Deal inked to safeguard Kuwait’s marine ecosystem from pollution
The MoU between the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and the General Directorate of the Coast Guard aims to support efforts to reduce marine pollution, especially from ballast water, and prevent the spread of invasive species through ships.
• The cooperation between the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and the General Directorate of the Coast Guard will include completing research studies on other aspects of marine pollution reduction, in line with legislation and international obligations.
The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and the General Directorate of the Coast Guard have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in protecting the marine environment from pollution, as reported by Al Rai newspaper.
The Director General of the General Directorate of the Coast Guard, Brigadier General Bahri Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah, stated in a press statement that the memorandum of understanding aims to develop cooperation with the Institute and support the department’s efforts to reduce marine pollution, particularly that caused by ballast water, and to prevent the spread of invasive species through ships.
He emphasized that the department’s efforts in this area reflect a civilized image of Kuwait to the international community and demonstrate the country’s commitment to the safety of the marine environment on a large scale, through the implementation of international agreements and obligations.
He explained that cooperation with the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research will include completing research studies on other aspects of marine pollution reduction, in line with legislation and international obligations, including the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation, the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, and the International Convention on the Control and Management of Ballast Water and Sediments in Ships.
For his part, Dr. Faisal Al-Humaidan, the Acting Director General of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, stated that the signing of the memorandum of understanding with the General Directorate of the Coast Guard underscores its ability to tackle challenges based on scientific research and the latest innovations and practices to reduce the degradation of the marine environment and ensure its safety.
Al-Humaidan added that the memorandum of understanding includes conducting research and specialized studies, as well as organizing and holding conferences, seminars, scientific workshops, and lectures.
He emphasized the pursuit of joint efforts with the department to establish a national information database on marine pollutants, ballast water, and carbonated waters. He also highlighted that the Institute continues to build bridges of cooperation with national institutions to overcome challenges and strengthen their capacities through the results of studies and research.
