and efficient management of operations during incidents. He pointed out that the strength of the plan lies in each entity’s commitment to its role and the ability to operate within a single national system characterized by clear procedures and a common objective.

He noted that the Coast Guard Administration heads the plan, based on its duties and jurisdiction as the maritime authority, and affirmed cooperation and coordination with all government entities and related sectors to enhance preparedness and develop response capabilities, thereby contributing to the protection of the marine environment and safeguarding the country’s vital interests.

The workshop, organized by the Public Authority for Environmental Affairs, began yesterday and concluded today, with the participation of several relevant entities. (End) S.S./Z.H.R./A.N.D.