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ShareKUWAIT: The Kuwait Dive Team, part of the Environmental Voluntary Foundation has celebrated a year of significant environmental achievements in 2024, playing a pivotal role in marine conservation and awareness. Through its “Our Sea” initiative, the team successfully led major projects to preserve Kuwait’s coastal and marine ecosystems, partnering with government and community organizations to promote a cleaner, safer environment.
Team leader Walid Al-Fadhil shared with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the team’s efforts in 2024 were diverse and impactful, contributing to significant milestones in environmental protection. “Our work last year was truly rewarding, and we are proud to have been recognized with the prestigious Global Energy Foundation Award, which highlights our dedication to preserving the environment,” Al-Fadhil said.
Key accomplishments include the monitoring and cleaning of coral reefs, the removal of tons of waste, and the recovery of sunken ships and boats. The team also contributed to securing maritime navigation routes and conducted ongoing coastal cleaning campaigns across Kuwait’s shores and islands. Additionally, the team completed comprehensive maintenance of marine moorings in various coral reef areas, undertaking a total of 130 environmental tasks.
In one of the year’s most notable achievements, the team successfully recovered 10 sunken vessels, including ships, boats, and marine equipment, weighing a combined total of 51 tons. These operations, spread across multiple locations, helped protect marine life and ensure safe navigation for the region’s maritime traffic. Furthermore, the team removed over 100 tons of abandoned fishing nets and harmful waste from more than 30 coastal and marine sites.
Al-Fadhil emphasized that the team’s work wasn’t limited to large-scale projects. The team also carried out smaller-scale but equally important initiatives, such as cleaning Fahaheel Bay and removing discarded fishing nets from Kuwait Bay. In collaboration with the Indian Muslim community, the team also cleaned up waste from the Kuwait Towers coast, reflecting the collaborative spirit of their environmental efforts.
The team continued its commitment to coral reef preservation through its marine mooring maintenance program, completing routine repairs and upkeep for 107 moorings. This project is vital to protecting the health of Kuwait’s coral ecosystems, ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine life.
Al-Fadhil also highlighted the team’s role in global and regional environmental initiatives. The team collaborated with the United Nations Environment Program’s regional office for West Asia on joint awareness campaigns under the “Clean Seas” initiative. Launched by the United Nations, this global campaign aims to reduce marine waste, protect marine ecosystems, and prevent pollution from threatening marine species.
Moreover, the team actively participated in numerous waste removal operations, working alongside volunteers and various organizations to enhance marine and coastal health. The team’s involvement in the National Project for the Protection of Kuwait’s Marine Environment further underscored its dedication to safeguarding the country’s marine resources.
Throughout the year, the team also made it a priority to share their work with others by participating in international and regional environmental forums. By engaging with experts and exchanging valuable insights, the team continues to expand its knowledge and refine its approaches to conservation.
Al-Fadhil revealed that the team has also continued its weekly beach cleaning campaigns, now in its tenth year, working with over nine partner organizations. These campaigns, which take place across Kuwait’s beaches, offer a hands-on approach to environmental education. The team organizes field workshops for participants, sets up environmental awareness displays, and holds exciting competitions for students, fostering a deeper connection to marine conservation and sustainability. — KUNA
