KUWAIT: The Chairperson of the Kuwait Environment Protection Society (KEPS), Dr Wejdan Al-Oqab, warned of the growing threat of marine pollution, noting that environmental projections indicate that by 2050, the amount of plastic in the world’s seas could exceed the total weight of fish. She made her remarks on Saturday during the opening of the 26th edition of the “Sea Turtle Operation” at Shuwaikh Beach — an annual environmental campaign organized by KEPS in cooperation with the Japanese Society in Kuwait.
Dr Al-Oqab explained that studies show nearly 80 percent of waste found in seas and oceans originates from land, often carried by floods and coastal currents into the water. “These materials travel long distances, sometimes reaching uninhabited islands and disturbing their biodiversity,” she said.
Speaking at the event, Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Kenichiro Mukai noted that the campaign was first launched by the Japanese Society in 2000 and has since become “a symbol of the enduring friendship between Japan and Kuwait.” “Every year, environmental enthusiasts of all ages come together, working side by side to protect and preserve our natural surroundings,” he said, emphasizing that caring for the planet contributes to a better quality of life for future generations. “That’s why we continue to see inspiring volunteer efforts — from beach cleanups to planting and nurturing greenery in the desert — and growing awareness around environmental protection.”
The campaign aims to raise public awareness about the importance of preserving Kuwait’s coasts as natural habitats for endangered marine species, particularly sea turtles. Dr Al-Oqab added that the initiative also helps identify the types of waste entering Kuwait’s marine environment and their impact on habitats and marine life. “Your participation in today’s cleanup is the best way to see this firsthand — you will find that most of the waste consists of single-use plastics,” she said.
She concluded by emphasizing that cleaning beaches is not merely a volunteer activity but “an environmental message reflecting our commitment to the planet.” She added, “Protecting the marine environment begins not with cleanup drives, but with responsible behavior — avoiding littering and disposing of waste properly in the bins provided by Kuwait Municipality.” She expressed hope that the campaign would “leave a green mark on our blue shores.”
Speaking on behalf of the Director General of the Environment Public Authority (EPA), Sharifah Al-Salem from the Biodiversity Department highlighted the importance of community participation in conserving biodiversity, especially marine species that are vital to the ecosystem. “This campaign reflects our belief that protecting marine life — particularly sea turtles, which face growing threats from pollution and plastic waste — is a shared responsibility,” Al-Salem said. “Our participation today goes beyond removing debris; it represents a genuine commitment to preserving our natural resources for future generations.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Director General for Project Affairs at Kuwait Municipality, Maysaa Bushehri, highlighted that the Municipality recently inaugurated the Shuwaikh Beach Project, made possible through generous private sector support. “This partnership between government agencies and the private sector aims to enhance public services by providing a clean, healthy, and well-equipped recreational environment at one of Kuwait’s most important beaches,” she said.
Bushehri added that the Municipality’s participation in the 26th Sea Turtle Operation reflects “the same spirit of cooperation,” bringing together public institutions and civic organizations to promote environmental awareness and reinforce national responsibility toward sustainability. She stressed that the Municipality is committed to integrating sustainability principles into its environmental, investment, and service projects to protect natural resources, reduce pollution, and improve quality of life, while supporting long-term economic and social development.
