Eco-heroes of the sea: Volunteers lift one ton of marine waste from Al-Zour Coast
International Volunteer Day offers an opportunity to highlight ongoing efforts driven by increasing public awareness of the need to protect marine biodiversity -- Waleed Al-Fadhel
In a powerful demonstration of environmental stewardship, the Kuwaiti Diving Team of the Environmental Voluntary Foundation marked International Volunteer Day by removing one ton of plastic waste, wood debris, and abandoned fishing nets from the seabed and shoreline of Al-Zour.
The large-scale cleanup, conducted in cooperation with the Al-Ashbal youth team and community volunteers, reflects a growing national commitment to protecting Kuwait’s fragile marine ecosystem.
Team leader Waleed Al-Fadhel told KUNA that this year’s International Volunteer Day — observed annually on December 5 under the theme “Every Contribution Counts” — underscores the essential role of teamwork and volunteerism in safeguarding the planet. “Volunteer work represents one of the highest human and societal values, spreading a spirit of service and responsibility,” he said.
Al-Fadhel noted that the United Nations established the day in 1985 as a global occasion to recognize volunteer efforts and raise awareness of their impact. The celebration, he added, is now a worldwide platform for peace, development, and environmental action, reports Al-Rai daily.
The diving team reaffirmed its year-round commitment to cleaning both the northern and southern coasts of Kuwait, stressing that International Volunteer Day offers an opportunity to highlight ongoing efforts driven by increasing public awareness of the need to protect marine biodiversity. “These campaigns help safeguard coastal life from pollution and the threat of extinction,” Al-Fadhel said.
Environmental risks posed by plastic remain alarming. Citing a UN report, Al-Fadhel warned that plastic pollution kills one million birds and 250,000 marine animals annually, including vulnerable turtle species.
Abandoned fishing gear—so-called “ghost nets”—is particularly destructive, ensnaring marine life long after it is discarded.
He added that the team continuously coordinates with governmental, private, and voluntary bodies, as well as with regional and international partners, to exchange expertise and support marine conservation initiatives.
The Al-Zour cleanup stands as a reminder that environmental protection is a shared responsibility — and that even small acts, multiplied across a community, can make a profound difference to the health of Kuwait’s seas and shores.
