Al-Faleh: Preparing for Marine Pollution Incidents and Enhancing Response Efficiency Support State Efforts to Achieve Environmental Sustainability

- Director General of the Coast Guard: Cooperation and coordination with all government entities to protect the marine environment and safeguard the country’s vital interests

State Minister for Development and Sustainability, Dr. Reem Al-Faleh, stated today that prior preparedness for marine pollution incidents and enhancing response efficiency support the state’s efforts to achieve environmental sustainability by protecting the marine environment, preserving its natural resources, and ensuring their conservation for future generations.

In her speech at a workshop organized by the Public Authority for Environment on the “National Plan for Emergencies and Response to Oil and Harmful and Hazardous Substances Marine Pollution,” Al-Faleh emphasized the importance of developing the plan to strengthen national readiness 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 enhancing the capacity to handle various marine pollution incidents within an integrated national system for preparedness, coordination, and intervention. This system contributes to containing incidents and mitigating their environmental and economic repercussions.

Al-Faleh stressed that the effectiveness of the plan relies on rapid incident reporting, clear roles and responsibilities of relevant entities, readiness of teams and equipment, efficient field coordination, and data exchange. These factors contribute to enhancing the integration of efforts and improving response efficiency to protect the marine environment and the state’s vital interests.

She underscored the importance of continuing training and joint exercises, assessing readiness levels, and periodically updating response plans. She emphasized 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 reinforcing 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 General Directorate of the Coast Guard, affirmed 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 complementary roles among various relevant entities.

He stated that marine pollution incidents involving oils and hazardous materials are challenges that necessitate prior 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 noted 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 bound by clear procedures and a common objective.

He mentioned that the General Directorate of the Coast Guard chairs the plan based on its duties and authorities as the maritime authority, reaffirming cooperation and coordination with all government entities and related sectors to enhance readiness and develop response capabilities. This contributes to protecting the marine environment and safeguarding the country’s vital interests.

The workshop, organized by the Public Authority for Environment, began yesterday and concluded today, with participation from several relevant entities.