Spain’s ambassador highlights success of ‘Coasts from Space’ exhibition

• His Excellency Manuel Hernández Gamallo, Spain’s Ambassador to Kuwait, emphasized that our coasts are vital ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and climate resilience, with satellite tech aiding better protection.

His Excellency Manuel Hernández Gamallo, Spain’s Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, expressed his honor on December 4th at the closing ceremony of the “Coasts from Space” exhibition, stating, “I am deeply honored to stand before you today on this significant occasion.”

He acknowledged and thanked Kuwait University, the Faculty of Science, as well as Mr. Jaber Al Sabah, Dr. Layla Al Musaw, Dr. Hala Khalid Al Jassar, and Dr. Nasser Buramah for helping bring this exhibition to life.

“This initiative stems from our collaboration with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and our Ministry of Science and Innovation, he said.

Moreover, the ambassador highlighted that this exhibitionis part of a broader scientific diplomacy strategy carried out by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs globally and the Spanish Embassy in Kuwait over the past few years, aiming to promote science worldwide.

Among the recent examples, he mentioned the “Oceánicas” exhibition held at Kuwait University, the “Age of Glass” exhibition, the participation of two scientists from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography in a symposium here last year, and the seminars organized with KFAS and KISR on agro-technology in arid lands, in collaboration with the Tecnova Institute from Almería, Spain. He added, “We have come to consider Kuwait University, KFAS, and KISR as our second home.”

“It is with great pride and excitement that I welcome you to the closing ceremony of this unique exhibition, The Coasts from Space. This exhibition is not only an artistic and scientific journey into the breathtaking beauty of our planet’s coastal regions but also a powerful reminder of how far we have come in our ability to observe and understand the Earth from a completely new perspective: outer space,” Ambassador Gamallo said.

“As the Ambassador of Spain, I am particularly thrilled to showcase our country’s stunning coastline. Stretching across both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Spain’s coasts are among the most diverse and ecologically rich in the world. From the rugged, green cliffs of the northern coast to the golden beaches of the southern coastline, these landscapes define not only our geography but also our culture and way of life.”

“Through the lens of the twin satellites Sentinel 2A and Sentinel 2B, we now have access to a perspective of our coasts that was once unimaginable. In this exhibition, you will see the awe-inspiring images captured from space, offering new insights into the dynamic relationship between land, sea, and atmosphere,” the ambassador said.

“These images not only highlight the beauty of our coastal areas but also reveal the complex challenges they face, from erosion and climate change to rising sea levels and human activity. They also allow us to assess and quantify the consequences of natural disasters and climate change,” he added.

He said, “Natural disasters, whether earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods, have shaped our societies in profound ways. They remind us of the fragile balance between nature and human civilization, and our collective responsibility to protect our environment and communities.”

“Today, as we explore the force of nature, I must take a moment to speak about a tragic event that recently touched the heart of Spain, in the city of Valencia. Just a few weeks ago, Valencia experienced severe flooding that caused widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and businesses. The intense rainfall exacerbated by the climate change has left hundreds of people struggling to recover their homes. The impact was felt not only in economic terms but also in the emotional toll it took on the affected communities,” the ambassador said.

Ambassador Gamallo added, “However, even in the wake of such destruction, the spirit of solidarity and resilience that defines Spain has been evident. From emergency responders and local authorities to volunteers and neighbors helping one another, the collective effort to rebuild and support those affected has been extraordinary.”

“As we have seen throughout the exhibition, our coasts are not only national treasures but also vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, provide resources for millions, and serve as a barrier against the impacts of climate change. With satellite technology, we can monitor these environments more effectively than ever before and make informed decisions to protect future generations,” he said.

Ambassador Gamallo expressed, “I would like to once again extend my sincere appreciation to KFAS, KISR, and Kuwait University for their collaboration over the past few years. It has opened a promising new avenue for partnership with our embassy, one that I intend to cherish and continue. Thank you very much.”