KUWAIT: The Environment Public Authority (EPA) and UN Environment Programme’s Regional Office for West Asia (UNEP West Asia) are partnering up to implement four environmental projects aimed at enhancing Kuwait’s capabilities in environmental protection and addressing climate change. The projects, which include developing a national environmental strategy as well as projects tackling waste management and desertification, are expected to be implemented within the next two years, according to a statement published by KUNA.

EPA’s Acting General Manager Samira Al-Kandari said the projects will involve collaboration across governmental and private sectors, research institutions, and civil society, in line with the Kuwait’s development plan and the government’s workplan. Sami Dimassi, UNEP’s Regional Director for West Asia, said the partnership reflects Kuwait’s commitment to work towards a sustainable future.

The projects include the development of a national environmental strategy for Kuwait to serve as a comprehensive roadmap for enhancing environmental sustainability. The strategy focuses on major environmental challenges such as fighting climate change by reducing gas emissions, supporting clean energy, combating desertification, protecting natural resources, and minimizing pollution. It aims to enhance partnerships between the public and private sectors and improve strategic performance in environmental protection.

The second project is establishing a national environmental data management plan in accordance with Kuwait’s environment law. The plan will facilitate regular and reliable data exchange among governmental entities, enhancing transparency in environmental decision-making. It will involve developing a comprehensive data system connected to both governmental and private entities. The system will ensure accurate data on Kuwait’s environmental situation, thereby supporting sustainable decision-making and effective resource management.

The third project aims to develop a national strategy to combat desertification. The project includes enhancing environmental data and institutional capacities, and applying global best practices in combating desertification, particularly concerning Kuwait’s unique challenges, such as frequent dust storms. It will also focus on restoring degraded lands and improving sustainable agriculture.

The fourth project is developing a monitoring system for the National Integrated Waste Management Strategy, establishing national performance indicators to assess waste management progress, and protecting the environment sustainably. Kandari noted that the National Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2040 was finalized in 2023 in collaboration with the German Fraunhofer Institute. The Authority is currently working on launching and implementing this strategy, aiming to develop sustainable waste management systems by improving recycling processes and reducing solid and liquid waste.