Environment: We have made significant progress in cultivating and reintroducing mangroves
Within the framework of a national project and with the aim of preserving coastal ecosystems, the Public Authority for Environment has called for supporting national efforts to preserve coastal ecosystems through the cultivation of mangrove trees (Qurm), in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals and to enhance the resilience of Kuwait’s environment against climate challenges and protect its natural wealth for future generations.
Sheikha Al-Ibrahim, Director of the Public Relations and Media Department at the Authority, stated that the occasion of the International Day for the Protection of Mangrove Trees, observed annually on July 26, serves as an opportunity to renew commitment to protecting this vital environmental resource and its crucial role in nature and coastal environments.
Al-Ibrahim emphasized the Authority’s continued efforts to protect coastal ecosystems and enhance their sustainability, driven by the belief in the importance of mangrove trees as one of the most significant natural ecosystems that contribute to preserving biodiversity, protecting coastlines from erosion, and mitigating the impacts of climate change through their capacity to absorb and store carbon.
She added that Kuwait has achieved notable progress in the cultivation and relocation of mangrove trees, with the Authority launching a national project to cultivate Qurm plants in several coastal sites, most notably in the Jahra Nature Reserve.
She clarified that the Authority has successfully conducted experiments on germinating Qurm seeds in its laboratories and acclimatizing them to local environmental conditions, which has contributed to enhancing natural habitats for birds and marine organisms and supporting biodiversity in the coastal environment of the reserve.
She noted the Authority’s commitment to implementing numerous mangrove planting campaigns in the Jahra Reserve in collaboration with government entities, the private sector, civil society organizations, volunteer groups, and diplomatic missions, emphasizing that environmental protection is a shared national responsibility requiring collective efforts.
Al-Ibrahim reported that all these initiatives have contributed to expanding the area planted with mangrove trees, raising community awareness of their environmental importance, and yielding positive results for the local coastal environment by attracting birds as a safe haven.
She affirmed the Authority’s continuation of monitoring and follow-up programs to ensure the successful growth and sustainability of mangrove trees, alongside implementing awareness and educational programs targeting various segments of society to instill a culture of conserving natural resources and encouraging community participation in environmental initiatives.
Al-Bahbahani: Mangrove forests are the first line of defense for coastlines
The Kuwait Environment Public Welfare Society stated that “commemorating the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, observed annually on July 26, represents a global occasion to highlight the importance of these unique ecosystems and their vital role in protecting coastlines, preserving biodiversity, and supporting efforts to combat climate change.”
Dr. Wafaa Al-Bahbahani, a member of the Society, stated that “mangrove forests are among the most productive coastal ecosystems, providing multiple environmental and economic services. She pointed out that they act as a natural barrier that reduces coastal erosion and mitigates the impacts of waves and storms, in addition to their high capacity to absorb and store large amounts of carbon, making them one of the most important natural systems contributing to mitigating the consequences of climate change.”
