Joint ‘Beach Cleanup’ at Kuwait Towers for ‘Operation Turtles’ campaign
Kuwait is actively protecting sea turtles from extinction by releasing them into the Arabian Gulf with an aim to conserve marine biodiversity and ensure survival of vulnerable turtle species in the region.
• The Kuwait Society for Environmental Protection celebrated its golden jubilee this year, marking 50 years since its establishment in 1974.
• The ‘Sea Turtles’ campaign reached its silver anniversary, commemorating 25 years since its launch.
• Several sea turtles were released back into their natural habitats after being rescued and rehabilitated.
• Key threats for Sea Turtle survival include; plastic pollution, urban expansion, ghost fishing, and harmful human activities.
The Kuwait Society for Environmental Protection (KSEP), in collaboration with the Japanese Embassy, the Japanese Association in Kuwait, the General Authority for Environment, and the Scientific Center, conducted a beach cleanup near ‘Kuwait Towers’ on Saturday.
According to Al-Jarida newspaper, the beach cleanup is part of the ‘Sea Turtles’ campaign, which witnessed enthusiastic participation from school students, government agencies, and several volunteers.
The Secretary-General of the Kuwait Society for Environmental Protection, Janan Bahzad stated that the campaign aimed to promote environmental awareness and instill a culture of sustainability across all the sectors of society. Highlighting environmental protection as a shared responsibility, she noted that over 1,000 volunteers participated in the initiative.
Bahzad added that KSEP celebrated its golden jubilee this year, marking 50 years since its establishment in 1974. She also noted that the ‘Sea Turtles’ campaign reached its silver anniversary, commemorating 25 years since its launch.
Over the years, the campaign has engaged more than 10,000 participants, including over 3,000 students from the Association’s Green Schools Program, along with hundreds of entities, organizations, groups, and entrepreneurs.
Bahzad emphasized Kuwait’s efforts to protect sea turtles from extinction, including releasing turtles on the beach and then into the Arabian Gulf. She highlighted key threats such as plastic pollution, urban expansion, ghost fishing, and harmful human activities that hinder their survival and reproduction.
Bahzad stressed the vital role of sea turtles in preserving marine health by controlling seaweed overgrowth, maintaining coral reef balance, supporting marine biodiversity, and ensuring the sustainability of Kuwait’s marine ecosystems.
On the other hand, Dr. Abdullah Al-Zaidan, Deputy Director General of the General Authority for the Environment, commended the Japanese Embassy and the Japanese Association in Kuwait for their annual ‘Operation Turtles’ campaign. Also, he praised their commitment regarding community responsibility by engaging state institutions and members of society for promoting environmental awareness and protection of natural resources in Kuwait.
Dr. Al-Zaidan stressed about the Authority’s dedication in collaborating with the Japanese Embassy, the Scientific Center, KSEP, and various state institutions to foster environmental awareness, advance sustainable development, and ensure a healthy, sustainable environment for future generations.
Furthermore, Dr. Al-Zaidan highlighted the importance of individual, community, and institutional cooperation in developing sustainable environmental solutions to address global climate challenges, preserve Kuwait’s marine biodiversity, and ensure a better, more sustainable future.
Dr. Al-Zaidan stated that this initiative aims to promote environmental sustainability and conserve natural resources, aligning with Kuwait’s Sustainable Development Plan, the United Nations Program, and international conventions in the fields of conservation and protection of the environment and biodiversity.
The Chargé d’Affaires at the Japanese Embassy in Kuwait, H.E. Kaniko Koji, stated that the campaign aims to preserve the environment and public hygiene. While participation was initially low in the year 2000, but due to increased environmental awareness, it has significantly boosted involvement from diverse groups and entities.
Koji expressed gratitude to all the participants in the 25th edition of the ‘Sea Turtles’ campaign, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with the Scientific Center in releasing rehabilitated turtles back into their natural habitat.
Moreover, Koji also highlighted the valuable partnerships with the General Authority for the Environment and the Kuwait Society for Environmental Protection in organizing these campaigns.
The Director of the Marketing and Communications Department at the Scientific Center, Sarah Al-Yaqout, announced that several sea turtles were released back into their natural habitats after being rescued and rehabilitated.
Importantly, Al-Yaqout highlighted that Kuwaiti waters are home to various turtle species, all of which are legally protected and considered threatened with extinction, with the ‘Green Turtle’ being the most common species.
Al-Yaqout explained that last year, the Scientific Center installed tracking devices on sea turtles to study their behavior and migration patterns. It was observed that turtles typically migrate south during the winter and return in the summer. However, some travel further south and do not return for over a year, while others remain near the border.
