Kuwaiti Diving Team receives ‘2024 Energy Globe World Energy Prize for efforts in protecting coral reef ecosystems
The Kuwaiti diving team of the Environmental Volunteering Council announced on Thursday that it received the ‘2024 Energy Globe World Energy Prize from the World Energy Corporation in Austria’ recognizing its efforts in protecting the ecosystems of coral reefs and their organisms in Kuwait’s islands.
The external relations officer of the team, Dr. Dhari Al-Huwail, told KUNA that the institution, which includes a committee of international environmental experts, congratulated the team on receiving the award and described its efforts to protect coral reefs on Kuwait’s islands as “wonderful and sustainable,” aiming to safeguard the marine environment and build a better future worth living.
Dr. Al-Huwail added that the award will help the team connect with international partners in marine environmental protection and will highlight Kuwait’s civilizational image as a supporter of serious environmental work and a promoter of voluntary efforts.
Importantly, Dr. Al-Huwail stated that this victory is a significant event for Kuwait and its youth, expressing gratitude to all partners, including government and civil institutions, for their continuous support, particularly under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, may God protect them.
Dr. Al-Huwail explained that this victory reflects the team’s efforts, the integrity of its approach, and the importance of its marine environmental work. The team was selected as the best Kuwaiti initiative from over 2,000 international projects submitted by participants from more than 141 countries. He expressed pride in the award, given to the team by an established environmental institution.
Furthermore, Dr. Al-Huwail pointed out that for 30 years, the Kuwaiti diving team has dedicated its efforts to protecting the coral reef environment in Kuwait’s islands, particularly those of Qaruh, Umm Al-Maradim, and Kabir.
The team has completed numerous environmental programs and projects, notably the retrieval of sunken boats on coral reefs and the removal of over 100 tons of waste, including neglected fishing nets, iron, tires, plastic waste, and more.
Dr. Al-Huwail stated that the team completed the Marine Clots project at 130 coral reef sites to protect the reefs from damage caused by mucosa from boats and fishing activities. Additionally, the team has contributed to monitoring the health of coral reefs as part of the University of Queensland’s Coral Watch project in Australia.
Furthermore, Dr. Al-Huwail pointed out that the team aimed to create new environments for marine life through the “Jaber Kuwait Marine Reserve” project, which includes 24 sites made of treated concrete to form habitats for fish and marine organisms, including coral reefs, in order to compensate for areas that were destroyed.
Dr. Al-Huwail highlighted the team’s efforts in spreading environmental awareness about sea reefs to preserve coral reef environments and island coasts. They have worked to communicate this message to all segments of society, including school students, through active participation in exhibitions, conferences, social media programs, media and television programs, and the publication of environmental awareness materials.
The World Energy Prize (Energy Globe) is one of the most prestigious environmental awards globally. Established in 1999, it is awarded annually.
The number of participating projects in the World Energy Prize has reached 6,000, receiving support from various environmental personalities and organizations. Its jury is composed of leading figures in global environmental work.
The World Energy Corporation, a non-profit organization, is a global leader in sustainability, aiming to raise awareness around the world about the need for sustainable resource use, ensure a sustainable future for future generations, and improve living conditions in developing countries.
