Protection of marine environment vital: EPA
KUWAIT: The Director General and Chairman of the Board of Environment Public Authority (EPA) Sheikh Abduallah Al-Humoud AlSabah yesterday stressed on the importance of protecting the marine environment and finding proper solutions to environmental issues in the GCC. The remarks were made in a speech Sheikh Abdullah gave during the consolatory meeting between GCC countries and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), hosted by Kuwait and represented by EPA.
This meeting comes in accordance with GCC targets in achieving comprehensive developments between member countries as well as protecting their environments and natural resources in cooperation with the United Kingdom. “The marine environment in the Gulf region encounters many threats due to the wars this part of the world witnesses along with chemical oil pollution” he said. “The meeting tackled every environmental factor affecting the coastal region in order to reach the most appropriate recommendations to protect the coral reefs and marine organisms the Arabian Gulf cherishes” he added.
During the meeting, British Ambassador to Kuwait Michael Davenport said that the aim is to discuss a means of cooperation between UK and GCC to support the management of marine environment in the Gulf region, as well as reaching a road map on that matter. The diplomat offered his thanks to Kuwait for hosting the meeting and expressed his pride that the UK has a deep-rooted cultural and historical connection with GCC countries regarding environmental issues.
The GCC General Secretariat Advisor Adel Bastaki said in a similar speech during the meeting that the GCC is keen to develop their relations with regional and international countries and blocs, especially with the UK that shares historical ties and mutual interests with the Gulf region. “This meeting was a great chance to exchange expertise and information between experts in the field as well as training national cadres to lay the pillars of a sustainable comprehensive development” he said. — KUNA