Kuwait Diving Team's Successful Cleanup Effort Removes Five Tons of Marine Debris from Southern Coastlines

In a remarkable conservation effort, the Kuwait Diving Team, affiliated with the Environmental Voluntary Foundation, has successfully completed the first phase of their project to clean up marine debris from the southern coasts. This initiative led to the removal of five tons of plastic waste, wood, and abandoned fishing nets.

Critical Areas Addressed: Bnaider, Al-Zour, Al-Khiran, and Al-Nuwaiseeb

Team leader Waleed Al-Fadhel briefed KUNA on Saturday about this significant undertaking. The areas targeted for cleanup include the coastlines of Bnaider, Al-Zour, Al-Khiran, and Al-Nuwaiseeb. The operation also involved the safe removal of three buoys that were dangerously entangled, posing risks to maritime navigation.

Combating Environmental Threats with Strategic Measures

The cleanup initiative was necessitated by strong seasonal southern winds causing high waves and depositing waste along Kuwait's coasts. According to Al-Fadhel, these conditions, coupled with subsequent northern wind shifts, resulted in the accumulation of marine debris on the shores.

Plastic waste is recognized as a significant threat not only to marine environments but also to wildlife. A United Nations report underscores this concern, indicating that one million birds and 250,000 marine animals, including endangered sea turtles, succumb annually due to plastic pollution.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Plans

The Kuwait Diving Team utilized boats, cars, and specialized equipment for the cleanup operations. Their future plans involve extending these efforts to include the coasts of Al-Jadilyat and Jahra Reserve. The team's work is in collaboration with the Environment Public Authority.

Beyond physical cleanup, the team emphasizes educational campaigns about marine preservation. They conduct lectures and distribute informative publications across various community segments to raise awareness about environmental conservation.