Al-Mashaan protects unique Jal Az-Zor geological region

• The Kuwait Society for Geosciences had advocated for Jal Az-Zor region’s inclusion in an expanded geological tourism map rather than opening it for camping.

• Human presence in the Jal Az-Zor region dates back 10,000 years to the Ubaid civilization, with studies uncovering dark red rocks, reminiscent of those on Mars, which display a brown hue.

The Kuwait Society for Geosciences affirmed that Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, the Minister of Works and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs, made a commendable decision by rejecting the proposal from certain Municipal Council members to establish a camping area in northern Kuwait under municipal supervision.

According to Al Rai newspaper, this decision aligns with the terms of reference outlined in Law 32 of 2016, marking a significant and appropriate action in the right direction.

The association stated in a statement that with this refusal, Al-Mashaan saved the Jal Az-Zor geological region, which holds a unique location.

The association pointed out that it was among the first to warn against converting the Jal Az-Zor area into a camping site and emphasized the importance of preserving it.

Previously, the association had advocated for its inclusion in an expanded geological tourism map rather than opening it for camping.

The association highlighted that human presence in that region dates back 10,000 years to the Ubaid civilization. Studies have also revealed the presence of dark red rocks, similar to those found on the surface of Mars, which tend towards brown in color.

Furthermore, the association emphasized that Al-Mashaan’s decision is correct from both technical and scientific perspectives. It suggested that this step should be followed by other measures, specifically including the area in the UNESCO Geological Parks Initiative program.