The UAE Ambassador to Kuwait, H. E. Dr. Matar Hamid Al-Niyadi, emphasized the Embassy’s commitment to sustainability, and involvement in Kuwaiti initiatives that aim to boost environmental awareness and promote active participation in afforestation projects, transforming desert regions into green spaces.
In a statement to journalists during the UAE Embassy’s participation in the ‘Plant’ campaign at the Abdaliyah Reserve, The UAE Ambassador underscored the significance of cooperative environmental efforts.
The campaign, held in collaboration with the Kuwait Oil Company and joined by diplomats and UN representatives, aligns with the World Climate Change Conference COP29 and the UAE’s ‘Plant’ initiative.
Ambassador Al-Niyadi expressed appreciation for media efforts that spotlight these vital initiatives, which contribute to reducing emissions and enhancing air quality.
Expressing his pride about the Abdaliyah Reserve, the Ambassador commended the Kuwait Oil Company’s active role in promoting sustainability within the areas it oversees.
Furthermore, the Ambassador shared that the UAE Embassy, alongside other ambassadors, planted Al-Ghaf and Al-Sidr trees in the Abdali Reserve at a location known as ‘Sih Al-Ghaf’ meaning ‘flat land’ in the Gulf dialect.
These native Gulf plants are well-suited to the environment, retaining their greenery year-round, requiring minimal water, and offering valuable shade for birds and grazing for animals.
The Ambassador emphasized the Embassy’s commitment to being part of the community and actively promoting sustainability within Kuwait.
Moreover, The Deputy Director General of the Technical Affairs Sector at Kuwait’s General Authority for the Environment, Dr. Abdullah Zeidan, praised the collaboration between the UAE Embassy and the Kuwait Oil Company, recognizing its role in the success of the ‘Plant’ initiative.
Dr. Zeidan emphasized that the Authority has sustainable development plans and local, regional, and international responsibilities endorsed by the State of Kuwait that must be fulfilled.
Importantly, Dr. Zeidan highlighted that strengthening the plant sector is among the top priorities of the Public Authority for Environment, underscoring its commitment to advancing environmental sustainability and green initiatives in Kuwait. He added that the reserves in Kuwait cover about 11% of the country’s total area, which differs in terms of the owner or supervisor.
On the other hand, Dr. Zeidan addressed efforts to tackle northern territorial encroachment and its environmental impact, mentioning ongoing meetings with Iraqi counterparts and specialists from both countries. These discussions focus on mitigating sand encroachment and climate challenges affecting northern Kuwait, with a shared commitment to cultivating the northern regions to reduce these effects.
Furthermore, the European Union Ambassador, H. E. Anne Koestinen highlighted the essential role of trees, calling them the ‘lungs of the earth’ crucial for the health and well-being of humans, animals, and the planet.
Ambassador Koestinen noted that the EU’s biodiversity strategy includes a goal to plant at least 3 billion trees by 2030. She stressed the need for collective action to protect the planet and ensure a fair, inclusive transition to a sustainable future.
