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The Envioronment Public AuthorityThe Environmental Strategy of the State of Kuwait, 2002

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A Satellite Image of the State of Kuwait.


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His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

The Amir of the State of Kuwait


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His Highness Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah

The Crown Prince and Prime Minister


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HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber

The First Deputy Prime Minister, Ministr of Foreign Affairs

&Chairman of the Higher Council, Environment Public Authority


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Quotes from the statements ofHis Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah,

the Amir of the State of Kuwait:“As Muslims, we always begin our statements with the phrase “In the name of Allah, the most gracious and the most merciful”. This revalidates our mandate with Allah to tell the truth, bring justice for all, and ensuresthat all our interaction between people is based on mercy, as the basis ofbrotherhood, human rights, and cooperation for our advancements.”

“Earth is the mother of humanity and destroying the environment means violating and abusing the trustworthy that almighty Allah has asked us topreserve. We should also preserve the heritages that our fathers havebuilt in the past so we can deliver it more prosperous to the futuregenerations”.

“Tolerant and creative dialogueis the path to knowledge, and pleasantwords provides the environment for good will and the best for thenational interest”.

“Criticism, provided it is not filled with accusation or allegations, is the first step to reform. The most important ethics in any criticism is neitherto gain or divert attention from our own flaws nor to cause conflicts ”.

“Scientific research is fruitful and can only be gained by those who were patient and lived and spent their time and effort believing that whateverbenefits people remains”.


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“Future responsibilities are greater than the past or the present. The greater the hopes, the greater are the deeds”.

“It is an honour to bear a responsibility. It is an obligation to protect it and deliver it. Andit is a sin to abuse it”.

“The strength of a nation is measured by the ability of its people to work and cooperate in order to elevate their efficiencies through science,experience, experiment and creativity as well as their capacity for selfassessment in order to reach the best decision”.


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Project Director

Dr. Mohammad Abdul Rahman Al-SarawiPresident of the Council

&Director General

Envioronment Public Authority

Dr. Eng. Sufyan Al-TalSupervision, Editing, and Scientific Review

Senior AdvisorUnited Nations Development Program, UNDP


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Members of the Executive Board

Dr. Mohammad Al-Sarawi. President of the Council, DirectorGeneral and Chairman of theExecutive Office.

Dr. Bandar Mossalam Al-Raqas. Manager, Strategy Executive Officefrom 20/4/99-20/4/2000.

Ms. Wafa’a Ahmad Al-Khamees. General Coordinator of thestrategy from 20/9/99-22/11/99.

Ms. Faten Al-Mosallam. General Coordinator of thestrategy from 14/12/99-25/1/2002and Manager, Executive Officefrom 26/1/2002-Recently.

Dr. Mohammad Fathi Hamooda. Project Consultant.

Eng. Salah Mohammad Al-Mazeedi.

Project Consultant.

Dr. Mohammad Fawzi Qasim. Member.

Ms. Alia Hasan Bu-Rhama. Researcher.

Mr. Wael Ahmad Al-Matar. Researcher.

Miss Heba Adel Al-Tabtaba’ee. Researcher.

Mr. Abdullah Saleh Al-Yahya. Information Coordinator.

Mr. Raed Al-Husaini. International Relations Coordinator

Dr. Hasan Al-Khardajee(Regional Consultant in theEconomic and Social Committeefor West Asia).

Reference Standards Provision.

Mr. Mohammad NabaweeMahmood.

Map Preparations.

Mr. Mohammad Shams Al-Deen. Arabic Language Editing.

Ms. Tahera Abdul Rahman.

Ms. Jihan Mohammad Khalil.

Typing.


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Members of the Guidance Committee

No. Name Authority

1 Dr. Mohammad Abdul RahmanAl-Sarawi.

President of the Council, DirectorGeneral, Environment Public Authorityand Project Manager.

2 Dr. Ali Yousif Al-Saif. Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministryof Health, Community Health andEnvironment.

3 Dr. Nabhan Ibraheem Al-Nabhan CEO, Tohama Real Estate Company.

4 Eng. Asa’ad Ahmad Al-Sa’ad. General Supervisor, Kuwait NationalPetroleum Company, Ahmadi Refinery.

5 Eng. Mahmood Khalid Karam. Manager, Treatment and WaterResources Department, Ministry ofPublic Works.

6 Dr. Mansoor Ghloom Hussain. Deputy Undersecretary for EducationalDevelopment, Ministry of Education.

7 Mr. Yousef Mohammad Al-Hajri. Deputy Undersecretary for Operationand Maintenance of Power Stations andWater Desalination Plants, Ministry ofElectricity and Water.

8 Eng. Jamal Al-Sayed Hashim Al-Rifai.

Deputy Undersecretary for TechnicalAffairs, Ministry of Oil.

9 Dr. Manaf Ismail Bahbahani. Faculty of Science, Kuwait University.

10 Dr. Abdulrazzak Mishari Al-Nifisi.

Deputy General Manager for AppliedEducation and Research, PublicAuthority for Applied Education andTraining.

11 Eng. Mousa Hussain Al-Sarraf. Deputy General Manager for Projects,Affairs, Kuwait Municipality.

12 Mr. AbdulMohsen Nasser Al-Qallaf.

Deputy General Manager, Landscapeand Greening Department, PublicAuthority for Agriculture and FisheriesResources.


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13 Mr. Yousif Shehab Al-Bahar. Deputy General Manager, Specificationsand Industrial Services, PublicAuthority for Industry.

14 Dr. Sameer Al-Awadi. Manager, Office of Studies andFollowup, Public Authority for HousingCare.

15 Mr. Bader Nasser Al-Khashti. Deputy Managing Director (operations),Kuwait Oil Company.

16 Dr. Mane’a Al-Sderawi. Manager, Environment and EarthSciences Department, Kuwait Institutefor Scientific Research.

17 .Col Anwar Abdul Razzak Al-Yaseen.

Acting General Manager, Department ofBorder Security and Sea Patrol, Ministryof Interior (MoI).

18 Col Mustafa Juma Shaban. Acting General Manager, Department ofCivil Defense, (MoI).

19 Major Eisa Al-Rasheed. Deputy Manager, Technical Testing,General Department of Traffic (MoI).

20 Dr. Adnan Ez-Aldein Hashim Al-Refai.

Deputy Undersecretary for Measurmentof Development Performance andFuture Prediction, Ministry of Planning.

21 Sheikh Rakan Al-Sabah. Chief Engineer, Military InstallationsEngineering Dept., Ministry of Defense.

22 Mr. Reyadh Ahmad Al-Sane’a. Manager of Weather ForecastDepartment, General Directorate ofCivil Aviation.

23 Mr. Theyab Farhan Al-Rasheedi. Third Secretary, Legal Department,Ministry of External Affairs.

24 Sheikh Salman Dawood SalmanAl-Sabah.

Deputy Undersecretary for Informationand Press Affairs, Ministry ofInformation.

25 Eng. Khalid Ashoor Al-Marzooq. Deputy Undersecretary forTransportation, Ministry of


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Communication.

26 Mr. Meshal Ahmad Abdullah Al-Jeraiwee.

Judge, Court of Appeal, Ministry ofJustice.

27 Mr. Younis Mohammad YounisAl-Yaseen.

Judge, Court of Appeal, Ministry ofJustice.

28 Ms. Huda Abdulmohsen Al-Shayji.

Manager, Department of Fatwa,Directorate of Fatwa and Legislation,Cabinet of Ministers.

29 Mr. Haidar Taher Al-Herz. Deputy Manager, Department of Fatwaand Legislation, Cabinet of Ministers.

30 Dr. Bandar Al-Raqas. Seconded Advisor, Environment PublicAuthority, Public Authority for AppliedEducation and Training.

31 Ms. Wafa’a Ahmad Al-Khamees. Manager of Planning and EnvironmentalImpact Assessment Department,Environment Public Authority.

32 Dr. Mohammad Fathi Hamooda. Seconded Advisor for the EnvironmentPublic Authority, Kuwait University.

33 Eng. Salah Mohammad Al-Mazeedi.

Second Advisor for the EnvironmentPublic Authority, Kuwait Institute forScientific Research.

34 Dr. Mohammad Mokhales Abu-Sada.

General Manager, Program of PublicWorks, Social Funds for Development,Eygpt.

35 Dr. Mamoon Al-Hamawi Al-Fahham.

Manager, Alfa Consulting Group, Syria.

36 Ms. Alia Hasan Bu-Rhama. Environment Public Authority .

37 Mr. Wael Ahmad Al-Matar. Environment Public Authority.

38 Ms. Faten Ali Al-Mossallam. Environment Public Authority.

39 Miss. Heba Adel Al-Tabtaba’e. Environment Public Authority.


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IntroductionThe initiation of this strategy started by the determining certainimportant objectives. To continue the efforts, the first workshop inrelation to the raising the pillars of the staregy was held at the end of1998 where more than 100 representatives of various authorities andorganizations, from public and private sectors, participated in itsactivities. At the workshop, the main strategy goals and objectives wereestablished (Appendix 1). The formulation of action teams representingthe different sectors followed. A second workshop was held, later on, inwhich participants delivered their inputs on the different sectors of thestrategy.

In the middle of the year 2000, the Environment Public Authority of theState of Kuwait (EPA) approached the United Nations Economic andSocial Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) for assistance in order topropose reference standards to prepare the environmental strategy forthe State of Kuwait. Action teams began to obtain the necessary data onwhich the various sectors of this strategy are based upon. Afterward,many specialists began to prepare the first edition for each given sector.

By the end of year 2000, a senior advisor from the United NationsDevelopment Program (UNDP) participated in the completion of thedifferent sectors of the strategy. At the end of the year 2001, the advisor,along with the other teams and specialists, completed the work of thestrategy which ended up by having ten sectors as its main theme contents.

In order to obtain a national endorsement for the strategy, twoworkshops were held again in 2001. More than two hundred authorities,from the private and public sectors, including the National Assembly, andthe press were invited to provide their inputs with transparency andclarity during the discussions. The feed back was very fruitful andcontributed to the final drafting of the environmental strategy of theState of Kuwait.

As agreed by the concerned officals, this part of the strategy does notinclude the Oil Sector. As a result, the second part of this strategy will bededicated to this important sector as it requires enormous amount ofinformation about its environmental aspects and the role of its variousinstitutions. Work on this particular part is still in progress.

A great emphasis was put to systematically format information obtainedfrom the various sectors. Each sector begins with the introduction and theassessment of its resources and capabilities including human andlegislative. Then, problems and issues of concern, that faces each sector,are then assessed and included in the final document. Finally, solutions to


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these problems were presented along with recommendations on how toprotect and improve the environment in each sector of concern.

In order to adequately implement and monitor the anticipated solutionsand recommendations, action plans were proposed and will be completedin the near future. In the action plan, the recommended solutions andprocedures will be presented as specific projects with proposed timeframework and budget estimates. Th action plan will assist variousauthorities and organizations in the country in planning their programsand estimate their budgets based on this environmental strategy.

Due to the availability of many highly regarded and effective scientificorganizations in Kuwait, many research and studies that were carried outby these institutions, including the ones in progress, were assessed andare presented in this document at the appendices as references. Finally, itshould be noted that although this work was performed with a highdegree of accuracy and professionalism and because we live in a fastmoving and changing world, no work is free from errors. Therefore, thedoors will be always open for future development and improvementsbased on practice, implementation and update. We ask Allah the Mercifuland Mercy Giving the success and to protect Kuwait from all threat anddifficulties.


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Table of ContentINTRODUCTION..................................................................................................... 13

SECTOR ONE: NATURAL AND HUMAN CHARACTERISTICS..................... 25

1.1 Kuwait’s geography 281-1-1 Location............................................................................................................. 281-1-2 Area ................................................................................................................... 281-1-3 The coastline...................................................................................................... 281-1-4 The islands......................................................................................................... 281-1-5 High and low tides ............................................................................................. 321-1-6 Topography ....................................................................................................... 321-1-7 Surface Geology ................................................................................................ 341-1-8 Geomorphology ................................................................................................. 351-1-9 The Soil ............................................................................................................. 371-1-10 Sand dunes ...................................................................................................... 371-1-11 Climate characteristics ..................................................................................... 391-1-12 Weather: .......................................................................................................... 441-1-13 Rain ................................................................................................................. 48

1-2 Oil and gas resources 48

1-3 Demographic characteristics of the residents of Kuwait 50

1-4 Urbanization 52

1-5 Kuwait City 54

SECTOR TWO: THE ATMOSPHERE AND AIR QUALITY 58

2-1 Introduction 602-1-1 Air Pollution ...................................................................................................... 602-1-2 Air pollutants in the outer environment.............................................................. 612-1-3 Definition of the major air pollutants in the State of Kuwait, their sources and theireffects.......................................................................................................................... 622-1-4 Sources and levels of concentrations for air pollutants in Kuwait ...................... 67

2-2 Assessment of resources of the atmosphere and air quality sector 722-2-1 Establishments and Authorities working in the field of management, organization,and monitoring of Air emission and Air quality. ......................................................... 732-2-2 The governmental production and services establishments ................................ 802-2-3 Educational and research Institutes and Non-Governmental Organizations:...... 872-2-4 Existing Rules, regulations, and laws in relations to the protection of theenvironment from air pollution and emissions:............................................................ 88

2-3 Major environmental issues 912-3-1 Outdoor air quality............................................................................................. 912-3-2 Air quality in the work environment .................................................................. 94


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2-4 Causes of problems in the atmosphere and air quality sector 952-4-1 Technical causes ................................................................................................ 952-4-2 Institutional causes............................................................................................. 972-4-3 General causes ................................................................................................... 98

2-5 The required methods and steps needed to solve the problems of the sector 992-5-1 Technical and organizational steps..................................................................... 992-5-2 Legislative steps................................................................................................1012-5-3 Economic steps .................................................................................................1012-5-4 Awareness steps................................................................................................102

2-6 Sources of information 102

SECTOR THREE: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH .............................................106

3-1 Introduction 108

3-2 Comprehensive evaluation of resources of the sector 1093-2-1 Ministry of Health (MOH) ................................................................................1092-2-3 Ministry of Public Works (MPW).....................................................................1133-2-3 Kuwait Municipality .........................................................................................1163-2-4 Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW).........................................................1193-2-5 The Environment Public Authority ...................................................................1203-2-6 The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET)................1203-2-7 Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research............................................................1223-2-8 The Public Department of Customs..................................................................1243-2-9 The Environmental Monitoring Department, PAI .............................................1243-2-10 The Kuwaiti Society for the Protection of the Environment ............................1253-2-11 The Waqf Fund for the Conservation of the Environment ...............................1253-2-12 Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences .....................................1263-2-13 Current legislations organizing the environmental health sector......................127

3-3 Environmental health issues in Kuwait 1313-3-1 Water resources issues ......................................................................................1313-3-2 Sanitary wastewater issues ................................................................................1313-3-3 Hazardous, medical, and solid wastes management issues ................................1323-3-4 Healthy residence or accommodation issues .....................................................1393-3-5 Issues related to health of the work environment...............................................1393-3-6 Food safety issues .............................................................................................1413-3-7 Issues related to environmental health information system: ..............................1433-3-8 General issues in environmental health .............................................................144

3-4 Causes of problems of the environmental health sector 1443-4-1 General causes ..................................................................................................1443-4-2 Quality of the drinking water ............................................................................1463-4-3 Sewage..............................................................................................................1473-4-4 The management of hazardous medical and solid wastes ..................................147


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3-4-5 Healthy accommodation....................................................................................1483-4-6 The Healthy work environment.........................................................................1493-4-7 Food safety .......................................................................................................149

3-5 Methods and procedures required to solve environmental health problems. 1503-5-1 In the field of food safety..................................................................................1503-5-3 In the field of hazardous, medical, and solid wastes management .....................1523-5-3 Sewage..............................................................................................................1533-5-4 In the field of healthy work environment ..........................................................1543-5-5 In the field of water quality ...............................................................................1553-5-6 In the field of healthy residence or accommodation ..........................................156

3-6 Sources of Information 157

SECTOR FOUR: FRESH WATER RESOURCES ...............................................159


4-2 Comprehensive assessment of the water resources sector 1624-2-1 Water resources ................................................................................................1624-2-2 Water production, distribution, and storage in Kuwait. .....................................1784-2-3 Water production and consumption...................................................................1804-2-4 Institutions working in the water sector.............................................................1814-2-5 Laws and legislations related to the water sector...............................................188

4-3 Issues of concern related to the fresh water sector 1914-3-1 Covering future water needs, necessary for a sustainable development .............1914-3-2 Environmental issues of concern related to the reuse of treated sewage waters foragriculture and landscaping purposes .........................................................................1934-3-3 Issues of concern related to water pricing, in order to reduce consumption and thereuse of water in industry. ..........................................................................................194

4-4 Reasons of concern related to the water resources sector 194

4-5 Means and measures necessary to solve the problems of the sector 1984-5-1 Objectives .........................................................................................................1984-5-2 Means ...............................................................................................................1994-5-3 Measures...........................................................................................................201

4-6 Sources of information 210

SECTOR FIVE:ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND EDUCATION ........213


5-2 Assessing the resources of the education sector and the sector that deals withenvironmental awareness 2175-2-1 Governmental establishments............................................................................2175-2-2 Non-governmental establishments participating in raising environmental awareness...................................................................................................................................226


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5-2-3 Programs, courses, and activities related to increasing the environmental awarenesslevel ...........................................................................................................................228These include the following: ......................................................................................2285-2-4 The technical and institutional resources available to develop environmentalawareness ...................................................................................................................2305-2-5 Environmental awareness programs among Major Groups (children, youths,women…etc)..............................................................................................................2305-2-6 Environmental awareness among decision makers ............................................2315-2-7 Environmental awareness among foreign workers ............................................2325-2-8 Environmental awareness among the media......................................................2325-2-9 Environmental awareness among some religious clerics (mosque Imams and Islamicpreachers)...................................................................................................................234

5-3 Major Issues of concern in the Environmental Education andAwareness Sector 2345-3-1 Environmental awareness issues in decision making.........................................2345-3-2 Environmental awareness issues amongst different groups of society ...............2355-3-3 Lack of environmental awareness among the persons in charge of the media ...2385-3-4 Environmental awareness issues in various education stages prior to university level...................................................................................................................................2405-3-5 Issues and problems of concern related to environmental modules and curricula inKuwait University and the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training ......2415-3-6 Bolstering environmental awareness of religious clergymen (Imams and mosquespreachers)...................................................................................................................2415-3-7 Environmental awareness issues at the non-governmental and non-profitorganizations. .............................................................................................................2425-3-8 Environmental awareness issues to reinforce the concept of participation andconsultation in environmental conservation................................................................243

5-4 Causes of the problems related the environmental awareness and education sectorproblems 2435-4-1 Institutional causes............................................................................................2445-4-2 Technical Causes ..............................................................................................2455-4-3 General causes ..................................................................................................246

5-5 Means and measures required to solve the issues of concern related to theenvironmental education and awareness sector 248

5-6 Information sources 251

SECTOR SIX: INDUSTRY AND ENERGY..........................................................258

6-2 Evaluation of the Resources of the industry and energy sectors 2626-2-1 Industrial Sector................................................................................................2626-2-2: The Public Authority for Industry ....................................................................2666-2-3 Industrial areas..................................................................................................2686-2-4 Energy sector ....................................................................................................279


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6-3 Environmental issues related to Energy and Industry sectors 2846-3-1 Issues related to the equilibrium between industrial development and environmentalconservation ...............................................................................................................2846-3-2 Issues related to industrial development ............................................................2856-3-3 Issues related to Population Development.........................................................2866-3-4 Issues related to Industrial Areas:......................................................................2876-3-5 Issues related to Energy Consumption patterns: ................................................2876-3-6 Issues related to technology ..............................................................................2886-3-7 Human resources...............................................................................................2896-3-8 Issues related to industrial wastes and emissions...............................................2906-3-9 Establishments structures ..................................................................................2926-3-10 Legislative issues ............................................................................................292

6-4 Causes of environmental issues of concern in the industry and energy sector 2956-4-1 The balance between industrial development and environmental protection .....2956-4-2 Technology .......................................................................................................2956-4-3 Industrial wastes, litters, and gaseous emissions ...............................................2966-4-4 Establishments structures/units .........................................................................2996-4-5 Legislative policies ...........................................................................................299

6-5 The required methods and measures to solve the problems of the industry andenergy sector 3006-5-1 The balance between industrial development and environmental protection .....3006-5-2 Procedures related to the technology field.........................................................3026-5-3 Procedures for the industrial wastes field ..........................................................3046-5-4 Measures related to the structures of establishments .........................................3086-5-5 Legislative measures .........................................................................................310

6-5 References and sources of Information 312

SECTOR SEVEN:WILD LIFE, FLORA AND FAUNA .......................................315

7-1 Introduction: 317

7-2 Available resources for wild life and animal sectors 3187-2-1 Non-governmental organizations and governmental bodies ..............................3187-2-2 Organizational, human, technical, legislative, awareness capacities available forserving the wild life sector..........................................................................................3197-2-3 Legislations, laws and regulations enacted by the governmental sector for theprotection of wildlife ..................................................................................................3207-2-4 Achievements in wildlife protection..................................................................3237-2-5 Available resources for protection and development .........................................3247-2-6 Current and future directions concerning wildlife .............................................336

7-3 Major issues of concern that are threatening wildlife, overexploiting its resourcesand obstructing achieving sustainable development 3387-3-1 Deterioration of the vegetation cover (1)...........................................................338


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7-3-2 Environmental pollution (2) ..............................................................................3397-3-3 The extinction of some types of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles (2) ..............3397-3-4 Lack of environmental awareness among individuals and decision makers in issuesrelated to wildlife biodiversity (3) ..............................................................................3397-3-5 Incomplete development of natural reserves, rangelands and national parks (3)3407-3-6 Over consumptive patterns that overexploits natural resources and pressurizeswildlife (2) .................................................................................................................3407-3-7 The negative Impacts of the Iraqi Invasion on flora and fauns Wildlife (3) .......3407-3-8 Retreating from enforcing laws and legislations related to the protection of naturalresources of the country (1) ........................................................................................3407-3-10 Lack of financial support for the protection of wildlife sector and leniency inestablishing the Desert Park (3) ..................................................................................341

7-4 Direct causes of overexploitation and deterioration of Wildlife resources and theirhabitats 3417-4-1 Marine and coastal habitats ...............................................................................3417-4-2 Desert habitat ....................................................................................................343

7-5 Methodologies and procedures required to resolve problems facing the wildlifesector and maintain its sustainability 3517-5-1 Institutional procedures.....................................................................................3517-5-2 Legislative procedures ......................................................................................3567-5-3 Technical, educational and media procedures ...................................................358

7-6 References and sources of material 361

SECTOR EIGHT:URBAN ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE........................372


8-2: Resources of urban environment and heritage sector: 3748-2-1 Residential units:...............................................................................................3748-2-2 The Residential Area:........................................................................................3758-2-3 Facilities and Services:......................................................................................3768-2-4 Infrastructures:..................................................................................................3778-2-5 The evolution of urban planning in Kuwait:......................................................3778-2-6 Historical buildings and structures: ...................................................................3788-2-7 Public corporations and authorities working in the construction sector: ............3808-2-8 Legislations concerning the urban environment and heritage: ...........................384

8-3 Issues related to the urban environment and heritage sector: 3868-3-1 The loss of the architectural character: ..............................................................3878-3-2 Urban pollution:................................................................................................3888-3-3 Inadequate application of the urban plan and the weakness in architectural planning:...................................................................................................................................3908-3-4 The presence of harmful and polluting utilities and services: ............................3948-3-5 The increasing pressure on available resources of the environment:..................394


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8-3-6 The influence of natural phenomena on the urban environment: .......................3948-3-7 Insufficient maintenance of heritage, historical, and archeological buildings: ...3958-3-8 The absence of a housing strategy:....................................................................3958-3-9 Lack of Environmental Awareness: ..................................................................3958-3-10 Expanding Projects of Enhancing and Improving the Environment: ...............3968-3-11 Compliance with Environmental Legislations and Laws:................................3978-3-12 The Freedom to Access Information: ..............................................................3978-3-13 Financial and Economical Issues:....................................................................398

8-4 Causes of problems and issues of concern in the Urbanization and UrbanEnvironment Sector: 3988-4-1 Reasons for the lack of cohesion in buildings and the loss of architectural identity:...................................................................................................................................3988-4-2 Reasons for urban Pollution: .............................................................................3998-4-3 Reasons for the inadequate application of the Urban Plan and the poor architecturalplanning: ....................................................................................................................4008-4-4 Reasons for the presence of harming facilities and services: .............................4028-4-5 Reasons for increased pressure on available resources: .....................................4028-4-6 Reasons behind the influence of natural phenomena on the urban environment:4028-4-7 Reasons for lack of maintenance of heritage, historical, and archeologicalbuildings: ...................................................................................................................4038-4-8 The reasons necessitating a residential strategy:................................................4038-4-9 Reasons for lack of environmental awareness: ..................................................4048-4-10 Reasons for leniency in expanding environment beautification projects:.........4048-4-11 Reasons for the inadequate compliance with laws and legislations concerning theenvironment: ..............................................................................................................4048-4-12 Reasons for improper coordination between corporations: ..............................4058-4-13 Reasons for inadequate monetary and economic spending on urban developmentprojects:......................................................................................................................405

8-5 The proposed solutions and procedures to the issues and problems of the urbanenvironment sector: 4058-5-1 Proposed solutions to counter the lack of cohesion of the architectural fabric of thecountry: ......................................................................................................................4058-5-2 Proposed solutions to control urban pollution: ..................................................4068-5-3 Proposed solutions to augment urban planning: ................................................4088-5-4 Proposed solutions to the presence of harming and polluting facilitiesand services:...............................................................................................................4098-5-5 Proposed solutions to reduce the pressure on electricity and water: ..................4098-5-6 Proposed solutions to limit the pressure imposed on resources and raw materials inconstruction:...............................................................................................................4108-5-7 Proposed solutions to the influence of natural phenomena: ...............................4108-5-8 Proposed solutions to maintain historical resources: .........................................4118-5-9 Proposed solutions for dissipating the population: ............................................411


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8-5-10 Proposed solutions for lack of environmental awareness:................................4128-5-11 Proposed solutions for the expansion of environmental projects: ....................4138-5-12 Enacting legislations: ......................................................................................4138-5-13 Insufficient monetary and economic funding for urban development: .............4138-5-14 Proposed solutions to enhance the coordination between various corporations:413

8-6 Sources of information: 425

SECTOR NINE:AGRICULTURE AND LAND-USE IN KUWAIT.....................428


9-2 Comprehensive evaluation of the agricultural and landscape sector resources4329-2-1 Structures of institutions working in the agriculture sector................................4329-2-2 Authorities and institutions responsible for environmental issues and sustainabledevelopment ...............................................................................................................4349-2-3 Existing human, technical, institutional, and legislative capacities to control, andconserve environmental issues ...................................................................................4359-2-4 National environmental conservation legislations and procedures pursued by theagriculture sector ........................................................................................................4379-2-5 Achievements in the field of environment preservation and protection .............4389-2-6 The importance of the agriculture sector for the national economy and its role inproviding partial food security....................................................................................4419-2-7 Coordinating measures and cooperation between the land and agricultureestablishments and the various governmental and Non-Governmental Organizationsworking in the field of environmental management and natural resources conservation4439-2-8 The importance of the agriculture sector in supplying animal feedstock andrangelands ..................................................................................................................4459-2-9 Assessing agricultural lands ..............................................................................445

9-3 Environmental issues for the landscape and agriculture sector 4499-3-1 Water resources deterioration............................................................................4499-3-2 Low soil capacity..............................................................................................4509-3-3 Sand drifting and accumulation problems .........................................................4509-3-4 Harsh climate conditions...................................................................................4509-3-5 Oil spill incidents .............................................................................................4519-3-6 Irrational uses of pesticides and hormones ........................................................4519-3-7 Diseases and blights..........................................................................................4519-3-8 Decrease of vegetation cover and the increase of deteriorated lands due to theirrational land exploitation..........................................................................................4539-3-9 The Second Gulf War (1990-1991) ...................................................................455

9-4 Reasons of irrational exploitation and deterioration of agriculture and land sectorresources 4559-4-1 Natural factors ..................................................................................................4559-4-2 Human factors...................................................................................................4599-4-3 The Gulf War....................................................................................................460


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9-5 Procedures and measures required to limit the problems of the sector 4619-5-1 Implementing environmental monitoring programmes......................................4619-5-2 Designing a comprehensive national plan to combat desertification..................4629-5-3 The sand encroachment and soil erosion control programme ............................4659-5-4 Developing and management of natural rangelands ..........................................4659-5-5 Expanding the landscape and green belts application ........................................4689-5-6 Water resource management and development..................................................4709-5-7 Sustainable development of agriculture activities and animal resources............4729-5-8 Proposed legislations ........................................................................................475

9-6 Sources of Information 476

SECTOR TEN:COASTAL AND MARINE ENVIRONMENT ............................478


10-2 Coastal and marine resources 48110-2-1 Marine organisms: ..........................................................................................48110-2-2 Water and energy: ...........................................................................................48210-2-3 Storm water discharges: ..................................................................................48310-2-4 Transportation and trade: ................................................................................48310-2-5 Industry...........................................................................................................48410-2-6 Urban development .........................................................................................48410-2-7 Touristic and recreational activities.................................................................48410-2-8 Environmental establishments and authorities.................................................48510-2-10 Technical capabilities....................................................................................49110-2-11 Environmental achievements ........................................................................491

10-3 Marine and Coastal environment sector issues 49610-3-1 Issues related to the pollution of coastal waters...............................................49610-3-2 The issue of the violating the sound use of the coastline .................................50410-3-3 The issue of fisheries resources depletion .......................................................50610-3-4 The issue of absence of environmental awareness...........................................50910-3-5 Issues related to environmental laws and legislations......................................50910-3-6 Institutional issues...........................................................................................50910-3-7 Economic and financial issues ........................................................................509

10-4 Reasons that caused the deterioration of the marine and coastalenvironment 51010-4-1 Reasons for the deterioration of coastal water quality .....................................51010-4-2 Reasons for the deterioration of the reproduction capacities of marine species51210-4-3 Issues of concern related to violations to the coastal line.................................51410-4-4 The reasons for the lack of environmental awareness......................................51610-4-5 Issues of concern related to the incompliance with environmental laws ..........516

10-5 Recommended solutions 51710-5-1 Recommended solutions to prevent deterioration of coastal waters quality .....517


24

10-5-2 Recommended solutions to limit the deterioration of the reproductioncapacities of the marine species..................................................................................51810-5-3 Proposed solutions to cope with the effects of illegal use of the coastal line ...52110-5-4 Proposed solutions for sustainable development .............................................52210-5-5 Proposed solutions to increase environmental awareness ................................524

10-6 Information sources 525

ANNEXES ................................................................................................................530

ANNEX 1:THE OBJECTIVES AND GOALS OF THE ENVIRONMENTALSTRATEGY OF THE STATE OF KUWAIT 531

ANNEX 2:RESEARCH PROJECTS SPONSORED BY THE EPA, KUWAIT 537

(FOR FIVE YEARS AND UNTIL THE YEAR 2000) 537

ANNEX 3:A SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH COMPLETEDBY KISR, (1996-1998)..............................................................................................557

ANNEX 4:RESEARCH FUNDED BY THE KUWAIT FOUNDATION FORADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCES 571

ANNEX 5:A LIST OF RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY KUWAIT UNIVERSITY...................................................................................................................................587

ANNEX 6:A LIST OF RESEARCH PROJECTS ..................................................590


25

Sector OneNatural and Human Characteristics


26

Members of the Geographic and Human Characteristics Sector Team

Preparation by:

Dr. Eng. Sufyan Al-Tal

Senior Adviser, United NationsDevelopment Program (UNDP).

Scientific Material and References:

Atlas of the State of Kuwait FromSatellite Images (2000). KuwaitFoundation for the Advancement ofSciences.

Edited by: Dr. Farouk El-Baz andDr. Mohammad Abdul Rahman Al-Sarawi. Supervision by Dr. AliAbdullah Al-Shamlan.

Geomorphology: Dr. Faruk El-Baz & Dr.Mohammad Al-Sarawi.

Topography: Mohammad Al-Sarawi and MajaleeKookh.

Surface Geology: Mohammad Al-Sarawi.

Sand Dunes: Mohammad Al-Sarawi and HudaAl-Dabi.

Climate: Ali Hamid Ali.

Weather: Dhari Al-Ajmi.

Oil Resources: Foozya Abdullah.

Urban life: Abdullah Al-Ghunaim.

Kuwait City: Waleed Al-Munais.

The Current Status of theEnvironment in the State of Kuwait(2000).

The Environment Public Authority.

Natural Resources and EnvironmentalCharacteristics of Kuwait.

Kuwait Institute for ScientificResearch, Kuwait, 2000.

Annual Statistical Census 1994-1999. Ministry of Planning, CentralDepartment of Statistics.


27

Plate 1-2 A satellite image that shows the location

of the State of Kuwait within the Arabian Peninsula.


28

1.1 Kuwait’s geography

1-1-1 Location

The State of Kuwait is located at the northeastern part of the ArabianPeninsula between latitudes of 28.30º and 30.05º north and longitudes of46.33º and 48.30º east. It is bound by the Arabian Gulf from the east, Iraqfrom the North, and Saudi Arabia from the South.

1-1-2 Area

The State of Kuwait occupies an area of 17,818 square Kilometers. Theaverage land length from east to west is 170 Kilometers (106 miles) andthe distance between the farthest northern location to the farthest southernlocation is about 200 kilometers (124 miles). The borders of the State ofKuwait has total length of 685 kilometers, 495 kilometers of which areland borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia and the remaining 195kilometers (121 miles) are sea boundary on the Gulf.

1-1-3 The coastline

The coastal line has total length of 325 kilometers, excluding the coastsof the islands. Adding these coasts will make the grand total of the coaststo about 500 kilometers. This coast is considered a part of the shollowwaters of Shat Al-arab. This coastal area could be divided into two mainareas: North and South. The northern area extends from Ras Al-Ard toUm-Qasser and the coasts of Bubyan and Warba Islands. Kuwait Bay isone of the most important locations of this area. The Southern areaextends from Ras Al-Ard to Al-Nuwaiseeb, Al-Khairan area and its mudflats and wetlands are considered the most important locations in thissouthern area.

1-1-4 The islands

The State of Kuwait has a total of nine islands. The largest of theseislands is Bubyan, which is located at the western part tip of Shat Al-ArabDelta in the northwestern part of the Gulf. The island has a length of 40kilometers, width of 30 kilometers, and its total area 1400 squarekilometers. The length of its coasts is 120 kilometers. The level of thisisland is nearly at sea level and it contains mainly muddy delta sediments.Another island is Warba, which is located north of Bubyan and has acircumference of 30 kilometers and is covered mainly with muddysediments. The second largest island in Kuwait is Failaka, which islocated at the entrance of Kuwait Bay and has an area of 48 squarekilometers. Next to Failaka are two small islands: Miskan and Awhah,their areas are half square kilometer and quarter square kilometerrespectively. Kubbar Island is located 30 kilometers of the coast ofFahaheel and has an area of three quarters of a square kilometer.


29

Fig. 1-1 Locations of Kuwait's islands.


30

Plate 1-2 Warbah, Bubyan, and Failaka islands, from top to bottom.These are the three largest islands of northern Kuwait.


31

Plate 1-3 Aerial photographs of Kuwait's smaller islands (Miskan,Awhah, Umm An-Namil, Kubbar, Qaruh and Umm Al-Maradim,from top to bottom).


32

Qaruh Island is located at the furthest sourthern part of the Kuwaitiregional waters. Also, Umm Al-Maradim Island is located 40 kilometersfrom the coast of Al-Nuwaiseeb in the southern part of Kuwait and has anarea of a quarter of square kilometer. Finally, Umm An-Namil Island islocated at the western part of Sulaibikhat Bay and could be reachedduring low tides.

1-1-5 High and low tides

The water levels at the Kuwaiti coasts change due to high and low tides,which are caused due to the force of gravity between the moon, the earth,and the sun. This change in water levels occurs every six hours. Thismeans that there are two high tides and two low tides everyday. Watermoves towards the northern part of the gulf during high tide periods andtowards the southern part of the gulf during low tide periods. Thehorizontal difference in water levels is approximately 2 meters betweenthe southern and northern coasts of Kuwait.

1-1-6 Topography

The State of Kuwait has a plain topography, the geological heights rangebetween 285 meters in the southwestern part and 30 meters in thenortheastern part. The most important geological sites are: Jal Al-Zurenscarment, Um Al-Rimam depression, Wadi Al-Batin, Al-Ahmadi hill,Al-Leyah, Al-Shegaya, Al-Dibdiba, Al-Huma, Kera’a Al-Maroo, Al-Dahzool, Telal Al-Mezeel, Ras Al-Ard, Ras Al-Julia, in addition to otherdepressions and Wadis and desert locations.

Jal Al-Zur enscarment is considered the most important of theselocations, its height is 125 meters above sea level and extends for adistance of 65 kilometers along the northern coast of The State of Kuwait.Jal Al-Zur Enscarpment consists of sand and lime rocks. These rocksbelong to the Halocene and Miocene ages. At the western andnorthwestern side of Jal Al-Zur eEscarpment there is a slight slopetowards some other desert lowlands. Underneath Jal Al-Zur Enscarpmentmany recent sediments are formed, which extends towards the coastalarea which also includes some old sea cliffs.

Um Al-Rimam depression is located four kilometers to the west of Jal Al-Zur Enscarpment. This valley consists of two main parts. One of theseparts has a depth of 15 meters. The formation of Um Al-RimamDepression was formed due to the melting processes of the lime rocks.The longitudinal section of the lowland consists of a group ofdistinguished figures, which mainly includes recent sediments,atmospheric depositions, wetlands and rock sediments.

Atlas of Kuwait , Al-Sarawi and Majali


33

Fig. 1-3 The distribution of surface sediment distribution in Kuwait.Source: Al-Ajmi and Kalaf, (1993).


34

Wadi Al-Batin is considered as one of the most important topographies inKuwait. It is noticed that Wadi Al-Batin expands from the southwesternside and reaches it maximum width in the northwestern side. Thefollowing characterizes Wadi Al-Batin: flat sandy area, scatteredelevations, low height hills, rims covered with thin layer of gravel, sanddunes, scattered wetlands, and finally gravel sediments. Al-Ahmadi hill,which has a height of approximately 125 meters above sea level andlength of six kilometers, is found in the southern part of Kuwait.

Many other heights can also be found on the surface of the State ofKuwait; mainly: Wara height, which is 30 meters above sea level, andBurgan hills, which is 50 meters above sea level and has a circular outershape.

The eastern seacoast and the southeastern part of Kuwait is flat, low inheight, and is characterized by the presence of wetlands and mud flats. Itis surrounded by a group of sand dunes and coastal hills; one of these isin Al-Khairan coastal area. Coastal riges in the area were originated fromthe tectonic movements and one is of a height of 45 meters above sealevel.

1-1-7 Surface Geology

Geologically The State of Kuwait is located between the northern coast ofthe Arabian Gulf and the gravel sediments in the Dibdiba formation in thesouth. From the east, the shallow waters of the Arabian Gulf borderKuwait. From the south, the desert sands of Saudi Arabia border Kuwait.Kuwait’s geology is characterized by its flat surface and could be divided into two main parts: the Northern and Southern parts.

Northern Part:

It comprises of a flat gravel surface with few lowlands. Some small,scattered hills are also formed from the northeastern towards thesouthwestern side, they fade away completely at Al-Rawdatain, theground water rich area. One of the most important geological sites in thenorthern part is Jal Al-Zur Enscarment and Jal Al-Leyah.

Southern Part:

It consists of fine desert sands where Al-Ahmadi hill appears. It has aheight of 125 meters. Wadi Al-Batin is one of the most importantgeological site in the area and extends from the far southwest towards thenortheast. The age of the rocks on Kuwait surface goes back to the recentage until the middle Euocene age, 47 million years ago. The sediments onWarba and Bubyan islands are recent and were formed from thesediments of Euphrates and Tigris rivers. In general, most of Kuwait’s


35

geology and its surface sediments are considered recent and are less than66 million years of age.

Most of these recent sediments are located above layers of formationsfrom the Jurassic and Cretaceaus Ages, which dates back to 25-208million years. On the surface of Kuwait many recent rocks consists oflimestones. Slates and fine sands. Cretaceaus layers, which usuallyseparates the Pliocene and Miocene can also be found and presents thelong weathering period.

Al-Ghar and Faris layers, which belong to the Miocene Age, are alsoconsidered as distinguished layers, due to the presence of limestone sandand clay. Layers of Al-Ghar and Faris are located above the layers of Al-Dibdiba. It consists of an upper part of course sands; whereas the lowerpart consists of fine sands. In addition, the Dibdiba formation, which hasa thickness of 3 metres is originated from water streams. The recentsediments are characterized by the abundance of gravel surfaces ofdistributed around the surface of Kuwait. These sediments wereoriginated from the water flows from the Arabian Peninsula through thevalleys and other streams.

The tectonic location of Kuwait is between the Iranian Zagros Mountainsin the north and eastern parts. This area is tectonically unstable and isexposed to earthquake activities. The south part of Kuwait is consideredgeologically to be part of the Arabian Peninsula, which is known for itsstability since the Cambrian Age more than 505 million years ago. Layersof the Arabian shield incline towards the northeast and consist oflimestone, mud, oolitic limestone and marl.

Many of convex layers, towards north south, also exist and distinguishedwith its petroleum importance. One of the important formations inKuwait is the Wadi Al-Batin, which extends from the far southwesttowards the northeast and is considered an extension to Wadi Al-Rimmain Saudi Arabia.

1-1-8 Geomorphology

Four geomorphologic regions were discovered using aerial photographs.This classification is based on the geological (surface) formations andgeomorphologic features. One of these regions is the Northern Region,which is characterized by water sediments affected by Shat Al-Arabwaterway and gravel sediments from Wadi Al-Batin. Some of theimportant geomorphologic sites are: Al-Abdali area (salt sediments), Al-Rawdatain (sandy sediments), sand dunes, and Um Al-Maradem area(limestone).

Atlas of the State of Kuwait, Farouk El-Baz and Mohammad Al-Sarawi.


36

Fig. 1-4 Geological map of Kuwait.


37

Another geomorphologic region is the Western Region, which wasaffected by the high water flow forming Wadi Al-Batin. This region haslarge amounts of rock sediments in Wadi Al-Batin area and manyevidences shows that it is located above a great fault followed by a longperiod of erosion. The third region is the Southern Region that covers thesouthern and the southeastern parts. Wind usually affects the formationsin this region, which are mainly flat desert surfaces, which is filled withloose sands.

Some areas are rocky with salt sediments and high concentrations ofcalcium carbonate. The Coastal Region surrounds the eastern part ofKuwait, overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The middle part of Jal Al-Zurheights, Ras Al-Subya and other mud flats contains many wetlands aswell as coastal ridges and sand dunes.

1-1-9 The Soil

The formation and contents of the soil in Kuwait are created from thesedimentation and repositioning caused by rainfalls and water flows priorto the current dry era. The soil in lowlands was formed frominhomogeneous rock fragments, which contains different minerals andwas transferred for long distances from the Arabian Peninsula.

At the end of the rain age and during the dry era, the role of windsbecame greater in soil formation while the role of water was greatlyreduced. Under these dry conditions, fine sand, mud, and silt along withorganic matter were deposited by water streams. They also weatheredsome lowlands such as Um Al-Rimam, and Um Al-Aish lowlands in thenortheastern part of Kuwait. These processes assisted in the dominance ofsand dunes and sand layers in many areas of Kuwait.

1-1-10 Sand dunes

Sand dunes cover large areas in Kuwait reaching more than 500 squarekilometers. These sand dunes can be detected through satellite images.Most sand dune fields drift with wind and evidences shows that they wereoriginated from south of Iraq. These sand dunes differ in size from onelocation to another and have the following types:

Anchored sand dunes, which have lengths ranging between 15 and 20meters and heights between 10 to 15 meters. This type can be found inthe vallies and hills.

Natural Resources and Environmental Characteristics.

Atlas of the State of Kuwait, Mohammad Al-Sarawi and Huda Al-Dabi, (2002).


38

Fig. 1-5 Distribution of geomorphologic units in the State of Kuwait.Source: Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, (2002).

Key:

Blue: Wadi Al-Batin.

Green: Al-Dibdibah Valley.

Orange: Al-Huwailmiyah.

Light Blue: Al-Rawdatain Gravel Valley.

Pink: Burgan Depression.

Yellow: Coastal Valley.


39

Crescent sand dunes, which can be found south of the anchored sanddunes in the lowlands between the hills and the valleys. This type ofsand dunes moves on an average of 15 to 20 meter per year.

Accumilated sand dunes, which include sand in the southern parts ofthe sand dune accumulations and covers large areas.

The area’s topography is flat and has no trenchant terrains. The direction of sand dunes demonstrates wind directions in the past.

Sand dunes contain high concentrations of quartz and limestone. Thegranules are round in shape, which indicates that they have travelledlong distances before settling in their location.

1-1-11 Climate characteristics

The climate in the Arabian Gulf region is desert climate, with infrequentrainfall, high temperature in the summer and low in winter. The seasonalweather conditions are erratic. Rainfall decreases from north to south.The area is also saturated with humidity throughout the year due to thelocation near the gulf waters except in May and June when the high speednorthwestern winds are dominant.

Wind:

Wind speed increases at higher atmospheric levels. However, the regionis subjected to high speed northwesterly winds reaching 60 knots (120km/hr) especially during winter season. At the higher elevations of theatmosphere, the wind speed depends on the strength of the orbital currentthrust (strong winds at an elevation of 18,000 feet). The difference inatmospheric pressure between the earth surface and the higher elevationsdetermines the wind speed and duration. The speed and duration of thenorthwesterly wind is determined by the low atmospheric pressure at theSouthern part of the Arabian Gulf region (specifically at the strait ofHermuz). When the low atmospheric pressure halts at the strait ofHermuz, the strong northwesterly winds blows for 3-5 days. Moreover, ifthe wind moves toward the Gulf of Oman, the strong northwesterly windslast for 48 hour, which is known as short-range northwesterly winds.

Usually, wind speed is less at night, but remains strong at the Arabianelevations above 5,000 feet due to the effect of the air current thrust. Inthe absence of strong winds, the entire region falls under the effect seabreeze during day time.

Atlas of the State of Kuwait, Ali Hamid Ali, (2000).


40

Fig. 1-6 The different types of soil in Kuwait.


41

The region’s temperatures are also affected by the strong wind, the temperature drops when the wind direction is northwesterly regardless ofthe season. The western winds in the summer are dry and have thepotential of carrying dusts and sand storms. Clouds at high altitudes areformed during summer time due to the seasonal Indian low pressure.

Al-Kaus south and southeasterly wind, starts before the northwesterlywinds in all seasons especially during fall, winter, and spring. There twotypes of Al-Kaus winds (from September to May). The first type coversthe eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula, which occurs when cold airfronts arrive at the Gulf region from the north of the Arabian Peninsuladuring the winter season. The wind speed during winter can reach amaximum speed of 30 knots (60 km/hr) and lasts for 20 to 48 hours. Thesecond type of Al-Kaus winds starts during spring and fall seasons. Theseare hot and humid winds and last for short periods. They reach thelatitude of 28º north. The duration of this type of wind depends on theseasonal Sudan low pressure and the African and Siberian high pressure.The AL-Kaus winds carry dusts from the open areas in the southern andcentral part of the Arabian Peninsula.

Dust and sand storms:

Winds that cause sand storms in the northern part of the Arabian Gulfregion are linked with the movement of the short waves in theatmospheric layers over the eastern part of the Mediterranean. Thevertical movement of these winds is caused by the difference in airpressure produces dust. It can reach most parts of the Arabian Gulf regionwithin 12 to 14 hours, depending on the strength of the wind and thrustcurrents in the atmosphere. The dust quantities, however, declines nearthe coasts of the United Arab Emirates, where vision is rarely below 5 kmdue to northwesterly winds.

Sand storms are very common in the State of Kuwait and the northernpart of the Arabian Peninsula during the beginning of the summer seasonevery year.

Sand dust:

Sand dust is an unpopular weather condition in Kuwait. Its affects notonly human health but also the natural and economic environments.Visibility is reduced to the extent that traffic (air, ground, and sea) isimpeded. Besides, this type of dust degrades soil quality affecting theagricultural production.

Atlas of Kuwait, Al-Ajmi, Dhari


42

Fig. 1-7 The different types of sand dune, the thick red arrowsindicate wind direction.


43

Table 1-1 Wind Speed, Kuwait International Airport.

Month Average Speed (meter/second) Maximum Speed(meter/second)

January 3.6 18

February 4.1 19

March 4.4 21

April 4.4 23

May 4.6 29

June 5.8 20

July 5.8 18

August 4.7 19

September 3.7 17

October 3.4 21

November 3.5 15

December 3.5 19

Year 4.3 29

Source: Annual Statistical Census, (1994). MoP.

Another adverse effect of dust is the malfunction of unprotected sensitive.This phenomenon continues during the summer seasons (from mid Mayuntil early November). It should be noted that there are different types ofsand dusts which includes: sand storms, ascending sands or dusts andsuspended dust.

Thunderstorms and rain:

Rain falls at several times during winter season more than in summer. Itis accompanied by the tropical air current thrust over the ArabianPeninsula. The presence of the low pressure at high altitudes helps inincreasing the amount of rainfall in the northern parts of the ArabianGulf. In November, an average of three strong low pressures passesthrough the Gulf region, which increases the amount of rainfallinfluenced by the strong winds. However, in December-March, the areawitnesses few thunderstorms near the centres of the low pressure areas inthe lower altitudes of the atmosphere (near the earth surface). This occurs


44

when the low pressures from the eastern part of the Mediterranean linkedwith the low pressures, enters the higher altitudes of the atmosphere. Thislink determines the intensity of the low pressure.

During the spring season, and as the earth surface temperature increases,thunderstorms increase.

1-1-12 Weather:

Kuwait enjoys long periods of sunshine during summer time causing ahigh increase in temperature in the months of June, July, and August.During winter, however, the sun radian falls with a slope and for fewerhours dropping the temperatures dramatically.

Kuwait’s temperature is affected by three major air masses. These are:

Orbital sea air masses above the Arab Sea and the northern part of theIndian Ocean and the Arabian Gulf.

Orbital continental air masses, which are very dry and high intemperature. These are originated from the seasonal air masses that areformed during summer above northwest India.

Polar continental air masses, which are formed in the winter above theinner northern part and covered with snow in the Asian continent.

The pressure in the northwestern part of the Arab world can be dividedinto two main types: summer and winter. During the summer season alarge area of low pressure is formed above the northwestern part of Indiaand expands west to Iran and the Arab World, it might even reach theeastern Mediterranean causing north winds to dominate. These windsincrease causing sand storms which reduces visibility to few meters onlyespecially around noon. The average high temperature ranges between 42and 46 degrees Celsius, the highest recorded temperature in Kuwait was50.8 degrees Celsius in 25th of June 1954 in Shuwaikh area.

The low temperatures are formed above the Arab world during themonths of August and September causing winds known as Al-Kaus inaddition to very hot humidity. The humid summer season usually startson the 20th of July in the period in which easterly and southeasterly windscoming from the Gulf dominate. These winds carry large quantities ofwater vapor. In some cases, wind direction becomes northwesterly evenduring noontime and then changes to northeastern until the afternoon dueto the sea breeze. However, it changes again to southerly winds until theevening. Finally the wind changes its direction to become westerly windsuntil sunrise. The duration of the humid period ranges between two and

The Statistical Census


45

twenty days continuously. Clouds may appear during this period, but theoccurrence of thunderstorms is unlikely.

The Weather round the year

Winter (6th of December to 15th of February)

The weather is moderate to very cold especially at night or when cold anddry high-speed northwesterly winds blow. The maximum temperaturecould reach 13 degrees Celsius and may drop to 3.3 degrees Celsius,except in warm periods caused by the humid southeasterly winds. Themaximum temperatures range between 23 and 31.3 degrees Celsius. Theclouds start to appear in the sky causing rain to fall after the strongsoutheasterly winds dominate, which also cause sand storms.

In January, extremely cold northwesterly winds dominate over thesesoutheasterly winds causing the temperatures to drop below zero degreesCelsius and causing frost. The lowest temperature recorded in Kuwait inthis season was –4 degrees Celsius in 20th of January 1964 at KuwaitInternational Airport. Fog appears in calm nights when the winds arenorthwesterly and cold.

Spring (16th of February to 20th of May)

After a period of stable average temperatures, the temperature starts torise after the 16th of February breaking the cold weather. Between 15th ofMarch and 10th of April, hot southern winds dominate, which last for fewdays, causing the maximum temperature to increase to 41 degrees Celsius(13 degrees Celsius above average). This indicates that summer isapproaching. However, moderately cold northwesterly winds dominateagain at this time causing the temperature to drop again. During thisperiod, easterly and southeasterly winds, especially during the day, blowsagain causing thunderstorms (between 10th of March and 8th of April),which could be accompanied by strong sand storms. These conditionsmight lower the visibility to zero and become a hazard to small boatsespecially knowing that these winds travel at a rate of 40 miles per hour.However, air that accompanies thunderstorms is usually cold (less than12 degrees Celsius from the air mass directly fronting it).

Warm spring (9th of April to 20th of May) and “Al-Sarrayat” (9th ofApril to 13th of May)

This is the season of what is locally known as “Al-Sarrayat”. During the afternoon or the night, thunder clouds begin to form accompanied bystrong sand storms lowering visibility to zero and strong rain fall within

The Statistical Census


46

few minutes. The maximum rainfall recorded was 38.4 mm within 20minutes on the 4th of April 1967 at Kuwait International Airport. Thesoutheasterly winds at this time are hot and humid and the temperaturecan change suddenly, up to 10 degrees Celsius in one minute. Thetemperature is unstable especially between the 11th and the 30th of April,the temperature reaches the summer average for few days and then dropsdramatically after the arrival of the northwesterly winds. During themonth of May, the wind in the morning becomes northwesterly and thenchanges in the afternoon to easterly due to sea breeze. During this period,the temperature starts to rise gradually causing the average maximumtemperature to range between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius. Thunderstormsmay occur during the dates 8-12, 16, 22-26 of April and 7-10 of May.

Summer (21st of May to 4th of November)

Transitional period (21st of May to 5th of June)

Winds are unpredictable and keep changing between northeasterly,northwesterly, and southeasterly with low to moderate speed. This is atransitional period between late spring and real summer. Maximumtemperatures range between 40 and 44 degrees Celsius; clouds alsodisappear.

Dry summer (6th of June to 19th of July)

This is the period of the hot winds, continuous hot and dry northwesterlywinds, and sand storms. These winds, known locally as “Al-Somoom” vary in strength. It becomes stronger in many times causes visibility todrop to few meters especially at noontimes. Sand storms occur usuallyduring four major periods: 9-12, 17-24 of June, 1-7, and 9-17 of July. Atthese periods, strong northwesterly winds dominate and reach theirmaximum speed during daytime and then gradually decrease throughnighttime. It repeats this process the next days. Average maximumtemperature ranges between 42 and 46 degrees Celsius; the maximumrecorded temperature was 51.1 degrees Celsius on the 13th of June 1988at Al-Wafra. Clouds also disappear and humid southerly winds are rare.

Humid summer (20th of July to 4th of November)

This period can be characterized by a large increase in temperature andhumidity. The humid periods start on the 20th of July and remainsintermittently during the months of August, September, and October.During this period, light easterly winds prevail and become moderate atnoontime, these winds usually carry large quantities of water vaporbecause it is coming from the Gulf. These winds, which are saturatedwith water vapor, along with the high temperatures at this time causegreat fatigue to people. In some instances, the winds become


47

northwesterly until noontime and then changes, due to land breeze, tonortheasterly and again to easterly winds during the afternoon. At sunsetperiod, the wind direction changes again to southeasterly and thenchanges another time to southerly until midnight. At sunrise, the winddirection becomes westerly. Humid periods range from 2 and 20continuous days, especially during the following periods: 18-28 of Julyand 6-29 of August. Clouds may appear during these periods andthunderous rain, although rare, could also fall. Average maximumtemperature ranges between 45 to 46 degrees Celsius.

Transitional period (1st of September to 4th of November)

At this period the temperature starts to drop, but humidity and calm windsare still present. Humid periods remain between the periods of 15th to 29th

of September and between 12th and 26th of October. The hot winds, “Al-Somoom” disappear and as said before temperature drops fast, starting 11th of September. The maximum temperature ranges between 42 degreesCelsius, at the beginning of the period, and 30 degrees Celsius, at the endof the period. During this period, land and sea breeze occur frequentlyand clouds start to appear more. It was noticed that the weather in thesummer becomes tiresome when the wind is northwesterly.

Fall (5th of November to 5th of December)

The hot season usually ends on the 5th of November. Before this date, hotsoutheasterly winds change to cold northwesterly accompanied bythunderstorm. Average maximum temperature ranges between 20 and 30degrees Celsius. Night time is cold whereas daytime is warm. During thisperiod, warm southeasterly winds may occur and remains for a week,especially at the beginning of November. This wind is followed by coldnorthwesterly winds for about five days causing the winds to disappear.The wind changes again to warm southeasterly for another four daysaccompanied by some clouds, in some cases thunderous. Duringnighttime, calm winds dominate.

Table 1-2 Monthly average temperature (degrees Celsius).

Jan Feb March April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Ave

8.3 20.8 24.8 32.2 39.8 44.5 46.1 45.8 42.2 35.6 27.3 20.7 36.1

Source: Annual statistical Census, (1999), MoP.


48

1-1-13 Rain

Rain in Kuwait is scarce and can be categorized into two types: CyclonicRain, which occurs during the formation low pressures above theMediterranean and falls between November and March all over Kuwait.The second is the Convectional Rain, which falls when the heated air atthe earth surface is rises to higher altitudes forming thick clouds andthunderstorms. This type of rain falls during the months of October,November, March, April, and May.

Table 1-3 Monthly average rainfall (mm).

Jan Feb March Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Ave

24.2 19.4 29.4 9.3 2.3 - - - - 1.8 17.7 21.6 125.7

Source: Annual statistical Census, (1999).

Table 1-4 Average monthly and annual humidity for the year 1999.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec year

Min 43 40 28 14 6 6 6 10 11 16 23 37 20

Max 90 91 83 49 30 26 29 44 46 68 72 22 60


Table 1-5 Average monthly and annual evaporation (mm) as in 1990-1999, Kuwait International Airport.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year

Pooltype 1

3.6 5.0 7.0 10.6 15.8 21.9 23.0 21.1 15.9 9.6 6.1 3.5 11.8


Table 1-6 Sunshine period as in 1999.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year

% in posbltime

64 59 66 70 82 86 85 87 87 83 75 81 77

Average:Hr.&Mn.

6.42 6.35 7.56 9.0 11.21 12.02 11.46 11.25 10.46 9.34 7.59 8.17 9.86

Source: Annual statistical Census (1999).

1-2 Oil and gas resources

Natural resources …


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Oil reserves in the Arab-Iranian basin reservoirs were estimated to bearound 656 billion barrels, which is approximately 64.5% of the totalworld reserves. Gas reserves were estimated to be 42448 billion cubicmeters, which is 30.7% of the world gas reserves. Kuwait contains 96.5billion barrel of oil reserves, which is 14.7% of the reserves in Gulfcountries and 9.5% of the total world reserves. Gas reserves in Kuwaitamount to 1500 billion cubic meters, which is 3.5% of the reserves in theGulf countries.

Oil discovery in the region started with the geological studies in Kuwaitin 1912 through the Admiral British Agency. The Surface geologicalstudies commenced by the Anglo-Persian Company, currently known asBritish Petroleum (BP), and Gulf Oil Company and continued until 1934.

In 1932, the drilling of two wells, in Bahrah and Burgan, indicated thepresence of natural gas, oil and Bitumen along the borehole. The wellspenetrated Kuwait Rock Formation at depths of 26.5 and 66.5 metersrespectively.

Results from explorations by the two companies in the area surroundingKuwait were also promising. This lead to the cooperation of the twocompanies to get the production rights and the establishment of KuwaitOil Company (K.S.C) in 1935. Production entitlement was granted for 75years within the political borders of Kuwait excluding the neutral zonewith Saudi Arabia. The geophysical studies by seismic waves and earthgravity started in 1935. Drilling commenced in Burgan field in 1938 andoil was located in a rocky layer of sandstone at a depth of 1120 meters.Drilling operations continued until 1942 where eight wells were drilled atBurgan field penetrating the formations of Wara and Burgan(Cretaceaus). The operations were halted because of the Second WorldWar. In 1945, the operations commenced in 1946 and the first oilshipment was exported from Kuwait through pipelines from the oil fieldsto the sea. Drilling and excavation operations continued until 1951 at Al-Magwa'a and Ahmadi areas. The Studies on the two fields along withBurgan revealed that they originate from a single great field, withdimensions of 35 by 20 kilometers, and became known as the GreaterBurgan Field. By 1960, oil production at this field reached 1.5 millionbarrel a day.

In 1954 and 1956, the geophysical studies at the northern part of Kuwaitwere also very promising and led to the drilling of more wells.Commercial quantities of oil were found in the formations of Al-Mawdood, Burgan, and Al-Zubair in the Al-Rawdatain, Al-Sabrya, and

Source: Fawzya Hussain Abdullah, (2002), Atlas of the State of Kuwait.


50

Bahrah fields. After the geophysical studies were completed between1959 and 1962, more oil fields were also discovered in the southern partof Kuwait at Al-Manageesh and Um Gdair fields.

In 1972, natural gas production was at a rate of 604 billion cubic metersper year. The gas was used for oil production operations. In 1976, theformer Amir of Kuwait (His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah)laid the foundations for the Gas Project at Al-Ahmadi area. Drillingoperations continued in Kuwait and at the neutral zone where the totaldrilled wells until 1989 was 1395 including 864 producing wells.

On the 2nd of August 1990, oil exploration and production was obstructedby the Iraqi invasion. During this period, the Iraqi forces destroyed mostof Kuwait oil facilities and set more than 700 oil wells on fire. More than604 gushing oil wells in Burgan field alone was set on fire oil and morethan 103 wells were damaged. Production and drilling operationscommenced shortly after liberation; production rate reached 2 millionbarrel a day by 25th of February 1993.

Burgan, Al-Mgwa'a, Al-Ahmadi, Al-Rawdatain, Al-Sabrya, Bahrah, Al-Manageesh, Al-Abdili, and Al-Retqa are the most important oil fields inKuwait. In the Joint Operations zone, oil is produced from Al-Wafra, Al-Fawares, Southern Um Gdair, and three other off-shore fields.

1-3 Demographic characteristics of the residents of Kuwait

After the discovery of oil and with the increase in development activitiesin Kuwait, the number of population was also increased. This can benoted from the Annual Statistical Census by the Ministry of Planning. In1957, the population of Kuwait was 206,473 with population density of13 people per square kilometer; Kuwaitis were 55% of the totalpopulation.

In 1965, the population increased to 467,339 of which 298,546 were non-Kuwaitis. This makes the percentage of Kuwaitis 36.1% of the totalpopulation with population density of 26.3 people per square kilometers.

In 1975, the population was 994,837 with the number of non-Kuwaitisreached 687,082 making a drop in the percentage of Kuwaitis to 30.9%.The population density increased to 55.8 people per square kilometer.

In 1985, the population of Kuwait reached 1,637,301 including 1,226,828non-Kuwaitis. This made Kuwaitis only 27.7% of the total population.The population density increased to 95.3 people per square kilometer.

Annual Statistical Census, (1994-1999), MoP.


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Fig. 1-8 Location of Kuwait oil fields.


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However, in 1995, a decrease in the population was recorded to become1,575,570 of which 921,954 were non-Kuwaitis. Accordingly, thepercentage of Kuwaitis became 41.5% of the total population and thepopulation density decreased to 88.4 people per square kilometer. Thiswas mainly due to the events in Kuwait in the beginning of the nineties.

In the middle of 2000 population was estimated to be 2,189,668 and2,274,980 in the middle of 2001.

Table 1-7 Population of Kuwait as in 1965-1995 censuses.

Year Totalpopulation

Kuwaitis % ofKuwaitis

Non-Kuwaitis

% of non-Kuwaitis

1965 468339 168793 36.1 298546 63.9

1975 994837 307755 30.9 687082 69.1

1985 1697301 470473 27.7 1226828 72.3

1995 1575575 653616 41.5 921954 58.5

2000(est.) 2189668

2001(est.) 2274980

1-4 Urbanization

The urbanization in Kuwait dates back to more than four thousands yearsaccording to the explorations made in the area. This was due to theunique geographic location, which made Kuwait the centre civilizations.

Kazma was considered as one of the oldest locations in the region andserved as a station for the convoys from Persia and the Fertile Crescenton their way to the east and centre of the Arabian Peninsula. It served as acommercial link between the countries of the Indian Ocean, Syria, andEurope for a long time. It was therefore a very vital commercial centreand one of the longest trade routes in the ancient world.

The presence of fresh water wells helped in making Failaka Island a portfor commercial ships sailing between the northern and southern Gulfports on their way to Oman, India, and east Africa. Until the beginning ofthe seventeenth century, the region was known as Kazma. Its port waslocated at the northwestern part of Kuwait Bay and carried the same

Atlas of The State of Kuwait- Abdullah Al-Ghunaim


53

name. Later, the urban centre moved south and became first known as Al-Qurain and later as Al-Kuwait.

Historic documents indicated that Kuwait city was established in 1613when groups of families and tribes arrived to this area coming from Najd.Their vision and insight made them to recognize the importance of thislocation. The tribes that settled in Kuwait were urbanized with a clearpolitical entity that enabled the country to become prosperous and stable.

Many travelers wrote about Kuwait in the past centuries and drew mapsof it. A traveler named Murtada bin Alwan was the first person to use thename Kuwait in 1709. Later, a Danish traveler named Karsten Nebor,traveled through the Arabian Peninsula between 1763 and 1765,mentioned Kuwait and how it was prosperous. He also mentioned that thepeople of Kuwait owned more than 800 ships and how the peopletransformed to an urban society working in shipbuilding, pearl diving,and trade.

Many European travelers also wrote about Kuwait situation as anindependent state, from the Ottoman Empire during the rule of SheikhJaber and his son Sheikh Sabah (1815-1866). Among those travelers wasBuckingham in 1816, who admired Kuwait as an independent from theOttoman Empire at a time when most other regions in the Gulf area wereunder the Portuguese and Ottoman Turks rules.

Reviewing the historic geographic maps, it is found that they were richwith important information about Kuwait. There are five maps, whichdate back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, which are of greatimportance and show the geographic borders of Kuwait. These maps are:Dutch map of the Ottoman Empire and Persia, dating back to thebeginning of the eighteenth century, showing clearly the border betweenKuwait (or Kazma as it was called at that time) and the Ottoman Empire.Another map is a French map of the Turkish Asia (1850). Other mapsinclude the German map for Karl Retter (1818), map of the ArabianPeninsula (1862-1863) during the journey of Balgreef, and the map of theArabian Peninsula and part of Asia published by A.K. Johnston in hisLarge Atlas in 1874.

After the Kuwaiti society became stable and its activities prospered in theland and sea, a wise person from Al-Sabah family was chosen to be aleader. The wisest person in the family was usually selected to rule. Later,the Kuwaiti constitution emphasized this rule and was approved by theKuwaiti people. Since its establishment, Kuwait, occupied thenorthwestern part of the Arabian Gulf. Kuwait’s relation with the Ottoman Empire, which controlled Iraq entirely, was merely due toIslamic brotherhood that linked Muslim countries. There was no Ottoman


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presence in Kuwait and by no means had Kuwait had political or otherties with the Ottoman Empire.

To protect Kuwait’s independence, Kuwait followed a very balanced policy in dealing with all competing countries in the area that were tryingto gain control of the region. Kuwait refused to sign the Sea Truce Treatythat was signed between the English with the rulers of the Gulf coast in1820 despite the tremendous pressure exerted on Kuwait. Kuwait alsorefused the German and Turkish pressures that offered, in 1900, to buy acoastal area near Kazma to become the final station for a railroad fromBaghdad. The British Government signed a defense treaty with Kuwait in23rd of January 1899 knowing that Kuwait is sovereign country and isindependent from the Ottoman State.

1-5 Kuwait City

Kuwait city was established in 1613 as a small city overlooking the seaand separated from the desert by a wall, made from mud built around thecity and had five gates. These gates were designed to be the entrances tothe city from the southern villages, like Abu-Hulaifa, Al-Fintas, Shuaiba,and other coastal villages, and from the west of the village, Al-Waha, Al-Jahra, and inland from the Arabian Peninsula side.

The geographic and climate conditions influenced the pattern of whichurban areas were distributed. Kuwait’s location makes it one of the warmest places in the world especially between May and September,when the temperature ranges between 30 and 50 degrees Celsius. Houseswhere built so they can absorb minimum heat and provide coolingconditions to inhabitants during the summer. During the winter, thesehouses kept warm and conserved temperature. The city was also designedto face the Gulf to benefit from the sea breeze. The narrow roads and highmud walls provided sufficient lighting, shade, and breeze for houses,shops, and pedestrians.

Kuwait developed drastically during the first fifty years of itsestablishment. It also urbanized and prospered economically during thePersian occupation of Basra, which diverted commercial traffic fromBasra to Kuwait. Pearl diving, shipbuilding, sea trade, fishing,agriculture, and handcrafts also assisted in supplying the society with itsneeds. Pearl diving was the major source of living for the people.

Atlas of the State of Kuwait, Waleed Al-Munais, (2000).


55

Plate 1-4 Kuwait City and near by suburbs.


56

In 1904, and during the peak of this industry, Kuwait exported anequivalent of two million sterling Pounds worth of pearls, with thepresence of more than 700 ships and about 15 thousands men working inthis business. Kuwait was also famous in sea trade and was the main portfor the trade between the Gulf, the Peninsula, and Europe. These tradesincluded dates and grains to Yemeni, South Iraqi, Indian, and east Africanports. On their return the ship carry grains, coffee, tea, rice, spices, wood,clothes, and other minerals.

Kuwait economy and population developed gradually and therefore theneed to expand the wall surrounding the city was met. The last wall wasbuilt (the Third wall) in 1921 during the rule of Sheikh Salim binMubarak Al-Sabah. In response to incursions by Bedouin tribes towardthe west of the city, the people cooperated in building the extension of themud wall. Over the years, the wall was removed but its gates remained atthe entrance of Kuwait city as historic sites. The urban expansion can bedivided into two main stages:

The First stage: The period before oil discovery and it extends until 1946,during which the first shipment of oil was exported.

The Second stage: From 1946 (or 1950) until present when theurbanization and expansion of the Old Kuwait City started.

Before the urban expansion there were types of architectural designs:

Urban architecture in the city.

Rural architecture in the coastal villages towards the south.

Village architecture- oasis (as in the Al-Jahra in the west).

Desert life.

With the increase in oil revenues and the migration of people to Kuwait,Kuwait city expanded horizontally and vertically. The two main factorsthat influenced the urban growth were the laws for land ownership andacquisition as well as the comprehensive urban planning. Landacquisition was accompanied by strategic urban master plans to organizeand plan fro future cities the development of the old city. These plans are:

Kuwait first Master Plan (1952).

Municipality Master Plan (1967).

Kuwait Second Master Plan (1970).

The first development of the Kuwait Second Master Plan (1977-2000).

The second development of Kuwait Second Master Plan in (1983-2005).


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The Kuwait Third Master Plan (1989/1990-2015), which is consideredone of the recent plans.

Today, and after 250 years, Kuwait city became a modern metropoliswith seven ring roads surrounding the city, which links its main roads.At the southern and the western outskirts of Kuwait city are the citiesof Al-Ahmadi and Al-Jahra.


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Sector TwoThe Atmosphere and Air Quality


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Members of the Atmospheric and Air Quality Sector Team

Dr. Mane’a Al-Sederawi Department of Environment and EarthSciences, Kuwait Institute forScientific Research (KISR), Chairmanof the team.

Dr. Saud Al-Reshaid Department of Air PollutionMonitoring, Environment PublicAuthority (EPA).

Dr. Ahmad Eisa Department of Environment and EarthSciences, KISR.

Saleh Bu-Nashi Public Authority for Industry

Eng. Zainab Saleh Department of Air PollutionMonitoring, EPA.

Preparation:

Dr. Ali Helayel Environmental Advisor, EPA.

Supervision, review, editing, completion of the scientific material and re-organization:

Dr. Sufyan Al-Tal Senior Advisor, United NationsDevelopment Program (UNDP).


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2-1 Introduction

Atmosphere is considered as one of the most important elements of theenvironment with which all living species including humans, animals,plants, and even non-living components interact continuously. It is knownthat humans and other living organisms need air to breath and can notsurvive without it even for few seconds or minutes; whereas they cansurvive without water for few days and without food for longer periods.

The atmosphere surrounding earth extends for about 350 kilometers, fromthe surface of earth. It contains a mixture of different gases in differentproportions, though these proportions remain constant in non-pollutedenvironments. This is caused by the environmental cycles such as theNitrogen, Carbon, Oxygen, Sulfur, and phosphate cycles through themetabolism process of living organisms and the interaction between theirfood chains through their balanced ecosystems. Nitrogen makes 78.1% ofair; whereas Oxygen makes another 20.9%, Argon makes 0.934%,Carbon dioxide makes 0.033%, and other gases like Neon (12.18 ppm),Helium (5 ppm), Ozone (0.01 ppm), as well as water vapor that makesbetween 1.4 and 8% of the total air volume.

In addition to the vital functions of the atmosphere in providing livingorganisms with Oxygen and the proper climate to survive, atmosphere isalso considered as a media that carry air pollutants after they areexhausted from their various sources. The atmosphere is divided into fivelayers according to the distribution of air mass and the climate condition,especially temperature and natural activities, in each layer. These fivelayers are:

The lower layer (Troposphere at 18 kilometres)

Stratosphere (up to 50 or 55 kilometres and includes the Ozone layerat 20-25 kilometres)

Mesosphere (at 80 kilometres)

Thermosphere (at 350 kilometres)

The outer atmosphere (Exosphere at 500 kilometres)

The lower layer is considered the most important in terms of thedistribution and dispersing of concentrated air pollutants. Besides, mostof the climate changes that occur in it play roles in determining thedirection of these pollutants.

2-1-1 Air Pollution

Air pollution is defined by the availability of one or more of thepollutants in the air with specific concentrations for a period of time that


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could adversely affect human health, comfort, ability to perform work, orlife enjoyment.

Air pollution is considered one of the most dangerous problems facinghumanity in this era. This problem is caused by the rapid developmentand advancement in industry and technology. Another reason that causesair pollution is the availability of different means of transportations suchas air, land, and sea. The use of energy sources as well as the informationand telecommunication revolutions helped in increasing this problem, dueto the fact that many pollutants (gases, dusts, particles, ionized and non-ionized materials) are emitted from them. These pollutants have directand indirect adverse effect on human health and quality of life as well asother living organisms, flora and fauna.

Major air pollutants can be divided into:

Primary air pollutants: These are pollutants that enter the surroundingair in their original physical and chemical forms, such as carbondioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulphur.

Secondary Air pollutants: These pollutants are produced as a result ofthe chemical reactions between the emitted gases themselves after theyare spread in the air. An example would be Photo-Chemical Oxidants,contains mostly Ozone gas that are formed due to the reaction betweenthe hydrocarbon vapours with nitrate acids and Carbon monoxide inthe presence of sunbeam and relative humidity.

2-1-2 Air pollutants in the outer environment

These can be divided according to their sources:

Natural sources

These are pollutants originated from nature and the environment itselfwithout the interference of man, such as gases emitted from volcanoes,volcanic ashes, natural gas, volatile salts from oceans, and wild forestfires. Other pollutants in this category are, dusts from the deserts andpollens. In general, most of these pollutants are less dangerous to theenvironment and health, due to the fact that nature can cope with thesepollutants with time.

Man Made sources

These could be called industrial or developed pollutants. They areproduced by different human activities through the use of technologiessuch as industrial facilities, including oil production, transportation(including the use of energy), and construction.


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2-1-3 Definition of the major air pollutants in the State of Kuwait, theirsources and their effects

Dust

Small solid, organic and non-organic, particles with different chemicaland physical structures (depending on their sources and spread). Usuallythese particles are relatively large causing them to fall due to gravity.Open desert areas are major natural sources from which dust originatefrom, due to high temperatures and dryness of the soil in Kuwait. Gravelproduction and the construction processes are causes to these dusts andare caused by man. Dust has many environmental effects, such asreducing visibility, which causes accidents, changes in the composition ofthe soil surface, and damaging agricultural and grazing lands.

Suspended Particles in the air (TSP, PM-10)

These are small solid or liquid particles ranging in size between 0.1 to100 microns, which makes them suspended in air for long periods andspread over long areas from their source. Their physical and chemicalcompositions depend on the nature of their sources. Nature can alsoproduce these particles as in the case of volcanoes, seas, dust, and wildforest fires. Some of the human activities can produce these particulatessuch as cement, brick, ceramic manufacturing as well as sand and gravelquarrying. Oil exploration and drilling, exhausts from transportation, tiretear and wear, and complete combustion that produces ashes are alsosources of particulates.

Most countries face serious air pollution problems resulting from suchparticulates. They can be found in rural and urban areas, with somedifference in their concentrations and the types. Kuwait also suffers fromhigh levels of particulates throughout the year, especially in spring andsummer seasons. This is due to the frequent occurrence of dust and sandstorms. Chemical composition and concentration of these particles play arole in affecting the environment and human health. The sizes of theseparticles are also of great importance especially to those exposed to it. Astheir sizes decrease, their effects increase, because they can pass andsettle in the lower part of the respiratory system.

Therefore, special attention was given by the World Health Organizationto the particles that are less than 10 microns (PM-10) in size for theiradverse effect. The particles also contain toxic metals and other harmfulchemical compounds such as lead, mercury, and vanadium. This wouldlead to the deterioration of patients suffering from Asthma and otherrespiratory diseases. It also impedes the process of photosynthesis andhas toxic effects on plants and animals.


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Sulphur dioxide (SO2)

A colorless gas with very strong odor that irritates the respiratory system.It is oxidized in the air forming Sulfur Trioxide, which melts quickly inthe water vapor forming Sulfuric acid and then falls like rain or acidicmoisture. The gas is emitted by many sources such as the combustion offossil fuels that contain sulfur (such as coal and oil), oil refining andproduction, sulfuric acid manufacturing, cars’ exhausts, and power stations.

Respiratory diseases, like asthma and lung efficiency reduction, arecaused by exposure to Sulfur dioxide. It also causes corrosion inbuildings, metal constructions, textiles, and rocks. Another hazardouseffect of this gas is that it causes the formation of acid rain, which is veryharmful to flora and fauna and affects human health.

Hydrogen Sulphide

A colorless and highly flammable gas. It has an odor similar to rotteneggs. This gas is oxidized at many stages to form Sulfur Oxides andSulfuric acid (one of the sulfur compounds produced from the reductionof sulfur-containing organic matters).

The gas is emitted during the decomposition process of animals andplants (by bacteria), coal and oil production, and crude oil refining. InKuwait, sanitary wastewater network and oil refining and production arethe main sources of the gas. The gas affects the respiratory system,central nervous system, and the eye causing many problems such as lackof concentration. If exposed to high levels, a person could lose the senseof smell. Because of the fact that this gas can be detected throughsmelling at concentrations between 0.5 and 130 ppb, this gas causedmany complaints in residential areas in Kuwait.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

Nitrogen monoxide and Nitrogen dioxide are considered the most gases,out of seven other types of Nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2, NO3, N2O, N2O3,N2O4, N2O5) affecting air pollution. Another gas, Nitrose oxide (N2O)started to receive attention as a gas that causes Green House effect. Theseoxides are produced during the combustion of fossil fuels, from theoxidation of nitrate compounds, vehicle emission, and from themanufacturing process of Nitric acid.

Through the chemical reactions of Nitrogen monoxide (NO), some typesof Nitrogen oxides form. Nitrogen oxides (NO) play important roles inthe photochemical reactions, where it is oxidized and transformed toNitrogen dioxide (NO2), which in turn reacts with hydrocarbons in thepresence of sunlight to form photochemical fog and ozone gas. It may


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also react with Hydroxide (OH) to form Nitric acid that causes acid rain.Nitrogen dioxide received a great attention due to its effect on the healthand environment. Environmental standards were placed for this gas,which has a color of brownish red and has a very strong smell. Therespiratory and the cardiovascular systems can be affected if a person isexposed. Other effects include lowering visibility and damaging paintsand plants.

Carbon monoxide (CO)

It is a colorless, odorless gas, very toxic and highly reactive withhemoglobin in the blood. The most existing pollutant in the air, especiallyin urban cities. This gas is emitted from the incomplete combustion ofcarbon fuel. More than 70% of this gas in air is emitted by differenttransportation facilities. Other sources of CO include wild forest fire,decomposition of organic matter, waste burning, and incomplete fuelcombustion. This gas has toxic health effects as it combines with thehemoglobin in the blood to form carboxhemoglobin, which impedes thetransfer of the oxygen to the blood causing anemia and brain damage.

Hydrocarbons (HC)

Various hydrocarbons are basically produced from the reaction betweenhydrogen and carbon. They are emitted from the incomplete combustionof fuels as in cars, oil and chemical industries as well as the biodegradingof organic materials. It includes volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) like benzene, Toluene, Sullen, and other compounds. It also includesPolycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH’s) such as vinyl chloride,Naphthalene, and formalin, which are all hazardous to human health andcauses cancer.

Ammonia (NH3)

Ammonia is a colorless gas with strong odor. It dissolves in water, Ethylether, and other organic solvents. It is a powerful oxidizing and reducingagent of all nitrogen compounds. It is found in natural air in very smallconcentrations, but is emitted from other industries such as manufacturingof Nitric acid, oil refining, the production process of Ammonia and Urea,fermentation of organic nitrogen compounds, as in the case of humanwaste decomposition. This gas is very toxic and irritates the eyes, nose,throat, and respiratory system. Exposure to high concentrations, affectsthe central nervous system.

Ozone (O3) Photo-Chemical Oxidants

A blue gas with strong odor which forms at the surface of earth as a resultof the photo-chemical reaction between Nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbonvapors, carbon monoxide, and water vapor in the presence of sunlight. It


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can be also emitted from the oxidation process of Oxygen caused bylightning, welding processes, equipment with high voltage currents likeelectric ovens used in aluminum and steel melting processes. This gas istoxic to flora and fauna and can damage lungs tissues. It also has adverseenvironmental effects on the atmosphere.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

It is an odorless, colorless and sour gas. It is found in the natural air atconcentrations varying from 0.03 to 0.06 %. It is emitted by thecombustion of carbon matter and from the complete combustion of sometypes of fossil fuel such as coal and oil products. It can cause breathingproblems at concentrations of 5% and unconsciousness at 10%. It startedto receive more attention because it is considered as one of thegreenhouse gases that cause the Greenhouse Phenomena.

Chlorine (Cl2)

Chlorine is another gas with strong odor and a color between blue andyellow. It dissolves lightly in water and moderately in alkaline. This gascan be found in abundant quantities in nature in concentrations reaching0.15% from the earth’s crust and is usually formed by the electrolysis ofSodium Chloride. Chlorine causes many problems to the respiratorysystem and could lead to suffocation at high concentrations.

Fluorine (F2)

Produced by industries that use compounds containing fluorides as rawmaterials, such as Phosphate fertilizers and aluminum industries as wellas refrigerators and plastics manufacturing processes. The gas causesrenal damage and also has adverse effects on flora and fauna.

Lead (Pb)

Mineral dust contains lead and has the form of small particles. It can alsobe spread in the air through other toxic compounds causing leadpoisoning leading to osteoporoses and causes liver, kidney, and braindamage. The sources of these particles include traffic and chemicalindustries, such as batteries, paints, and pipe manufacturing.

Mercury (Hg)

A liquid mineral at normal pressures and temperatures and has silver-white color. Mercury does not dissolve in water, but it dissolves in Nitricacid and found in nature as sulfides as in Cinnabar. Mercury can beemitted to the air by some industrial processes, such as electrolysis, and ishighly toxic especially on the central nervous system.


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Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s)

CFC’s fall within the non-methane hydrocarbon groups, and is formed bythe replacement of fluorine and chlorine to some, or all hydrogen atoms.CFC’s are harmful to liver and kidney cells of the human body. CFC’s are used in refrigeration industries and air conditioners. It is considered asone of the substances that cause the depletion of ozone layer.

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

Produced by the combustion of fossil fuels especially at low ignitiontemperatures between 800-1200 Kelvin. The source of this substance isthe same as the sources of Nitrogen Oxides. This gas is considered as oneof three main gases contributing to the Greenhouse Phenomena.

Methane Gas (CH4)

Odorless and colourless gas found in natural air. Its concentration in theatmosphere reached 1.4-1.7 ppm. This gas is produced from rice fields,domestic (organic) landfill sites, and from oil wells and refineries.Methane does not have direct health effects but it is highly explosive andflammable at concentrations between 5-15%. Methane also contributes toGreenhouse phenomena.

Noise

Noise is defined as the unfavorable sounds that disturb and adverselyaffect health and quality of human life. If exposed to high levels, noisecan cause partial or complete hearing loss. It also has other psychologicaland mental reducing the ability to concentrate. Main sources of noise are:traffic on main and small roads, planes take off and landing, constructionand some industries, as well as some social activities.

Global radiations and natural isotopic radiations

The sun is the source of such radiations, which are produced in forms ofelectromagnetic waves varying in wavelengths. They can be divided tothree main types:

Infra-red radiations: These are invisible heat radiations making 46% ofthe total sun radiation. They move in long waves ranging from 700-4000 nanometre.

Visible Light: They move at wavelengths of 400-700 nanometres andform 455 of total sun radiations. Its colours (spectrum) range fromviolet to red forming visible light.

Ultraviolet and short waves ionized radiations: These radiations make9% of the total sun radiation and are considered the shortest inwavelengths. Ultraviolet radiations have wavelengths of 190-400


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nanometres whereas ionized radiations (beta, gamma, and Alfa) haveshorter wavelengths. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause skininflammations, skin cancer, eye diseases, and premature aging of theskin. These radiations also produce ozone gases at the surface of earthand affects plastic products, agriculture, and earth ecosystem.

Radon

Gases found in nature and produced by the decomposition of radiatingisotopes, such as uranium. It is available in high quantities in excavationindustries, i.e. mines, and with the production of phosphate. This gas is aradioactive hazardous gas and can reach lower respiratory tract causingterminal damages to the alveoli.

Radioactive industrial isotopes

There are many types of these isotopes according to their usage. Thisincludes x-rays medical examinations, radiation treatment using iodineisotopes, radioactive cobalt, and nuclear fuel. These radioactive materialsand their isotopes have short wavelengths, which allow them to penetratethe skin easily causing deformities and cancer.

Indoor harmful vapours and gases in the work environment

There many types of harmful vapors and gases workers might be exposedto in work environments according to the raw materials used in theindustries, industrial processes, equipment, and types of fuel used.However, it should be noted that many international organizations such asthe International Labor Organization Office (ILO) and other researchinstitutions in many developed countries, such as OSHA, NOISH, andACHIH in the U.S, have focused on protecting human lives and healthfrom work hazards; therefore, these institutions proposed limits on themaximum gas and vapor exposure that a worker might be subjected toinside any work place. These limits, known as Threshold Limit Values(TLV’s) which will be safe for workers to be exposed to for 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week. Many countries, including Kuwait, strictly adhere tothese limits.

2-1-4 Sources and levels of concentrations for air pollutants in Kuwait

Primary air pollutants measured. Include the following:

Total Suspended Particulate (TSP).

Suspended particulate with sizes equal or less than 10 micron (PM-10inhaleable).

Sulphur dioxide gas.

Hydrogen sulphide.


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Nitrogen Oxides (NOx, NO2, NO).

Hydrocarbons (methane, Hydrocarbon gases and non methane n-CH4).

Carbon monoxide.

Ozone.

Ammonia.

Lead.

Estimated values for air pollutants in the State of Kuwait

There are various sources that emit air pollutants in Kuwait ranging fromfixed sources, such as different industrial complexes in many areas. Italso includes mobile sources, such as cars, planes, and ships. TheEnvironment Public Authority in Kuwait (formerly known as Departmentof the Environment) has conducted many field studies to estimate thequantities and types of the primary environmental pollutants, liquid orsolids wastes. The last inventory study was conducted in 1986. Thesestudies were performed according to internationally recognized standardsin finding the types and quantities of the pollutants and wastes emittedfrom every establishment and according to tables approved by the WorldHealth Organization. These tables show the types of pollutants andemission factors for each pollutant, which can be used to calculate thequantity of emitted pollutants.

This study concluded in identifying 11 important industrial andcommercial areas that should be monitored for pollutants’ emission. It was estimated that the total quantity of particles reached 97034 tons peryear, sulfur dioxide reached 610600 tons per year, nitrogen oxidesreached 107852 tons a year, hydrocarbon gases and vapors reached 6798tons a year, carbon monoxide reached 349481 tons a year, chlorinereached 69 tons a year, ammonia reached 8395 tons a year, fluorinereached 330 tons a year, and finally hydrochloride acid reached 29.7 tonsa year.

Currently, the Department of Industrial Environment in the EnvironmentPublic Authority is conducting a field research similar to the previouslymentioned study. It will include all the industrial compounds built in thevarious industrial areas in the State of Kuwait. This research, stillunderway and will only focus on estimating the quantities of solid andliquid wastes that are produced in these areas.

The Department of Pollution Monitoring in the Environment PublicAuthority has also performed the first stages of another study to updatethe quantities and types of air pollutants in the State of Kuwait. The study


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has completed identifying and sorting the industrial compounds andprepared a questionnaire to gather the necessary information needed tocalculate the quantity of pollutants using the Emission Factors. Thesesurveys form were sent to the various important industrial institutions. Itis needless to say that it is very important for all parties to cooperate inorder to produce good results that will benefit everyone and will improvethe state of the environment in the State of Kuwait.

On the other hand, and during the Iraqi invasion, the Environment PublicAuthority in Kuwait has lost all essential equipments used to measurenoise levels. In 1998, the lost equipment were replaced; therefore, theDepartment of Air Pollution (through the Noise Section) performed fieldstudies to measure the equivalent noise levels (Lequivalent) in someresidential areas and selected schools in order to examine the effects oftraffic on noise levels. The study is still in progress.

The Environment Public Authority appreciates scientific and fieldresearch in the various fields of environment. For this reason, theAuthority financed many research institutions and personnel, includingacademic and applied research to conduct different air pollution studies.One of these researches was performed by the Department of Earth andEnvironmental Sciences at Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research andwas titled “the effects of air pollutants from hospital waste incineration on air quality in the hospital and surrounding environment”. Another research was performed by College of Engineering and Petroleum inKuwait University and was titled “The Composition of flame dynamics resulting from hydrocarbons combustion”.

Primary Air Pollutants concentration levels

The Environment Public Authority (through the Department of AirPollution Monitoring) has 6 stationary air pollution monitoring stations inmany areas in the State of Kuwait to ensure continuous monitoring of airquality. These six stations are located in the following areas: Mansourya,Rabiya, Rigga, Jahra, Um Al-Haiman, and Um al-Aish. It also has twomobile stations that are equipped with the same equipment as thestationary stations. The equipment include air pollutants concentrationlevel detectors, falling dusts sampling, Total Suspended Particulate (TSP)that measure particles of sizes 10 micron or less.

The following observations were found after collecting and analyzing thedata for the past five years (from 1995-1999):

Annual average dust fall, measured in three geographically distributedareas in Kuwait, was (15.9± 33.01) tons per square kilometres. This isfour times greater than the allowable standards, which is 7.5 ton persquare kilometres.


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Annual average levels of concentrations for suspended particles in theair in different areas in Kuwait were (27.47± 242115) micrograms percubic meters. Approximately half of these particles, (22.85± 132.2)micrograms per cubic meters, are of sizes 10 microns or less and couldbe inhaled. These numbers are higher than the allowable standards,which are 90.0 micrograms per cubic meters.

Annual average for vapour and non-methane hydrocarbon gasesconcentrations, were (0.265± 0.539) ppm, which is again double thevalue of the allowable standards of 0.240 ppm.

Annual average for ammonia concentration, which is measuredcontinuously at Al-Rigga area in the south of the country, was (58.4±96.12) ppb (parts per billion). As an annual average, this is lower thanthe allowable maximum limit standards of 180 ppb, although it washigher in 1997 and 1998.

Annual average hydrogen sulphide concentrations, the source of badodour, were (1.7± 3.44) ppb. Again, as an annual average, this is lowerthan the maximum allowable limit of 6.0 ppb. In 1998 and 1999, thisaverage was higher in Al-Rigga and Al-Rabiya areas respectively. Insome cases the concentration levels surpasses the standards for shortduration maximum limits, which is 30 ppb, and could reach 140.0 ppbas an hourly average.

Annual average sulphur dioxide concentrations reached 6.35 12.51ppb, this is half of the maximum allowable limits of 30.0 ppb. Asannual average, these standard limits were not violated in any of thesix monitored areas, though in some short duration, these limits wereviolated.

Annual average Nitrogen dioxide, which greatly affects theenvironment and health more than any other nitrogen oxide gases,reached (10.81± 21.22) ppb. As an annual average, this is lower thanthe maximum allowable limit (of 30.0 ppb). But in some years, thisannual average was higher than these limits in Al-Mansorya area andreached the highest concentration in 1998 of 49.9 ppb and in Al-Riggaarea in 1997 and 1998 reaching 36.0 and 34.7 ppb respectively. Otherhigh concentrations were recorded for short durations in many areasthroughout the years.

Annual average Ozone concentration reached 8.0± 26.6 ppb, which islower than the maximum limit of 60 ppb set by standards as an eighthour average. However, the hourly average concentrations reached 80ppb for only 0.1 % to 3.2 % of measuring time.


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Annual average Carbon monoxide concentrations reached (0.6± 1.04)ppm, which is much less than the maximum limits of 8.0 ppm set bystandards as a daily average. These concentrations increase duringtraffic rush hours due to the fact that traffic is the main source of thisgas in cities.

Air pollutants depleting the ozone layer

It has been proven that some chemical compounds can change thechemical and physical characteristics of the Ozone Stratosphere layer;these compounds include:

Carbon gases: Carbon monoxide, Methane, Carbon dioxide, andHydrocarbons less Methane.

Nitrogen Oxides: such as Nitrous Oxide.

Chloro-Carbon gases including:

Completely Halogenated Chloro-carbon gases: such as Carbontetrachloride (CCl4), Freon 111(CFCl3), Freon 112 (CF2Cl2), Freon113 (C2F3Cl3), Freon 114 (C2F4Cl2), and Freon 115 (C2F5Cl). Theseare all originated from industrial sources and are primary sources forChloride oxides that play important roles in photochemistry of theOzone, especially in the stratosphere.

Partially Halogenated Chloro-Carbon gases: Chloroform (CHCl3),Freon 22 (CHF2Cl), and Freon 21 (CHFCl2). These are also sourcesfor Chloride oxides (ClO), which are primary substances that originateChlorine for Ozone layer depletion.

Bromine Gases: Fully halogenated bromofluorocarbons materials ofindustrial sources and act as sources of brome oxide, which are similarin behaviour as chlorine oxides.

Hydrogen gases such as:

Hydrogen gases from industrial or natural sources play small role inphotochemistry of the atmosphere.

Water, naturally originated, plays a vital role in photochemistry forupper and lower atmosphere layers.

Estimated quantities and concentrations for gases that cause ozonedepletion

In section 2-1-4 the quantities and concentrations of some gases thatcause ozone depletion were mentioned. This includes carbon monoxide,hydrocarbon gases, nitrogen oxides, and chlorine and Fluorine gases. Noinformation about the concentrations and quantities of other gases areavailable.


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It should be noted that one of the important and primary activities of theNational Committee for the Protection of the Ozone in Kuwait, whichwas formed to apply Montreal and Vienna Protocols, is to cooperate withentities importing these gases to gradually decrease their use and to useother safer alternatives. This will lead to a reduction in gas emissions andconcentrations in the atmosphere. The committee succeeded in 1993 inaccomplishing some of its set targets, which were determined by theprotocol to reach individual consumption to 0.3 Kilogram per person peryear for some of the Ozone depleting gases.

Greenhouse gases.

Methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and Nitrous Oxide (N2O).

Estimated quantities for these gases: The Environment PublicAuthority formed a technical subcommittee, from the permanentNational Committee, in order to follow up the climate change treaty.This subcommittee has the task of preparing the national documentregarding the quantities of the emitted gases from the different sourcesin the State of Kuwait.

Concentrations levels in the atmosphere: In 1997, the Department ofAir Pollution Monitoring at the Environment Public Authoritypurchased special equipment that can directly measure concentrationlevels of carbon monoxide and used it in the stationary monitoringstations in Jahra in order to record levels of this gas. Results showedthat monthly average concentration of carbon dioxide ranged between328 ppm, a minimum recorded in December 1998, and 379 ppm. Theannual average for 1997, 1998, and 1999 were 365 ppm, 341 ppm, and370 ppm. This last average is slightly higher than the normalconcentration of this gas in natural air.

With regard to methane gas, the annual average concentration rangedbetween 1.29 ppm, which was a minimum recorded in 1996 at Um Al-Aish station north of the country, and 2.24 ppm, a high recorded in 1995at Jahra area. In general, methane gas averages are slightly higher thanexpected in air surrounding all monitored areas except Um Al-Aish,which is low in emission.

2-2 Assessment of resources of the atmosphere and air qualitysector


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2-2-1 Establishments and Authorities working in the field ofmanagement, organization, and monitoring of Air emission and Airquality.

Air Pollution Monitoring Department, EPA:

The main targets of this department are to prevent or reduce pollution andpreserve air quality. It is also responsible for ensuring that developmentprocess is not on the expense of human health. Other tasks of thisdepartment are to consider the regional and international environmentalprotection agreements, determine international issues of concern in thisfield. Building national capacity in the field of environment protectionand awareness. The department is specialized in the following:

Monitoring and analyzing primary air pollutants concentrationsincluding suspended particles, average dust fall, their sources, andtheir distribution paths.

Monitor some accompanying climate results, related to the spread ofpollutants or due to their reaction with other compounds. In addition,it is also specialized in studying Greenhouse phenomena, measuringsun and ultraviolet radiations.

Monitor other gases and pollutants included in the regional andinternational treaties such as measuring sulphur dioxide (using acidanalysis), total suspended particles, as required by the treaty signedbetween The Environment Public Authority in Kuwait and the WorldHealth Organization in the International Gas Emissions MonitoringSystem for some air pollutants (GEMS), and some other gases causingclimate change (like carbon dioxide and methane).

Monitoring the implementation of articles of the Vienna agreementand Montreal Protocol dealing with limiting the use of gases thatcause ozone layer depletion (Stratospheric) and the chemicalsubstances that affect it.

Interpolating the relation between levels of concentration of airpollutants and their sources and develop a model that could be used topredict future pollution levels in the different areas in case ofemergency.

Applying regulations related to the establishment of the EnvironmentPublic Authority in Kuwait in regards to air quality standards inresidential areas in Kuwait, rates of pollutants’ emission from the fixed and mobile sources, and allowable noise levels in residentialareas.


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The organizational structure for the department includes various sectionsfor gas pollution, dust pollution, and noise pollution employing 15, 9, and2 technicians, respectively.

The department also supervises the operations of the following sectionsand laboratories:

Sand (Dust) laboratory. Its tasks are the following:

Estimating the daily dust fall rates in one measuring station at Al-Shuwaikh industrial area and linking this with the accompanyingclimate conditions in order to determine the main source of dustemission.

Calculating the monthly dust falls on the State of Kuwait by collectingsamples from three different areas (Mansouriya, Shuwaikh IndustrialArea, and Jahra).

Chemically analyzing falling dust samples in order to determineconcentration levels of their contents.

Studying and chemically analyzing suspended particles in air bydetermining concentration levels and contents proportions as well asdetermining their volume distribution.

Determining sulfur dioxide concentration levels using the approvedacid analysis method to fulfill the International Gas EmissionsMonitoring System (GEMS) agreement between the Authority and theWorld Health Organization.

Sample collection of rain and determining the pH level.

Physical Factors Laboratory: This laboratory takes dailymeasurements to determine the intensity of sunlight and ultravioletradiations in order to complete the data gathered in the differentclimate monitoring stations.

Noise: It specializes in measuring and evaluating outside noise levelsand vibrations caused by various activities such as traffic, Airporttraffic, construction operations, and other engineering processes. Thenit studies the exposures of citizens to noise and determine suitablemethods to limit it and reduce its effects.

Stationary Stations: It is responsible for the operation and maintenanceof the six stationary air monitoring stations in the State of Kuwait thatwere installed in different areas selected in a way to evaluate the


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Fig. 2-1 Stationary sources of air pollution and stationary airquality monitoring stations.


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sources of pollutants near them that might affect air quality. Thefollowing are descriptions of these locations:

Mansourya Station: This station is located between longitude of29.36º and latitude of 48º in Mansourya residential area and above theclinic. This site is affected by the pollutants produced by the densetraffic due to its location inside Kuwait city, a gas station, and near Al-Arabi Sport Club, all are located west of the station. To the northwestof this station is the Sheraton roundabout; where as the Al-Maghrebhighway is located to the west of this station.

Al-Rabya Station: It is located at longitude 29.32º and latitude of47.96º at a distance of 10 kilometers west of Kuwait city. The FifthRing Road is north of this station where as the Sixth Ring Road islocated on the south. Kuwait Airport is 8 kilometers from this stationin the southeastern direction. Sabhan Industrial Area is locatedsoutheast of this station also. In the south of this station is theMagwa'a oil field area, which is 16 kilometers away. Ardiya watertreatment station is 1.5 kilometers away in the southwestern directionof Omariya and Rabya areas. At a distance of 16 kilometers northwestof this station is the Doha Power Station.

Al-Rigga Station: Located at longitude of 29.32º and latitude of48.09º in the Rigga residential area, which is one of the coastal areaslocated at the Arabian Gulf. It is bound by Fahaheel Road from theeast, and Al-Safar highway, from the west. This station is one of theclosest stations to Ahmadi, which is northwest of the station, andShuaiba industrial area, which is to the southeast. Also, Al-Riggawastewater treatment station is located to the northwest.

Um Al-Haiman Station: Um Al-Haiman is located at longitude of28.97º and latitude of 48.48º in Um Al-Haiman area, which isconsidered very close to the oil and petrochemical industrial areas.Mina Abdulla Oil Refinery is within two kilometers to this station andis located in the northwest direction where as Shuaiba Industrial Areais 6 kilometers in the northwestern direction. Al-Magwa'a oil fields are24 kilometers in the northwestern direction.

Al-Jahra Station: Jahra station is located at longitude of 29.36º andlatitude of 48.68º in Jahra residential area and above the hospital.Doha Power station is in the northeastern direction and is consideredone of the main sources for pollution in the area. There is Jahrawastewater treatment plant in the south of the area.

Um Al-Aish Station: Located at longitude of 29.7 and latitude of 47.7in the northern part of the State of Kuwait. Al-Rawdatain oil field,


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which is located at the northeastern part, is considered one of thesources of pollution in the area. From the west of the station is theAbdili Road; where as from the southeastern side there is a militarycomplex (training camp).

Mobile Laboratories Section: These laboratories conduct theenvironmental studies in remote areas that are not covered by thestationary stations. These labs can also be used as substitutes forstationary stations if needed.

The stationary and moving stations are equipped with the following:

Sulfur oxides measurements using the U.V. Fluorescence analyzertechnique.

Hydrocarbon vapor meters: it works using the theory of ionizationhydrocarbon compounds through a flame in the presence of Hydrogen(Flame Ionization Detector- FID) to carbon and hydrogen ions.

Nitrogen Oxides meters: It is based on the emission of light from thechemical reaction between Nitrogen monoxide and Ozone(Chemiluminescence Method-CLD).

Carbon monoxide meter: It works by absorbing this gas to InfraredRadiation (Non-dispersive Infra-Red).

Ozone gas meter: Works using the theory of U.V. PhotometricAnalyzer, which states that Ozone gas, absorbs Ultraviolet radiation.

Ammonia gas meter: This is the same meter used for the Nitrogenoxides, which works by (CLD) theory. A transfer unit should be usedto transfer Nitrogen oxide to ammonia gas.

Carbon monoxide meter: This meter works after Carbon monoxideabsorbs infrared radiation (Non-Dispersive Infra-Red).

The measured weather parameters, by the fixed and mobile stations, arethe following:

Temperature

Wind direction and speed.

Relative humidity

Atmospheric pressure.

Sun radiation.

Standard Analysis laboratory: This lab performs studies andresearches and deals with complaints. It measures pollutants in partsper million directly from air through portable equipment. The datacollected by these equipment can then be further analyzed in the


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laboratory using gas Chromatography Separation technique to separatethe various chemical elements that are similar in chemical reactionsuch as the organic chains, which are difficult to analyze throughregular chemical methods.

Some of the important studies that are performed by this lab include thestudy of offensive odors from different sources such as wastewaternetworks, the study of hydrocarbons emitted to the air from differentsources, such as traffic and oil production and refining industries.

The laboratory also focuses on waste landfill sites, in which wastes areconverted to harmful gases and other simpler matter. The lab is now inthe process of supervising the landfill sites in Al-Qurain residential areaby taking and analyzing samples continuously to ensure that residents areprotected from any leakage, health, or environmental harms. The lab isalso required to evaluate the extent of the problem in this landfill andprovide a list of possible accompanying hazards. Another task that iscarried out by this lab is to study the proper methods in dealing with oillakes.

Industrial Environment Department:

One of the departments of the Environment Public Authority and workstoward the implementation of the general policy to protect the industrialenvironment through the following means:

Ensure the implementation of the specifications and standards inprotecting the industrial and interior environment and then the generalhealth.

Study and specify the sources of industrial pollutants as well assetting regulations to reduce these pollutants.

Preparing and supervising the implementation of the protection ofindustrial and indoor environments plans (except houses) frompollutants in the short and long ranges.

Preparing a comprehensive emergency response plans to deal withindustrial environmental catastrophes.

The Department is divided into four sections: Work Environment, IndoorEnvironment, Chemical Substances, and the Control of Industrial Waste.Each of these departments contributes in preserving the environmentaccording to their disciplines prior to the occurrence of any problem. Thesections of Work and Indoor Environments take special care in protectingworkers from physical, chemical, biological, accidents, and sicknesshazards. Employees from these sections conduct routine visits toindustrial sites to ensure that workers are not subjected to hazards and


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that all safety procedures and regulations are adhered to. These checks arealso required when renewing the license of industrial facilities.Certificates are not provided if these facilities fail to meet the conditionsset by the Department.

The Department also has equipment used to collect data and samples thattest workers possible exposures to hazards and are compared againstmaximum allowable limits (or Threshold Limit Values TLV’s). If these limits are exceeded, the concerned party must take necessary correctiveactions. There are 45 specialized workers in this department. There is alsoan agreement between the Environment Public Authority and theMinistry of Social Works to implement the regulations regarding theprotection of workers from work hazards.

The Public Authority for Industry:

The Department of Environmental Monitoring: The Centre forEnvironmental Protection was establishment, in 1976, with the aim toprotect the environment. It was under the Shuaiba Industrial AreaAuthority- Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Its was concernedwith monitoring pollutants emitted from industries located within theShuaiba Industrial Area. After the issue of the decree number 56 of1996, for the establishment of the Public Authority for Industry, thedepartment was transferred to this Authority under the name “The Department of Environmental Monitoring”. However, all its capabilities, including personnel, labs, and equipment, were keptintact. The department has four main sections: Air section, Water Unit,Coordination and Follow up Section, and Maintenance section. Thetotal number of employees in this department reached 31.

Air section: Specializes in the continuous monitoring of the qualitywithin Shuaiba Industrial area through operating the followinglaboratories and units:

Air Laboratories: Contain many suspended particles samplingequipment as well as portable equipment for direct measurement of airpollutants and chemical analysis equipment.

Stationary Air Quality Monitoring Stations: Contain fourcontinuous monitoring stations to measure the concentrations ofprimary air pollutants. These stations are equipped with the sameequipments as in the stations belonging to the Environment PublicAuthority discussed earlier. These stations, however, are distributedinside Shuaiba Industrial area.

Mobile Air Quality Assessment Laboratory: It uses the sameequipment as the Stationary and Continuous Monitoring Stations. It is


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used to assess the Air quality in locations away from the stationarystations.

Department of Industrial Safety: It specializes in monitoring andregular inspection of industrial complexes located inside ShuaibaIndustrial Area to ensure that safety and security regulations arefollowed and therefore providing safe and healthy environment forworkers. The department is similar to the Indoor Environment Sectionin the Environment Public Authority.

2-2-2 The governmental production and services establishments

Ministry of Oil

In 1989, bylaws in relation to law 19 of 1973for the conservation of thepetroleum resources were issued. The bylaw included a chapter pertainingto the protection of the environment and included specifications andstandards for air quality and emission rates for some pollutants to beimplemented by the oil sector in operations ranging from exploration,well drilling, oil production, crude oil transportation and storage, oilrefining, petrochemical industries, transportation and storage of oilproducts for export via ports or for local use.

These regulations were to be followed by oil companies under theMinistry of Oil as well as contractors working in projects in this sector.The Department of the Preservation and Protection of the Environmentwas established by the Ministry of Oil in 1993, which included asuperintendent for environment protection, a chemical engineer with 20years experience, and four other chemical engineers. This departmentincludes three sections:

Monitoring of Safety and Security within the oil facilities.

Field inspection and preservation.

Environmental Protection.

The department focuses on monitoring and following up of projectsimplemented by other environmental entities in the country.

Kuwait Oil Company (KOC)

In 1990, the Board Chairman and Managing Director of KOC approved,among other ambitious strategic plans to make the KOC one of theleading companies in the region in terms of Health, Environment andSafety Management System (HSEMS) Policy. It is a starting point toprovide safe and healthy working conditions for employees anddeveloping the environment. Some of the programs that were started bythe company:


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Limiting air pollutants emission produced by gas flaring during oilproduction in operation areas.

Air quality monitoring project in process areas and identifying thesources of these pollutants in order to reach proper solutions.

Current and future projects aiming at improving the production andperformance of oil wells and industrial process in general. KOC incollaboration with Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research haveestablished the Petroleum Research Centre in Ahmadi area, close tothe oil facilities.

The company, through the implementation of technology transfercontracts with major international oil companies, works in settingspecifications, standards and proper approaches to achieve best health,safety, and environmental practices.

Waste recycling through the active participation of the residents ofAhmadi areas in segregation of domestic and commercial wastes.

Fences operation areas as well as greening projects and the expansionof conservation areas. These activities assist in reducing sandencroachment.

The determination of gas, liquid, chemical and solid waste emissionsproject. A complete and accurate database is established that willassist in making proper decisions in implementing the HSE plan. Thecompany also stores all these information in the GeographicInformation System (GIS).

HSE Benchmarking project, which aims at comparing the overallperformance of the company with other oil companies in the GCC aswell as other international standards and specifications in the field ofHSE.

The establishment of Guidelines for environmental, health riskassessment for projects proposed by suppliers to protect the health,work environment and nature.

The adoption of non-smoking policy in work areas within thepremises of the company.

The continuous monitoring of work environment and theimplementation of a routine preventive health program for allemployees.

The removal of all sources of asbestos used previously in the companypremises and houses of its employees.


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Setting a special program for Environmental Impact Assessment forall company future projects, as well as for the other joint projects. Thecompany also coordinates with the Environment Public Authority inregard to law 9/90, in conducting Environmental Impact AssessmentStudies (EIS) for industrial and constructional projects.

Therefore, KOC has formed many action teams in cooperation with othercoordinators to conduct these vital environmental programs. Manyemployees represented the KOC in the committees and action teamsformed by the Environment Public Authority in Kuwait for theformulation of Kuwait Environmental Strategy and setting environmentalstandards and specifications.

Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC)

Since the restructuring of the Kuwaiti oil sector, KNPC became the soleoperating company of Kuwait three oil refineries. These are Al-Ahmadi(built in 1949 with total capacity of 420,000 barrels a day), Mina Abdulla(built in 1958 with capacity of 235,000 barrels a day), and Mina Shuaiba(built in 1968 with capacity of 200,000 barrels a day). These capacitiesfrom Kuwaiti crude oil, which is high in sediments such as sulfur (2.6%),Nitrogen (13,000 ppm), Nickel (8 ppm), and Vanadium (31 ppm), makesthe processes more complicated and need more units to be added. In turnthey have higher capital costs and require additional units to preserve andprotect the environment.

Regarding environmental protection strategies in the refineries andsurrounding areas, KNPC gave this issue a great importance in the designstages through the careful selection of specialized companies andcontractors according to the most up-to-date environmental andengineering standards used in large international refineries that fulfills thespecifications of the environmental protection agencies as well as safetyregulations. These include the following:

Engineering Design Stage:

Providing refineries with gas treatment and purification units, whichare non-productive units built for the protection of the environment.

The availability of additional treatment units within the refineries thatfunctions in case of failure of other units.

The selection of high efficiency boilers that contain igniters with lownitrogen oxide emissions and designed according to the latestinternational technologies.


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The adherence to the engineering specifications of the height of thestacks of the boilers in order to achieve lower pollution levels withinthe refineries and the surrounding areas.

Treating effluent water produced by refining process before returningit to the sea.

The review and update of engineering specifications and designs, asneeded, according to new specifications.

Safe Operations:

Provide a team of engineers and technicians for industrial safety inevery refinery.

The routine preventive and general maintenance operations as well ascorrosion inspection to ensure the safety of the operations process.

Operation responsibilities are given to qualified engineers andtechnicians, equipped with all necessary measuring equipments andcontrol, 24 hours a day.

Supplying manufacturing units with automatic alarm systems tomeasure pollutants in the surrounding areas.

The removal of asbestos containing false ceilings and ensuring thatnew facilities are asbestos free.

Preparing emergency response plans containing proper procedures tobe followed in case of environmental emergencies. The main unitsinclude:

Atmospheric Residue Desulphurisation & ISOMAX: These unitsoperate to remove sulphur from heavy air residues to reduce sulphurpercentage from 4.2 % to 0.5 %.

Hydrocracker & H. Oil units: Sulphur and Nitrogen contents in thereactors are removed in these units using catalysts. Also, cracking theproduct arriving from the vacuum distillation unit occurs in theseunits, where they are converted into hydrocarbon products with betterenvironmental friendly quality and properties.

Naphtha and Kerosene Treatment Units (Hydrotreaters): by theaddition of Hydrogen to lower the sulphur content by 90% transferringit to hydrogen sulphide, which is then removed by the Gas recoveryUnits.

Gas Recovery Units: Sulphur recovery Unit (SRV) and Tail gasTreating Unit (TGTV).

Coal and Sulphur Storage and Handling Units: using the bestpreventive methods to limit the leakage of coal dust and sulphur.


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Flare system installations to vent out and burn gases at calculatedheight of 300-350 feet, which will spread dispersion of gases in theair. This system is equipped with accurate measuring and controlinstruments according to international specifications. It was designedso that sulfur content does not exceed 1.5-2.0 % of the total sulfur incrude oil processed in the refinery.

Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC)

The company has established a special section to deal with environmentprotection. This section operates 24 hours a day and examines the outletsof the company’s liquid and gas emissions. The section publishes periodicals to raise the awareness of the company’s employees. Manyprojects were supervised by this section including:

Urea Granulation Project: This project is aimed at reduce Urea dustproduced from Urea Plant (A) to low values not exceeding 15milligrams per cubic meter of air.

Water Dissolver Upgrade in Urea Plant (B) Project: This project aimsat treating industrial effluent water from urea plants in order to reduceammonia and urea contents to 1 ppm and then reuse the water.

Suspended Oil Separation from outlet Seawater Plant Project: Thevolume rate of inlet water to the company’s plants reaches 105 cubic meter per hour. Therefore, the aim of this project is to separate oilfrom collected water and stored in special tanks to be refined andreused.

Ministry of Public Works (MPW)

The ministry has paid great attention to the field of environmentalprotection. In 1997, MPW established an Environment Protection andSafety at Work sections within the ministry with 7 qualified technicians.In recent years, the Ministry has implemented many plans and programsto deal with and control the problem of Hydrogen Sulfide that causesobnoxious odors in many areas in Kuwait. Some of these projects are:

Installing chemical oxidation towers in eleven pumping stations aswell as the Ardiya water treatment plant to remove odors usingchemical substances (Cl2, HCl, NaOH, and NaOCl).

The use of biological treatment systems to deal with odors.

The use of different types of carbon membranes, in different shapes,sizes, and capacities, in 55 pumping stations around Kuwait.

The use of chemical injection of some chemicals (NaOH and NaOCl)in emergencies, when waste water is diverted to the sea or to waste


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network and pumping stations in large volumes and then getsprocessed to eliminate odors.

The use of Bio-chemical substances to aid in improving, treating andlimiting odors. These are used in Ardiya water treatment plant.

Upgrade and improve the efficiency of wastewater facilities, as in thecase of replacement of pumping stations by modern ones.

The replacement of old wastewater pipelines.

Conducting studies and performing experiments to improve methodsto control obnoxious odors, as well as the feasibility of such methodsin Kuwait.

Corresponding to companies and other governmental and internationalauthorities to improve the treatment process and limit the odouremissions.

Studying the possibility of treating wastewater that is dumped in thesea to treat sea pollution and odor, using equipments placed at 10wastewater outlets.

The routine cleaning of the pipelines and manholes and the installationof carbon baskets to control odors.

The total budget spent on the reduction of odors for the next three yearsis estimated to reach 3 million Kuwaiti Dinars.

Ministry of Interior:

In 1984 the Ministry of Interior established, within the Department ofVehicle Testing, an Environment Pollution Monitoring Section that ischaired by specialist and has 4 technicians having diplomas in vehiclemechanical engineering. The employees participate in manyconferences that deal with environmental affairs. The section performsthe following annual activities:

Annual medical check-ups for employees of Department of VehicleTesting.

Cooperate with Ministry of Health, Department of OccupationalHealth, to determine the direct effects of toxic gases that theseemployees might be exposed to.

Conduct a study in collaboration with the Environment PublicAuthority to prepare the specifications of the pollutants and theirquantities from vehicle emission.

A field study a survey was conducted in 1985 in collaboration withKuwait Institute of Scientific Research and The Environment PublicAuthority to measure emission rates from vehicles. Before the Iraqi


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invasion, the Department used to have a special testing equipment totest emissions from cars.

Kuwait Municipality (KM):

In 1992 Kuwait, the Municipality established a specialized department tohandle environmental affairs. This department employs 46 staff of which33 holds scientific degrees as follow:

- 3 Architectural engineers. - 2 civil engineers.

- 11 chemical engineers. - 1 road and planning engineer.

- 6 environmental health inspectors. - 8 engineers assistants.

- 1 assistant physicist. - 1 environmental inspector.

- Other administrational staff.

Some of the projects handled by this department are:

Construction waste treatment projects.

Domestic solid waste treatment projects.

Waste transport and handling projects.

Study, design, and implementation of dump sites projects.

Vision pollution treatment projects in architecture environment.

Al-Qurain landfill site rehabilitation and investment project.

Organizing the sites and processes of quarrying.

Ministry of Health (MoH):

Some of the responsibilities of the Ministry of Health in the field of airquality include organizing the use of ionized radiation as well as themonitoring workers’ health. These tasks are handled by:

The Department of Radiation Prevention

In 1977, law number 131 came into act to organize the use of ionizedradiations and to prevent their hazards. Afterwards, many other lawsfollowed aiming at protecting workers and people from the potentialhazards of exposing to radiations in the work environment, whentreated by X-ray or when consuming imported food and drinkproducts. It also includes monitoring the recently installedcommunication towers in the Kuwait. It also has the responsibility ofmonitoring the ionized radiation that the local environment might beexposed to due to some disasters in close or remote areas such as theChernobyl disaster and the use of weapons of mass destruction inaddition to the continuous monitoring of base nuclear radiation levelsin the country.


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Occupational Health Department: Approximately 55 physicians andqualified technicians in the field of occupational health work in thisdepartment. Their main tasks are to perform clinical medical checks,necessary analysis, and routine and preliminary examinations onworkers in all establishments to protect them from occupationalhazards.

Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW):

In 1997, the Department of Environmental and Engineering Programswas established under the authority of the Sector of Operations andmaintenance of the Power Stations and Desalinations Plants andmaintenance sector in the Ministry. There are 3 chemical engineers and 1assistant in this department, mostly new graduates; their main tasksinclude:

Cooperation with Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) in preparing astudy for the feasibility of the option of installing sulfur removal unitsto remove sulfur from emitted gases against the removal sulfur fromfuel in refineries or the use of low sulfur liquid fuel.

Cooperation with Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) and Dutch ShellCompany in preparing a study for providing higher volumes of naturalgas in the future.

Preparing to supply the stations, in the future, with advancedcontinuous monitoring equipment for emitted gases.

Continue preparation on the replacement program of the equipmentsthat use Ozone depleting gases, as per the Montreal treaty and itsamendments.

2-2-3 Educational and research Institutes and Non-GovernmentalOrganizations:

Kuwait University, Faculty of Engineering and Petroleum:

The Department of Chemical engineering and the Department of Civilengineering, through the environmental engineering laboratory,purchased and operated a mobile laboratory that can asses air quality.This lab contains meters that can measure concentration levels of primaryair pollutants in the air; this lab is similar to other labs owned by otherentities discussed earlier in this report. Three specialists operate this lab.

Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR)

KISR was established by a decree (28 for 1981). Its main tasks andresponsibilities are to study and conduct researches in the field of air,water, and soil pollutions. The Earth and Environmental SciencesDepartment conducts researches in this field and contains air pollution


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unit, with three researchers and technicians. Researchers use many fieldequipments and a mobile laboratory fully equipped with devices that cancontinuously monitor outside air quality. This lab is also similar withother labs owned by other authorities discussed earlier.

The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training(PAAET), Environmental Health Department, College of HealthSciences:

Many specialists in the fields of natural environment and environmentalhealth work in this department which have approximately 12 Ph.D.holders. These specialists have many published researches and studies intheir fields such as Environmental Impact Assessment, sustainabledevelopment, marine pollution, climate change, desertification, noise, airpollution, environmental health and zoology. The department has futureplan to have a four-year programme instead of the current two yeardiploma programme and to award a Bachelor of Science Degree in Earthand Environmental Sciences. In addition, a plan to establish a crisesmanagement study and training centre.

The Kuwaiti Environment Protection Society (KEPS):

KEPS is an independent non-governmental organization for theprotection of the environment. It contains highly qualified and experiencemembers from the different authorities in the country. The activities ofthe society include:

Continual enrichment of KEPS library to contain references andscientific books related to environmental sciences.

Publishing a monthly publication specialized in issues of local andinternational environment science.

Issuing regular publications about different environmental subjects.

Publishing environmental books for children.

Publishing Environmental books.

Publishing environmental awareness and wildlife publications.

Organizing cultural season, which includes workshops, conferences,exhibitions, national campaigns, and environmental competitions fordifferent environmental activities.

Obtain membership of many committees formed by The EnvironmentPublic Authority.

2-2-4 Existing Rules, regulations, and laws in relations to theprotection of the environment from air pollution and emissions:

The law of establishing the Environment Public Authority (EPA):


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The law for the establishment of the EPA number 21 for 1995,amended in 1996, identified its responsibilities and duties, specificallyin article 3 of this law. The authority is responsible for all activitiesand duties aiming to the protection of the environment in the countryespecially:

Preparing and implementing the general policy for the protection ofthe environment as well as preparing the strategies and work plan forsustainable development, including scientific, environmental, andhealth standards suitable for human life, industrial and constructionexpansion, natural resources use. This is all to be conducted in ahealthy and safe environment for workers, safe operation of facilities,and the preservation of the environmental balance.

Monitor, assessment, and follow up the activities and processes relatedto environment protection.

Identification of pollutants and environmental standards as well aspreparing laws proposals and regulations for environment protectionand follow up on their implementation. It is also responsible inpreventing or reducing environmental pollution in collaboration withother related authorities in the Country.

The law also included many other items that gave authority to the EPA torequire Environmental Impact Assessment Studies for new or expandingprojects. The Authority also has the authority to impose penalties onpersonnel and authorities that cause environmental damage or healthhazards. In 1998, the authority formed 20 technical action teams fromdifferent representatives. The representatives include managers andemployees from the different government and non governmentestablishments.

These include the Environment Public Authority, the Public Authority forIndustry, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Oil,Ministry of Interior, Kuwait Municipality, Kuwait University, and oilcompanies. The main objective was to prepare environmental standardsand specifications to protect workers and population, working indoor andoutdoor environments, from the associated work hazards. These teamshave approved some of the main points that are needed to be considered.These include the following:

The comprehensive review of all local and international laws andregulations.

Information and data collection and assessment related to the tasks ofeach team.


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Corresponding with international organizations such as the WorldHealth Organization (WHO), International Labor Office (ILO),International Marine Organization (IMO), United StatesEnvironmental Protection Agency (US EPA), National Institute ofSafety and Health (NIOSH), and the Occupational Safety and HealthAgency (OSHA).

Corresponding with regional organizations and authorities such as TheRegional Organization for the Protection of Marine Environment(ROPME), Organization of Arabic Labor- Arab league, Office ofstandards and regulations- The Public Authority for Industry, thecommittee of Gulf standards and specifications of the GulfCooperation Council.

Review of international and regional treaties and agreements that weresigned by the State of Kuwait.

Study available information and selecting safe environmental limitsand standards suitable for Kuwait environment. This is conducted bytaking into considerations the current environmental status throughfield studies and recorded measurements about levels of pollutions inoutside environment (air, seawater,..etc.) or local environment hazardexposures (Industrial facilities, offices, workshops,..etc).

Preparing a report that includes definitions, application fields,standards, and environmental specifications and the reason of itsselection.

Recently, these teams have completed preparing their reports and a legalteam has been established including legal advisors from Ministry ofJustice, Sheikh Sa'ad Academy for Military Sciences, and theEnvironment Public Authority, to study these reports from legal point ofview in order to produce and implement laws. The team is about tocomplete this task and the Environment Public Authority, in collaborationwith the Ministry of Justice, took steps to form environmental court andproducing the Legal jurisdiction law performed by authorized personnel.This list from these reports will contain environmental standards andspecifications for air quality in residential and industrial areas, rate ofpollutant emissions from stationary and mobile (vehicles) sources, andthe maximum allowable chemical, physical, and biological limits ofexposures for workers.

Local laws currently being enforced in relation to environment,especially the ones related to the atmosphere. Law 38/1964, and itsamendments, regarding work in the private sector.

Law 15/1972, and its amendments, regarding Kuwait Municipality.


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Law 19/1973 regarding the preservation of oil resources.

Decree issued in 26th of June 1977 regarding the impacts of shops andaggravating activities.

Law decree 131/1977 regarding the use of ionized radiation and theprevention of its hazards.

Decree issued in 11th of September 1977 regarding the use of publicroads, squares, pavements, wastewater networks, and the waste ofshops and factories.

Law decree 41/1988 regarding the organization of cattle grazing.

Law 15/1995 regarding the prohibition of smoking.

Law 21/1995 and its amendments in law 16/1996, regarding theestablishment of the Environment Public Authority.

Law 56/1996 regarding industries.

International agreements for the protection of environment, in relationto the atmosphere.

Law 25/1993 regarding the approval of Basel convention forarbitration in handling of hazardous waste and delivery across borders.

Law decree 135/1992 regarding the approval of Vienna treaty for theprotection of ozone layer as well as Montreal Protocol regarding ozonedepleting substances.

Law 13/1994 regarding the approval of London amendments, 1990,and Copenhagen amendments, 1992, to the Montreal, 1987, Protocolfor ozone depleting substances.

Law 16/1965 regarding the approval of the treaty banning nuclearexperiments in air, space, and underwater in 1962.

Amiri decree 255/1994 approving Kuwait to join the convention ofclimate change.

Treaty regarding the protection from poisoning caused by aromaticbenzene in 1971.

2-3 Major environmental issues

2-3-1 Outdoor air quality

Reports and database, produced by the Department of Air PollutionMonitoring assisted in determining the major issues and priorities for theatmosphere sector, especially in regard to the change in air quality fromthe different sources of pollution (natural or man made sources). Thesereports, in addition to other research studies by other researchers, wereconducted through the stationary and mobile monitoring stations.


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However, for the past years five, it was sufficient to collect and analyzedata regarding the concentration levels of primary air pollutants, i.e.carbon monoxide and methane. The following are the main conclusions:

Effects on Air quality: Different air pollutants in different proportionsand concentrations affected air quality in most areas in the State ofKuwait at most times.

Air pollutants with concentrations exceeding standards: Somepollutants’ concentrations have exceeded the allowable limits. These pollutants include:

Falling dusts: Their rate of fall has sharply increased in all measuredareas, and during most of the year from 1995 to 1999. This increase ismuch higher, especially in summer months, than standards, which is7.5 tons per square kilometers as an annual average. The main sourcefor this problem is attributed to natural causes, due to the increase insand storms resulting from increase in temperature.

Suspended particles: Concentration levels of totally suspendedparticles, inhalable 10 microns and less (PM-10), have increasedduring most of the year, especially in summer time (from May toOctober), and all over Kuwait. The annual average concentrationlevels for suspended particles of sizes 10 microns and less haveincreased beyond the maximum allowable standard limits of 90micrograms per cubic meter of air in all years. The daily concentrationaverage has repeatedly exceeded 350 micrograms per cubic meter,which is the standard for daily average concentration (for 24 hours).This increase was in different percentages, depending on the locationof measurement and year. It ranged from 1.4 to 9%. In some cases,very high concentrations recorded lead to the increase of monthlyaverages up to 1074.0 micrograms per cubic meter.

Hydrocarbon gases and vapors: An increase in levels of non-methanehydrocarbon gases and vapors including many organic materials suchas volatile aromatic material (VOC’s), olefins, alkalines, or the PolyAromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH’s) was recorded over the years in all areas. This increase was noted specifically in the annual averagerecorded in Rigga area compared with readings in other areas, and itpoints toward the activities in the oil refineries and petrochemicalindustries nearby. These are now considered the main sources ofpollution. These averages exceeded, in most days, the standard, whichis 0.240 ppm.

Ammonia gas: The recorded annual average concentrations for thepast three years increased beyond standard limits of 140 ppb in Riggastation only from 1997 to 1999. It greater than levels recorded in 1995


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and 1996, which shows that there is an increase in the emission of thisgas in the recent years. This is probably due to the malfunction insome of the units or operating conditions in the ammonia and ureaplants, the main sources of the gas in Shuaiba Industrial Area.

Lead dusts: An increase in levels of lead dusts in air is due to the useof leaded gasoline. These levels were high especially near trafficcongested areas, i.e. car service stations and main roads. The levelsexceeded the standard maximum allowable limit of 1.5 microgramsper cubic meter of air. These levels were less in areas away from mainroads, as shown in one study conducted by the Air PollutionMonitoring Section (The Environment Public Authority- EnvironmentProtection Department) in 1985. The concentrations in these locationsdoubled the maximum standard limit. In 1998, most of the petrolstations started to provide unleaded gasoline. It is therefore necessaryto conduct another study to compare lead concentrations.

Odours: levels of hydrogen sulphide increased above the thresholdvalues stated by the World Health Organization by 0.5 ppb. Thisindicates that in many areas, people are exposed to obnoxious odours.The annual concentration average for H2S is within the maximumallowable limits required by standards, which is 6.0 ppb. In some areasand during specific days, the concentration increases above 30 ppb,especially in Rabiya area, which is located near the Ardiya wastewatertreatment plants. The level was also above the limit near Rigga area,which is located near oil facilities in the south of Kuwait.

Air pollutants exceeding standard limits for short durations: Duringthe recent years there was no evidence of change in the recorded levelsof air pollutants. The annual average levels for carbon dioxide,nitrogen monoxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone exceeded the shortduration exposure standard limits.

Greenhouse Gases: These gases, which include carbon monoxide andmethane, had average concentrations within the standard limits.However, it was noticed that methane concentrations was slightlyincreased.

Lack of information on some air pollutants, such as Volatile OrganicCompounds (VOC’s) and Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH’s).

Main environmental issues related to atmosphere:

The main environmental issues facing atmosphere are:

Increase in dust falls in Kuwait caused primarily by open desert areas.


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The increase of exposure limits for inhalable suspended particles ofsizes of 10 microns or less (PM-10) caused by human activities andnatural sources.

The increase in concentration levels of non-methane hydrocarbonsincluding Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) caused by oil industrial activities, traffic, and oil lakes.

The increase in ammonia concentrations in the south of Kuwait causedby ammonia and urea producing petrochemical plant located inShuaiba Industrial Area.

Exposure of many residential areas to obnoxious odors caused byhydrogen sulfide. The gas is produced mainly by wastewater treatmentplants (especially in Ardiya in the south of Kuwait), wastewaterpipelines, and pumping stations.

The increase in concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and carbonmonoxide for some periods of time caused by dense traffic.

The possible increase in noise levels near highways and areas close toKuwait International Airport.

The possible indoor pollution caused by inadequate ventilation insidehouses and consumption patterns, including cooking fuel, use oforganic cleaners, construction materials, and furniture that containshazardous organic and non-organic pollutants and dust.

Kuwait adherence to Montreal Protocol for the protection of the ozonelayer to reduce the use of Ozone depleting gases.

Unsystematic monitoring systems and lack of sufficient studies on airquality. Also, there is a weak mechanism for information transferbetween entities working in this field.

Kuwait adherence to Kyoto treaty to reduce emissions rates ofgreenhouse gases.

2-3-2 Air quality in the work environment

It is difficult to assess the work and indoor environments, due to the factthat there are many sources of pollution. Different industries use differentraw materials; produce different end products and byproducts, and followdifferent processes producing different chemical, physical, and biologicalhazards. To control such hazards, the concerned authorities such as theIndustrial Environment Department of the Environment Public Authority,Occupational Health Department of the Ministry of Health, Ministry ofSocial Affairs and Labour, Safety and Security Department of the PublicAuthority for Industry, and Industrial Safety Departments in otherauthorities, monitor continuously air quality inside work places. In


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addition, oblige employers to adhere to standards and controloccupational hazards. Employers are also required to conduct routinemedical check ups on their employees. The regulations and standards thatwere proposed by the Environment Public Authority will help in reducingoccupational hazards by helping authorities in taking proper and safedecisions.

2-4 Causes of problems in the atmosphere and air quality sector

The fast development, i.e. social, industrial and constructional advances,as well as the rapid change in social behaviors after the discovery of oil inKuwait played a major role in changing air quality. The discovery of oilin the late forties was carried out on the majority of Kuwaiti lands. It wasfollowed by the establishment of many refineries and petrochemicalindustries. To sustain these activities, it was necessary to increase thecapacities of electric generation and water desalination by building newpower stations, which are fueled by crude oil that contains sulfur reaching4.5%. In addition, vehicle, sea, and air traffic have all added to thisproblems as well as the installation of sewage networks and treatmentplants. The increasing amounts of domestic waste required theavailability of landfills, which were selected randomly. The Iraqi invasionset on fire 732 oil wells and spilled more than 500 oil lakes in addition tothe destruction of many facilities pertaining to the production and refiningof oil and gathering centres in the north and south of Kuwait.

Another very important reason contributed the problem of change in airquality was the fact that all these development activities took place in ageographic area not exceeding 15% of the total area of Kuwait andadjacent to the coastal line for a distance not more than 20-25 kilometersfrom the coast.

Local, regional, and international awareness was not enough to convenethese challenges. The international concerns for the protection of theenvironment first appeared during the first International Conference forthe Protection of the Environment in Stockholm in 1972. Twenty yearslater, the Earth Summit was held at Rio De Janeiro-Brazil in 1992 andwas attended by most kings and head of states of the world. Therefore,most of the strategies in the past were done without considerations toenvironmental issues and sustainable development.

The State of Kuwait took considerations to environmental protection byestablishing the Council of the Environment in 1980. It took theresponsibilities of environmental protection until the establishment of theEnvironment Public Authority in 1995. The Higher EnvironmentalCouncil, however, is still in position and setting environmental policies.

2-4-1 Technical causes


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Some of the technical problems and obstacles that may impede theimplementation of air quality conservation programs are:

The need of trained and qualified personnel to work in the field of airquality.

The lack of local and regional expertise in the field of air qualitymonitoring and assessment and selecting proper control methods. Inaddition, it is very costly to obtain consultation services frominternational consulting firms from the developed countries.

Engineering and technical reasons behind the difficulty in installing oroperating new air pollution control equipment in facilities with olddesign.

The limited capacities of sewage system and wastewater treatmentplants, especially Ardiya plant, to correspond to the expanding needsof residents. Budgets for building new plants and replacing sewagepipelines are needed to reduce odours in many residential areas inKuwait.

It may be required to improve the current hazardous wastemanagement practices, such as incineration of medical waste to besafer, environmentally friendly techniques. Other alternatives can limitand reduce the emissions of some hazardous substances like Dioxinsmaterial, which are known internationally as dangerous.

The upgrade or improvement of some industrial processesaccompanying the production of oil, such as gas gathering centres, toprevent gas flaring.

The need to install more petrochemical industries to use gas producedas bi-product from the production of oil.

The need to provide necessary infrastructure, i.e. electricity, water,roads ...etc, for remote areas in order to residential expansions andpopulation growth, taking into consideration environmental issues.

Limited scientific researches and modern field studies regarding thequality and quantity estimates of air pollutants produced by stationaryor mobile establishments. These studies are needed in the followingareas:

Determining air pollutants emission sources within everyestablishment.

The selection of proper sites and operating Continuous Stack AirEmission Monitoring System.


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Selection of suitable sites to install control equipment to controlemission.

The ease in implementing regulations regarding standards of rates ofair pollutants’ emissions. These rates can be reviewed to ensure air quality.

Listing the priorities to implement the national program for thereduction of air pollutants’ emission.

The quick and immediate use of continuous monitoring results of airquality through their link with emission rates after determining theirsources. Proper decisions can therefore be made to limit air qualitydeterioration.

Providing consultation for new development projects and proposingalternative sites during the environmental impact assessment for theseprojects.

Study and analysis of climate change caused by emissions of gases inKuwait and Arabian Gulf region.

Financial aspects and required time duration.

The limited amount of studies and applied researches regarding theselection of environmentally friendly energy sources, against thecurrent practices (Crude oil and its products). This includes theutilization of solar energy in some process stages or in operatingcooling and heating systems. Another method includes the import ofelectrical energy from neighbouring countries.

The possibility of installing public transport means in residential areasthat depends on the import of electricity in order to reduce fuelquantities used by transportation in the traffic dense areas of Kuwait.

Developing water resources and the possible use of tertiary treatedwaters in irrigating vegetation in the open desert areas to reduce dustand sand storms and stabilize soil.

The possibility of continuing to import raw materials, such as gravel,from neighbouring countries and to follow methods to reduce dustsduring unloading.

The unavailability of testing equipment for vehicles’ emissions as well as monitoring system to ensure the adherence of emission rates withallowable standards.

2-4-2 Institutional causes


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Limited number of authorities concerned with air quality monitoring.Access is also denied to confidential information, which makes theircommunication impossible.

Lack of environmental awareness among some decision makers whoare not aware of the health and environmental impacts of air pollutionproduced by the facilities under their authority. Economic feasibilitystudies are still considered more important than environmental issuesand concerns.

The lack of coordination and cooperation procedures betweeninstitutions working in the field of air quality and atmosphere.

Duplicity and interference between institutions responsible for airpollution monitoring and prevention as well as lack of coordinationbetween them.

Lack of financial and technical resources for the development of airmonitoring programmes, research and surveys to prevent air pollution.

The absence of public transportation plan, which can reduce emissionsfrom vehicles.

Limited number of local private companies specialized in providingenvironmental services such as Environmental Impact Assessment forthe new development projects.

The major sources of pollution are produced by governmentalorganizations, which are bound by formalities and budgets allocatedby the State.

2-4-3 General causes

The use of private cars, instead of public transportation, byindividuals.

Lack of environmental awareness regarding air pollution and its healtheffects, especially indoor pollution.

The need to activate the role of non-governmental organizations byincreasing their active participation in preserving air quality in Kuwait.

People unwillingness to accept responsibilities of:

Installing Catalytic converters to their cars, especially after theintroduction of unleaded gasoline.

The routine maintenance for their cars to ensure engines are running athigh efficiencies.

Energy conservation (electricity and water). This will reduce the loadon power stations.


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Increase in prices of water and electricity.

Use public transport instead of private cars.

Food conservation and improving ventilation systems in houses aswell as reducing the use of chemical cleaning agents.

Reducing residential expansion by substituting horizontal buildingdesigns with vertical to prevent locating residential areas besideindustrial sites.

Living in remote areas.

2-5 The required methods and steps needed to solve the problems ofthe sector

As previously illustrated, and according to the results of the studies andreports on air quality in the different many geographic areas in Kuwait,the following procedures are required to reduce air pollutants emissionsand preserve air quality in all areas of Kuwait. The procedures include:

2-5-1 Technical and organizational steps

Continuing the policy of greening and the increase of agriculturalareas.

Covering sand areas within residential areas with mosaics, bricks, orasphalt.

Supporting the efforts of the National Committee for theCombatement of Desertification.

Setting rules and regulations for desert camping during spring time,and cattle grazing in order to preserve desert vegetation that help insoil stabilization and therefore reduce dusts in air.

Continuing to prohibit gravel excavation and monitoring of theunloading of gravel to ensure it is environmentally adequate and thusreduce the dispersion of dusts and particles in air.

Supporting the efforts of the National Committee for the Protection ofthe Ozone to ensure the continuation of its distinguished efforts inreducing and substitution of ozone depleting gases.

Increasing the role of the Environment Public Authority in supportingcommittees established by the Ministry of Oil and Ministry ofElectricity and Water to reduce nitrogen dioxide, especially from Eastand West Doha power stations.

Continuing to supply unleaded fuel and reducing its price to be underthe leaded gasoline. It is also important that the Environment PublicAuthority, in collaboration with Ministry of Commerce and Industry,


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Ministry of Interior (Department of Vehicle Testing), Union of CarAgents, and the Kuwaiti Society for the Protection of Environment, toprovide catalytic converters at reasonable prices. This will encouragepeople to install these converters in their cars.

Oblige Kuwait National Petroleum Company, as it is the sole providerof gasoline, to install sealed fuel pumps to limit the leak ofhydrocarbon vapours while dispensing fuel to vehicles and returnthese vapours to the underground tank.

Encouraging mass (car pooling and public) transport, which couldstart in companies and government institutions such as schools andMinistries’ complex, as well as encouraging public transport companies to improve the buses’ routes.

The Environment Public Authority should assist, or oblige, oilcompanies, especially Kuwait Oil Company and Refineries owned byKuwait National Petroleum Company, to:

Use of proper control methods.

Upgrade industrial processes to reduce the emission of some airpollutants.

Conduct field studies to assess the quantities and quality of airemissions from different industrial processes.

Field measurements near the source or in the surrounding areas.

Building new wastewater treatment plants by the Ministry of PublicWorks after submitting an Environmental Impact Assessment Studyand selecting suitable location in consultation with the EnvironmentPublic Authority.

Select and implementing alternative methods by Kuwait Municipalityto manage wastes, instead of landfills. These methods should includerecycling. The Municipality is also required to approve the building ofcomposting plants, which will reduce the problem of obnoxious odourand gas emission from landfills as well as protecting the soil, groundwater, and the use of lands for landfill.

Update the national database regarding the types and quantities of airpollutants emitted from stationary and mobile sources.

Obliging institutions and major companies producing air pollutantsexceeding standard limits and affecting air quality to install suitablecontrol mechanisms and continuous measuring equipment at thepollutants’ outlets.


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Improving the technical and scientific capabilities of national workersin the field of air pollution through outside scholarships in universitiesand colleges and attending higher education programs or short courses.

Improve and upgrade the monitoring and supervision programmes inthe Environment Public Authority and other institutions specialized inatmosphere protection and air quality in collaboration with KuwaitInstitute for Scientific Research and Kuwait University.

Prepare work plans and procedures to avoid frequent emission of airpollutants in the oil sector.

Improve the efficiency of control equipments in Cement industriesthrough preparation for production, shipping, storing, loading andunloading of cement.

Preparing and implementing emergency action plan in collaborationwith oil companies and the Civil Defence Department in order toavoid or contain any accidents that might result in emission of toxicindustrial gases.

Develop mathematical models to simulate the availability of toxicgases in different climate conditions in the State of Kuwait and usingdifferent scenarios.

Improving planning methods and locating industrial polluted areas.

2-5-2 Legislative steps

Preparing and approving a bylaw for the Law of Establishing theEnvironment Public Authority (21/1995 and its amendment 16/1996).This bylaw will include Air quality standards in residential andindustrial areas, the maximum allowable limits for air pollutantsemissions from fixed and mobile sources, and penalties for eachviolation.

Approving laws that prohibit import and use of ozone depleting gases.

Approving legal apprehension for environmental violations accordingto the law 21/1995 and its amendment 16/1996.

Establishing Environmental court.

Update law 9/1990 regarding Environmental Impact Studies.

2-5-3 Economic steps


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Gradually reduce government subsidies of energy sources, especiallygasoline and electricity. This will help in preserving air quality andreduce carbon dioxide emission.

The use of economic means like tax, incentives, improving publictransport in the long term.

Increase tariffs on used cars that cause air pollution in Kuwait City.

Reducing tariffs on importing high efficiency cars and cars equippedwith catalytic converters.

2-5-4 Awareness steps

Studying, planning, and implementing environmental awarenessprograms regarding outside and inside (plants and homes) air quality.

Encouraging the establishment of voluntary and non-governmentorganizations in the field of air pollution.

Raising public awareness about the costs of air pollution and its healtheffects among policy and decision makers as well as interestedindividuals in the field of air pollution and noise.

Study, plan, and implement environmental awareness programs aboutthe importance of limiting private car usage and its effect on airquality. This will encourage people to use public transport.

2-6 Sources of information

Al-Awadi, A. (2000). Environmental Research Financed by theEnvironment Public Authority from the Period 1982-2000. Researchand Studies Office, Environment Public Authority, State of Kuwait.Note: In Arabic.

Annual Reports of the Environment Public Authority, (1995, 1996,1997, 1998, and 1999). The Annual Reports of the Achievements ofthe Different Departments of the Environment Public Authority. TheEnvironment Public Authority, State of Kuwait. Note: In Arabic.

Brunner, C. R., (1985). Hazardous Air Emissions from Incinerators,Pergamon Press, USA.

Clayton, G. and Clayton F. (1978). Patty’s Industrial Hygiene and toxicology. 3rd Revised Edition, Wiley-Interscience Publications, NewYork, USA.

Colbeck I. and Mavkennie, A. (1994). Air Pollution by PhotochemicalOxidants. Elsevier Publishing Company, New York, USA.


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Department of Environment, (1991) The National EnvironmentProtection Strategy for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. TheHashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Note: In Arabic.

Department of Environmental Protection, (1993) The Impacts of OilLakes on Air Quality at South of the State of Kuwait. Ministry ofPublic Health, State of Kuwait. Note: In Arabic.

Department of Health and Biostatistics, (1998) Kuwait Health. No.35,Department of Statistics and Medical Records, Ministry of Health,State of Kuwait. Note: In Arabic.

Environment Protection Agency, (1997) General Strategic Plan of theUnited States Environment Protection Agency.

Environment Protection Department (1985) Levels of lead in theurban areas, a preliminary survey. Ministry of Health, State of Kuwait.

Environment Public Authority (1995). The 1996 Law Regarding theEstablishment of the Environment Public Authority, State of Kuwait.

Environment Public Authority, (1995) Guidelines and action plan toformulate the Environmental Strategy for the State of Kuwait.Environment Public Authority, State of Kuwait.

Environment Public Authority, (1995-1999) Monthly reports, constantmonitoring of air quality in the State of Kuwait. Information Centre.Environment Public Authority, State of Kuwait.

Environment Public Authority, (1999) Reports on environmentalstandards and specifications in the State of Kuwait regarding thepreparation of the bylaw for the Environment Public Authority inrelation to law 21/1995 and its amendment 16/1996. EnvironmentPublic Authority, State of Kuwait.

HALCROW Ltd. (1998) Kuwait Air Quality Scoping Study, finalreport. Kuwait Environment Public Authority, State of Kuwait.

International Labor Office, (1983) Encyclopedia of OccupationalHealth and Safety. Vol. I and II, Third Edition, International LaborOffice, Geneva.

International Union of Prevention Pollution Control "IUAPPA",(1988). Clean Air Around the World. Second Edition, IUAPPA.

Kuwait National Petroleum Company, (1999) Environment ProtectionStrategies booklet. Kuwait National Petroleum Company, State ofKuwait.


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Kuwait Oil Company, (1999) Booklet on environment anddevelopment, the language of the future at the KOC. Kuwait OilCompany, State of Kuwait.

Ledbetter, Joe O., (1974). Air Pollution, Part B, Prevention andControl. Mercel Deleber, New York.

Linch, A.L., (1981). Evaluation of Ambient Air Quality by PersonnelMonitoring. 2nd edition, CRC Press, U.S.A.

Ministry of Municipalities and the Environment, (1995) The OmaniNational Strategy for the Protection of the Environment- Volume 1.Ministry of Municipalities and the Environmental, Sultanate of Oman.

Ministry of Public Health, (1960-1996) Health Legislations in theState of Kuwait. First Edition. Ministry of Health, State of Kuwait.

National Committee for the Protection of ozone layer, (1998) Ozonelayer depletion booklet. Environment Public Authority and TheKuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science, State of Kuwait.

Schneider T. and Gront, L. (1982). Air Pollution by Nitrogen Oxides.ELSEVIER Scientific Publishing Company, New York.

Stern A. C., (1968). Air Pollution, Sources of Air Pollution III.Academic Press, New York.

The Centre of Kuwaiti Research and Studies, (1992) Environmentaland Economic Damages and the Kuwaiti Efforts In Conserving OilResources, State of Kuwait.

The Centre of Kuwaiti Research and Studies, (1992) The Destructionof Oil Wells In Iraqi Documents, State of Kuwait.

The Environment Public Authority, (1999) Progress report preparedby the Legal Team formulated by the Executive Committee for theformulation of the Environmental Strategy for the State of Kuwait,second stage teams. The Environment Public Authority, State ofKuwait.

The Environment Public Authority, (1999-2000) Progress ReportPrepared by the “Atmosphere and Air Quality Team".EPA, Kuwait.Note: The team was formulated by the Executive Committee in chargeof Formulating the Environmental Strategy of the State of Kuwait.Second Stage Teams. Environment Public Authority, State of Kuwait.

United Nations (1992) Agenda 21. The Earth Summit, Rio De Janeiro,Brazil. United Nations Publications.

United Nations Environment Program "UNEP", (1985). Radiation,Doses, Effects, Risks. United Nations Environment Program, Nairobi.


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World Health Organization, (1997). Health and Environment andSustainable Development, Five Years After the Earth’s Summit. World Health Organization, Geneva.


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Sector ThreeEnvironmental Health


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Members of Environmental Health Sector Team

Dr. Ali Yousef Al-Saif Deputy Undersecretary, Environment andCommunity Health Affairs, Ministry ofHealth (MoH), Chairman of the workingTeam.

Dr. Ali Helail Environmental Adviser, Environment PublicAuthority.

Dr. Ahmad Al-Shatti Occupational Health Supervisor, Head ofGeneral Medical Council, (MoH).

Dr. Tariq Al-Duwaisan Head of Environment Health Unit,Community Health Department, (MoH).

Mr. Shaker Madi Manager of Information Centre, EnvironmentPublic Authority.

Preparation:

Dr. Ali Helail Environmental Adviser, Environment PublicAuthority.

Supervision, review, editing, completion of the scientific material andre-organization:

Dr. Sufyan Al-Tal Senior Adviser, United Nations DevelopmentProgram (UNDP).

Terms of Reference:

Professor Husni Al-Khourdaji

Regional Adviser, Economic and SocialCommission for Western Asia (ESCWA).

Mrs. Fatin Al-Mussallam

General Coordinator,Environment Public Authority.


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3-1 Introduction

Environmental Health is defined by the World Health Organization as theability to control all natural factors in human environment that affect life,and wellbeing, and continue to preserve his safety.

Within this scope and during the past four decades, the State of Kuwaitbegan the preparations and plans to establish proper infrastructure toprovide the main needs for a healthy and safe society. This was donethrough providing food, water, housings, and adequate health care. Thegovernment’s efforts included the following environmental tasks:

Provide sufficient and safe water resources. Many seawaterdesalination plants were constructed to provide potable water for thepopulation. It also worked to close the gap between demand andsupply by building new power and desalination plants to ensure theavailability of sufficient storage capabilities for strategic purposes.The government also set specifications and policies in order to protectwater resources from pollution. Almost all power stations in Kuwaitare dual-purpose plants that produce electricity and watersimultaneously.

Installing, operating, and maintaining wastewater (sewage) networkand treatment plants for the protection of environment from pollution.Treated water is some times used in irrigation.

Increasing the capabilities of the Department of Solid and LiquidWastes by concentrating on the four main stages of waste collection,transport, segregation and recycling as well as the use of the healthiestmethods for their disposal. This includes selecting and propermanagement of landfill sites.

Proper urban planning, selecting ideal residential areas and buildadequate housing units to accommodate the citizens’ needs.

Provide a complete main, minor road networks that can provideefficient decongested traffic flow.

Provide safe food, to prevent food poisoning and contamination.

Provide free primary and comprehensive health care for citizens. Thegovernment built many hospitals and specialized clinics in all areas.

Provide free government education in all educational stages includinguniversities and higher institutions. The government has built manyschools (primary, intermediate, and secondary) distributedgeographically in all residential areas. It also established KuwaitUniversity and a number of applied and technical colleges.


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Provide employment for all citizens with healthy and safe workenvironment in industrial and other establishments.

Provide public, amusement parks, sea (marine) clubs, and constructinga waterfront for social activities and sport.

Establishing Sports clubs and centres in all the five governorates in thecountry.

3-2 Comprehensive evaluation of resources of the sector

Environmental health sector in the State in Kuwait involves manyinstitutions, personnel, systems, equipment, and financial and institutionalsupport from governmental and non-governmental organizations such as:

3-2-1 Ministry of Health (MOH)

Environmental Health Unit

It contains three general physicians, two physicians holding Matersdegrees, 3 health researches holding Bachelor of Science degrees, seveninspectors holding 2 year diplomas, and three assistants work in this unit.The unit is responsible for implementing laws of the Ministry fororganization of work force, health requirements for factories, nurseries,health clubs, community housings, Kuwait Municipality legislationsregarding shops and food factories, World Health Organization andUnited States Environment Protection Agency guidelines, and finallyimplement the Kuwaiti, regional, and Arabic specifications for food. Thisunit has four sections:

Water and Waste Monitoring Section:

Ensures the safety of drinking water and its validity for human use bymonitoring water in pumping stations and water towers until waterreach consumers.

Monitors coastal areas (36 coastal sites).

Monitors swimming pool waters in clubs and other premises.

Monitors treated wastewater (sewage) and its use in greening and itssafe disposal.

Close monitoring of domestic waste sites.

Food Health Section:

Monitor food and works to prevent contagious diseases and foodpoisoning.

Monitor health regulations in food factories to ensure the abidance inthese rules and regulations. This unit also performs field checks prior


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to commissioning of any food factory or during the renewal of theirlicenses.

Monitor food in schools and hospitals.

Environmental Monitoring of Diseases Section:

This unit is responsible for investigating contagious diseases that arecaused or spread by environmental factors. The unit also monitors andfollows up on some of the sensitive people in the community that mightcause or distribute these diseases due to the nature of their jobs, such assanitary workers, barbers, factory workers, and food handling staff.

Housing and Facilities Section:

This unit monitors housing complexes and present rules for masshousing. It also supervises and monitors nurseries and health clubs.

Laboratories:

The Environmental Health Unit sends collected drinking waters, food,seawater, sewage, and fertilizers samples to the laboratories of theMinistry of Public health, which are specialized in analyzing thesesamples and employ a number of specialists, totaling 15, in the chemicalanalysis field. One of those specialists hold a doctorate degree inbiochemistry, two hold Masters degree in chemistry, eight hold Bachelorof Science degree in chemistry and biochemistry, and four hold diplomasin technology. These laboratories are equipped with sophisticatedanalysis equipment such as:

Four gas chromatography analysis equipments (GC).

Four Infrared analysis equipments (IR).

Four High Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis equipments(HPLC).

Four Atomic Absorption analysis equipments (AA).

Four Ultraviolet and Visible Spectrum analysis equipments (UV/VIS).

Other assisting laboratory equipments.

The number of samples tested daily range between 150-400 samples forfood safety only, which include:

- Oils - Mineral waters

- Drinks and juices - Primary material

- Chocolate and desserts - Honey and Royal Jelly

- Pastries - Meat and its products

- Milk and its products - Fruits and vegetables


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- Nutritional values for some products.

Food additives, colors and preservatives, are usually examined. However,the majority of these analyses are physical appearance or qualitativerather than quantitative analysis. Tests for pesticides or hormonesresidues are not usually performed, especially on local products.

Occupational Health Monitoring:

The main responsibilities of this unit are to preserve, care, and increasethe health levels of workers in the different industrial sectors and otheroccupations by monitoring and evaluating the direct and indirect healtheffects of occupational hazards. It is responsible for performing routinemedical examinations such as the replacement examinations for workers.The Department also determines the percentage of disability for theinjured worker.

The Department employs occupational health physicians and specializedtechnicians in the field of environmental and occupational health. Thetotal number of employees is 51, including physicians, technicians, andadministration staff, distributed on the following sections and units:

Occupational Health section (20 employees):

Medical Tests Unit:

Performs primary and routine medical examinations for workers in theindustrial and other sectors. It forms medical arbitration committees todetermine the percentages of disabilities for occupational injuries andaccidents in the State of Kuwait in collaboration with the Ministry ofSocial Affairs and Work. It also assesses work conditions and presentsstandards and regulations. The number of visitors examined annuallyraces 5600 from different disciplines.

Occupational Physiology and Psychology Unit: It examines thechanges in the physiological and psychological condition of workersto ensure their readiness to perform their duties; and to determine theeffects of the occupation on their health and well-being.

Industrial Inspection Unit: Technicians in this unit conduct routineinspections on industrial sites to examine the presence and compliancewith safety and security regulations.

Industrial Medical Centre in Shuaiba (25 employees)

Occupational Medical Services Unit: Provides primary and routinemedical examinations and ambulance services for all workers in theShuaiba Industrial Area. The number of examined workers reaches1000-2000, for early health examinations on workers. The Centre alsoprovides them with proper treatment. It is equipped with different


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equipments for respiratory system and audio examinations as well asblood, skin and renal tests, body competence, and dental care. Thecentre also contains other equipments operated by technicians toperform any clinical tests needed to examine the effects ofoccupational exposure on workers. The centre also monitors workers’ camps and residents and perform regular inspection on these sites toensure their compliance with safety standards and regulations providedby Ministry of Health and Kuwait Municipality.

Treatment Services Unit: Provides medical treatment for workers inthe industrial sector in Shuaiba Area after examination. The annualnumber of visitors is 35000-40000.

Environmental Emergency Unit: Inspects the storage areas offlammable and explosive chemical substances, which might affectsurrounding environment. It also performs risk assessment to locatepossible affected areas as well as the readiness to deal with thesehazards. The unit participates in and presents emergency plans andcommittees.

Personal Exposure Assessment Section

This section studies and assesses health effects of materials used inindustry on workers and surrounding environment inhabited by thesegroups. It also assesses the spread of sick cases due to the exposure tovarious hazards as well as evaluating tools used to prevent such hazards.This section includes the following units:

Comprehensive Exposure Assessment Unit: Exposure to variouspollutants, in different work places, houses, and transportationservices. A link is then established between health conditions andexposure to the determine the cause of the injuries.

Unit of Health Assessment of Pollutants: It measures the level ofchanges in active samples and workers tissues. Then a relationship isconcluded between these measurements and the level and type ofexposure inside and outside work places.

Human and Technology Unit: It assesses the impacts of moderntechnologies in work places, houses, entertainment, and transportationfacilities on the total environment.

Biological Factors Section (6 employees)

Studies air pollution in work and indoor environments caused by bacteria,fungus, and pollens and its relation with the environment, climate andhealth effects on people with allergy problems.

Department of Protection from Radiation


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This department is responsible for all activities dealing with preventionand protection from ionized and non-ionized radiations in Kuwait. TheDepartment includes four major sections:

Section of Environmental Protection from Radiation.

Inspection Section.

Radiation Technology Section.

Non-ionized Radiation Section.

2-2-3 Ministry of Public Works (MPW)

The government, represented by MPW, constructed wastewater (sewage)network to cover most residential and urban areas. The total pipelinelength is 250,000 kilometers comprised of reservoirs, which receivewastewaters from the source, pumping stations, lifting stations, threetertiary treatment wastewater plants. These include Ardiya, Jahra, andRigga treatment plants. These plants have total capacities of 3,000,000cubic meters per day, which represent 70% of consumed drinking water.About 30% of the treated water is used for irrigation purposes. The totalannual budget for MPW reaches 115 million Kuwaiti Dinars (as per1997/1998).

The Ministry of Public Works prepared for a project to improvewastewater sewage network in collaboration with local and internationalconsulting firms. The condition of the existing system was assessed intoprevent any future problems that might be caused by deterioration of thenetwork and the end of life expectancy.

In order to efficiently totally renewal the network and improve slopes anddirections, Kuwait was divided into 13 zones. Deep pipeline working bygravity was preferred so the number of primary and secondary pumpingand lifting stations were reduced as possible. The types of pipelines werecarefully selected to resist corrosion. The Ministry is also in the processof constructing a new treatment plant in Subbiya area to reduce the loadon the existing plants, especially Ardiya Plant.

During the renewal of the existing sewer network, the Ministry used up-to-date technologies, through conducting a full survey and assessment forthe existing system. The project was divided into the following stages:

Completed projects

Renewal of sewage network in 10 residential areas, with total pipelinelength of 304 kilometers and 10,386 manholes.

Replacement of pipelines with total lengths of 14,800 kilometers.


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Renewal through interior casting for pipelines 127,500 kilometers inlength.

Renewal through pipe insertion inside the lines for length of 33,200kilometers.

Renewal and replacement of sewage pipelines while improving slopeswith total lengths of 322 kilometers in many residential areas.

Replacement of 10,928 manholes and 1,680 manholes with houseconnections.

Installing 4,000 new manholes covered with anti corrosion materialand connecting old building to the new network.

Canceling five small pumping stations and replacing them with asingle large pumping station.

Projects in progress

Installing new lines with lengths of 88 kilometers and 7,350 manholes.

Installing outlet lines in a main pumping station to Ardiya TreatmentPlant. The project includes the replacement of asbestos pipelines withductile pipes for lengths of 21 kilometers and three lines of ductilepipes from Jahra Treatment Plant to the Bird Conservation site in alength of six kilometers to transfer treated water.

Completing sewage network renewal project in Jahra and Doha areas,where 61 kilometers out of 77 kilometers is completed and 2,018manholes (out of 2600) are installed completed.

Completing sewage network system renewal project in Kuwait cityand Shuwaikh Industrial Area, so far 35 kilometers (out of 53kilometers) and 53 manholes (out of 660 manholes) are installed.

Projects in the final stages of being contracted

Part A of the fourth phase (renewal of sewage pipelines in Al-Rumaithiya area and parts of Salmiya) was contracted. This project willbe executed by separate contracts where the total lengths of pipelines tobe replaced are 100 kilometers, in addition to the installation of 3,300manholes and 2,600 house connections.

Design, installation, operation, and maintenance of wastewatertreatment unit to serve Al-Wafra residential village project.

The utilization of tertiary treated water in irrigation and forestationprojects in Kuwait city.

A project to study and design sewage network system in Kuwait. PartA of the eighth phase. This project includes the following tasks:


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Phase 1: Study and design the renewal of sewage network in the northof Al-Sour (Kuwait wall), Benaid Al-Gar, Fintas, and Al-Mahboolaareas as well as renewing A15 and A14 stations and building a newpumping station on the Fahaheel Highway.

Phase 2: Study and redesign the following:

Master Plan of the sanitary sewage network taking into considerationemergency situations and solutions.

Master Plan to exploit and use tertiary treated water in irrigation.

In addition to work in Phase 2, other sanitary engineering documents willbe presented. They include:

Sanitary engineering manual.

Presenting general guidelines for design and technical specifications.

Drawings for sanitation engineering.

Specifications for sanitation engineering.

Pamphlet for sanitation engineering that includes all information aboutthe sanitary system.

Pamphlet (in Arabic) that includes all important information,guidelines, and rules that assist officials in the sanitary engineeringsection to perform their assignment projects.

Projects studied, designed and in the final stages of bidding:

Sewage network renewal project in Kuwait, Sixth Phase Part B inRabiya and Khaitan areas.

Sewage network renewal project in Kuwait, Seventh Phase Part B inSalmiya area.

Tertiary treated water utilization in irrigation and greening of Kuwait.

Mishref Pumping Station project (in the process of allocating suitablesite)

Projects in the process of preparation and contracting

Building new pumping station (A7) and underground channels inaddition to the cancellation of three main pumping stations (A6, A7,and A8) and five secondary pumping stations.

Expansion of Jahra station to increase its capacity to 100,000 cubicmeters per day by 2010; and 120,000 cubic meters per day by 2020, inaddition to aeration and sludge evaporation ponds as well as filters.


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The total lengths of replaced or renewed pipelines reached 6,500kilometers and the number of primary (18) and secondary (43) stationsreached 61 in total.

The Ministry of Public Works has also played a major role in solving theodour problems caused by sewage by implementing many importantprojects such as:

Chemical oxidation towers were used in eleven pumping and liftingstations and Ardiya treatment stations.

The use of biological methods to solve the problem by collecting thegas at the source and injecting it into ventilating pools followed by thetotal treatment process carried out at Rigga treatment Plant.

The use of carbon filters in 55 main pumping and lifting stationslocated round Kuwait.

The use of chemical injection in emergency situations.

In addition, the Ministry also corresponds with companies and local andinternational government agencies to improve the treatment and reducethe emission as well as studying the possibility of treating sewage waterbefore discharging from 10 outlets of main pumping stations to the sea.

3-2-3 Kuwait Municipality

The municipality plays very important role in providing residents withmunicipal services and ensuring the cleanliness of the environment.Waste management is considered of the most important responsibilities ofthe Municipality in addition to providing lands for new housing projects,landfill areas, landscaping, national parks, and national preserves. Themunicipality also plays a major role in implementing and forcing theimplementation of proper standards in building new houses. It alsomonitors markets, shops, and food (to ensure its suitability for humanconsumption). One of the important tasks of the municipality is to limitthe number of activities that cause the environmental damage. Themunicipality has large technical and administrative capabilities, estimatedat 6,928 employees and an annual budget of 85 million Kuwaiti Dinars asin 1997/1998.

The Municipality plays very important roles in implementing policies andprograms designed for the protection of the environment in Kuwait byissuing many decrees and laws as well as conducted studies and workplans to improve its roles. Law 15/1972 has stated the responsibilities ofKuwait Municipality, which include: urbanization, provide municipalservices for residents such as land surveys, towns and villages planning,landscaping, and waste management.


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Decree 18/1978 (and its amendment 56/1980) also mentioned theMunicipality to play a major role in protecting and preserving safety ofpublic premises and resources. Decree 9/1987 gave the municipality theauthority to legally inspect and apprehend acts offending the generalcleanliness and vegetation.

Activities that are carried out by Kuwait Municipality are the field ofenvironment include:

Town and city planning, landscaping and restoration

To achieve this, the Municipality executes master plans as well as otherurban development projects, land allocation for different uses. It alsoprovides safe zones and green belts, allocation of leisure sites,distribution of public squares, coastal development, quarrying activities,and landfill sites. It is also concerned with national parks and preservedareas and historical site restoration and monitor compliance withenvironmental regulations regarding construction activities.

Preserving human health, comfort, and cleanliness of environment.

Public market organizing.

Monitoring of food market to ensure its suitability for humanconsumption.

Shop inspection on public shops to ensure their compliance withregulations regarding the environment and public health andwellbeing.

General cleanliness.

Waste management.

Limiting activities that disturb the balance in the coastal and terrestrialenvironments.

Protect cleanliness of beaches and take necessary actions to ensuretheir stability.

Protect desert environment.

Take necessary actions to protect state land and coastal property fromviolations.

Allocate and organize quarrying activities.

Protection of public grounds and resources.


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In 1996, the Municipality formed a special technical department forenvironmental affairs. This department has the responsibility ofimplementing and supervising studies, projects, programmes according tothe following:

Studies and research

Visual pollution in urban areas.

Memorial statues.

Architecture in Kuwait.

Environmental planning within the urban development plans andprojects.

Environmental Impact Assessment for Development and urbanprojects.

Kuwaiti house design.

Environmental standards and specifications in building construction.

Cleaning and protecting beaches from pollution and erosion.

Coastal and terrestrial environment violation.

Health standards and specifications in building utilization.

General action plan for municipal waste management.

Quarrying sites and processes.

Design and implementation of sanitary landfill sites for domesticwaste.

Projects

Constructing a “Green (Environmental) House” model.

Domestic waste management and utilization.

Construction waste management and utilization.

Sanitary landfill sites for domestic waste.

The Municipality award for environmental improvement.

Action programs

Provide environmental opinion in issues referred to the Department byother concerned authorities.

Study all environmental aspects for Kuwait master plans and urbandevelopment projects to determine whether they need EnvironmentalImpact Assessment Studies (EIS), which are later referred to theEnvironment Public Authority for evaluation. For projects that do not


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require EIA, certain specifications and environmental standards mustbe encountered.

Participate in evaluating development projects by presenting properrequirements and studying and reviewing the third layout plan forenvironment.

Organizing Kuwait Municipality’s Award for environmental improvement.

Waste reduction and segregation at source.

Waste transportation system.

Supervising landfill sites of domestic waste.

Supervising the implementation of many projects and studies thatexecuted by the department.

Monitor environmental activities related to municipal activities andregulations in collaboration with other authorities.

Supervising the implementation of waste management projects.

Monitoring quarrying activities and sites.

3-2-4 Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW)

Freshwater resources are seldom in Kuwait. This includes springs, wellsand rainfall, which ranges annually between 110-120 millimeters.Groundwater reserves are not sufficient for direct human consumptiondue to the high salt content. Therefore, the government provided peoplewith safe and fresh drinking water. The annual budget for MEW was (asin 1998) 318 million Kuwaiti Dinars and the total number of itsemployees reached 6,939. MEW operates and manages five dual-purposepower stations (generating electricity and water) with installed productioncapacities of 282 million imperial gallons per day. On the other hand, thetotal consumption of water was 215.1 million imperial gallons per day forthe same year. Electrical installed capacity was 7,498 Megawatts and themaximum load was 5,800 Megawatts as in 1998. The MEW establishedmany departments and laboratories as well as a Centre for WaterResources Development, which supervises the quality of produced waterto ensure it reaches consumers safely and according to internationalstandards and specifications.

Water quality is tested daily by the chemical and biological laboratoriesat the Centre of Water Resources Development. Samples are collectedstarting at the production stage until it reaches the consumers. Samplesare collected from power and water desalination stations, pumping andlifting stations, reservoirs, water towers, tanker filling stations, main


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distribution networks, and some schools as well as hospitals, totaling 66locations in the country.

3-2-5 The Environment Public Authority

The Authority has a main task of preparing and implementing the generalpolicies to protect the environment and the strategies and action plans toachieve sustainable development. It is also concerned with settingscientific, environmental, and health standards to allow industrialexpansion, and the use of natural resources without compromising qualityof life, workers health, the environment, and public property. TheAuthority has great technical human capabilities in the field ofenvironment protection, including 11 technical, administrative, andfinancial departments' as well chemical and physical laboratories.

The laboratories are equipped with sophisticated equipment, stationaryand mobile stations for outdoor air monitoring. It also possesses equippedboats to monitor oceanographic factors, collecting seawater samples,sediments, and marine organisms. The authority also monitors number ofprotected areas with a budget of 4.5 million Kuwaiti Dinars. The attacheddiagram shows the organization chart of the EPA.

3-2-6 The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training(PAAET)

Through the Environmental Health Department of the College of HealthSciences, the authority plays large role in environmental research andeducation. The total number of graduates from its environmentalprogramme in the period 1981-1997, was 332 graduates who studied 68credit hours including environmental courses such as environmentalsciences, terrestrial environment, marine environment, and othermodules. Most of the graduates are currently working in governmentalauthorities. The teaching staff in this department comprises of 8 full stafflecturers including 6 doctorate degree and 2 Masters degree holders.


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Figure 3-1 Organizational chart of the EPA.

Higher Council

Board of Directors

Chairmanand Director

General

Consultation UnitCouncil & committeeSectretariates

Director General Office

Councils Committees

International Cooperation Office

Regional RelationOffice

Inter. RelationOffice

SustainableDev. Section

Followups

LegalAffairs

Information Systems Center

Library Operation Tech. Support

Public Relation andEnvironmental Information Office

Print andPhotocopy

CitizenServices

Environmental.Awareness

Exhibit., Conferencesand Seminars

Deputy of the D. G. for EnvironmentProtection Affairs

Deputy of the D G. for Planning, Developmentand Environment

Centerof

MarinePollution

Coastal Pollution

Marine Pollution

Marine Support

Soil Dept.

Coastal Protc.& development

Arid Land Dept.

LivingResources

Department

WildlifeProtect. Dept.

Marine OrganismsMonitoring Dept.

NaturalConservationsDepartment

Water Pollut.Monitoring

Dept.

Water Pollut.Department

MicrobiologyDepartment

Air pollutionMonitoring

Dept.

GasesSection

DustsSection

NoiseSection

Properties&

ServicesDept.

Labsmaint &

prep.Dept.

Project &construct.

Dept.

Tech.Services

Dept.

Studies&

ResearchOffice

Studies &ResearchSection

IndustrialEnviron.

Dept.

IndoorEnviron.Section.

WorkEnviron.Section.

Chem.Material

Sec.

WasteControlSection

Planning &Env. ImpactAssessmentDepartment

ProjectsDept.

Environ-mental

PlanningSection

Training &Dev. Dept.

AdminDevelopment

Section

TrainingSection

FinancialAffairs Sec.

SalariesSection

AccountingSection

Purchasing& StoresSection

Admin. AffairsDept.

PersonnelSection

GeneralRecordsSection

PublicServicesSector


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The teaching staffs perform many important studies and researches in thefollowing areas:

Industrial soil and ground water.

Climate change and other environmental health aspects.

EIA and waste management.

Sustainable development.

Noise pollution.

Publishing many books in the field of environment.

Many of the teaching staff has participated in committees and workteams, including waste landfill site assessment, Environmental ImpactAssessment, and desertification, as well as many conferences andenvironmental awards arbitration committees. The Authority began toupdate the curricula and is currently studying the possibility ofestablishing a centre for environment studies in the College of HealthSciences. It will assist in environmental researches and update the studyprogrammes.

The Authority has also collaborated with The Environment PublicAuthority in the environmental research areas including:

Research about biological degradation of petrol oils and the possibilityof its application on oil polluted sites as well as preparing anemergency response strategy.

Evaluation of toxic heavy metals, hydrocarbon wastes, and radioactivepollutants in surface sediments in Kuwaiti islands.

3-2-7 Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences is considered oneof the most important research departments that studies the possibilitiesof health damage caused by exposure to air, water, and foodcontamination. This may include residues from pesticides, organicchemicals, and mineral elements in fish. The department has sufficientexpertise to assess, evaluate, and manage health risks caused by exposureto these pollutants.

During the previous years, the department has conducted and completedmany field studies and researches within its strategic program. It includesprograms related to environmental management, environment sciences,Hydraulics, coastal engineering, desertification, and air dynamics. Themain completed projects are:

Characteristics of marine sediments and accompanying pollutants inthe northern Kuwaiti environment.


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Risk assessment of Poly Aromatic Compounds in oil lakes.

The best method for sludge dehydration in Kuwait. It will assist ineliminating obnoxious odour emission and have other positiveenvironmental impacts.

The guidelines for the development of the southern Kuwaiti islands assuitable sites for birds and marine organisms.

Experimental investigation program of quantitative wave distributionand wave breakers around the islands.

Sand encroachment control around the Kuwait Oil Company facilitiesin the southeastern and northern operation sites of Kuwait.

The department is currently conducting the following projects:

Toxicity and biological accumulation study of crude oil and partiallycombusted petrol on selected marine organisms in the Kuwaiti marineenvironment.

The fate of familiar pollutants and trace metals in treated waters insoil. This will determine the importance of utilization of treatedsanitary and industrial waters in irrigation and the possible adverseeffects. The study will also discuss the regulations and limitations ofuse in agriculture or for ground water injection.

The use of fish as an indicator for environmental ecology in somecoastal areas in Kuwait.

The determination of toxicity of poly aromatic hydrocarboncompounds by using of pigmented cells (P-450) in liver microcosmsand metabolic products in the spleen of grouper exposed to oilpollution.

Environmental Impact Assessment for drainages of southern marshesof Iraq on sediments and the resulting pollutants in the north of theGulf.

Evaluation of bottom sediments quality in Kuwait marineenvironment.

Factors affecting photosynthesis of oil pollutants in Kuwaiti marineenvironment. This study will assist in further understanding of thephotosynthesis process of Kuwait crude oil in environmental andclimatic conditions similar to Kuwait as well as the changes on the oilpollution in Kuwait marine environment in such climate conditions. Italso proposes the proper preventive methods to reduce oil pollution inKuwait marine environment.


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Hydrodynamic model project for cycles of high and low tide currentsin Kuwait waters and the Arabian Gulf.

Assessment of the effects of air pollutants’ emission from EQUATE plant on surrounding areas.

The department organizes several training courses in the field ofenvironment.

3-2-8 The Public Department of Customs

The department plays an important role in protecting the environmentalhealth in the State of Kuwait by its efforts in banning and prohibiting theentrance of hazardous chemicals, such as ozone depleting gases, andmonitoring the entrance of pesticides, in collaboration with The Ministryof Public Health, The Environment Public Authority, and the GeneralDepartment for Fire brigade. This is all done through the NationalCommittee of Montreal Convention and Vienna protocols for theprotection of ozone layer. The department participates in environmentprotection through the following activities:

Banning and prohibiting entrance of chemical material until permittedby the Environment Public Authority.

Issuing customs’ orders, order 3/1995, regarding ozone depleting materials.

Issuing orders, order 10/1996, regarding handling of hazardousmaterials in Kuwait.

Publishing statistics showing the number of ozone depleting materialsentering Kuwait to be presented to the Environment Public Authority.

Organizing training courses, in collaboration with Ministry of Health,for custom officials and employees to identify pesticides. Anothercourse was organized in collaboration with the General Departmentfor Fire brigade to identify the official international signs of hazardousmaterials.

Selecting number of employees from the department to attend atraining course organized by the Environment Public Authority abouthandling hazardous substances and their effects on human health.

3-2-9 The Environmental Monitoring Department, PAI

This department aims at providing suitable industrial environment andpreserving it from any harms caused by industrial activities through thecorrect implementation of the various environmental protection standardsand regulations. The department has technical, human, and laboratorialcapabilities to monitor all sources of industrial pollution that might


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adversely affect environment health in the areas around the industrial areain the south of the country.

3-2-10 The Kuwaiti Society for the Protection of the Environment

This is a non-profit non-governmental organization with many activitiesthat aims at improving environmental awareness and protection. This iscarried out through organizing many workshops and seminars as well aspublishing magazines and periodicals. The Society, since it wasestablished in 1976, has been involved in many activities in the field ofenvironment protection such as:

Establishing scientific library specialized in environmental programsand books.

Publishing a specialized monthly magazine called “Environment magazine” that publishes local and international news about environmental information and events.

Publishing releases about different environmental issues such as“Climate change and its effect on environment, 1997” and “The sensitivity of Qatari beaches for marine pollution, 1998”.

Publishing children books and awareness issues, and promotingprojects such as “The Pathway” project, in order to increase levels of awareness about environmental issues.

Publishing environmental booklets such as “Kuwaiti marineenvironment” and “Ozone” as well books about Kuwaiti natural wild life.

Organizing specialized workshops and seminars in the environmentalfield during the annual cultural season.

Organizing environmental exhibitions such as the fourth Kuwaiti wildlife exhibition about reptiles and mammals In addition toenvironmental activities and prizes about wild life.

Organizing a national campaign to limit the abuse of soil due to gravelextraction and quarrying activities.

Participating in many committees formed by the Environment PublicAuthority.

3-2-11 The Waqf Fund for the Conservation of the Environment

The funds office was found by the charities and contributions, monetaryand otherwise, in order to assist in the field of preserving the environmentand protection from pollution as well as raising people’s awareness. The funds participated in many projects including:


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“A tree for every student” project where the total olive trees planted by students since the beginning of the project in 1996 reached 5,000trees distributed in 13 schools with total area of 57,670 square meters.

Paper and metal waste recycling project: The funds office asked oneof the local companies working in the field of paper and metalmanufacturing to collect and recycle these wastes from schools andministries’ complex and then use the recycled product. This is a considered as pilot project for future projects.

Replacement of plastic bags with textile bags: This project is aimed atsolving the problems caused by the improper disposal of wastes in thecountry.

Other projects:

Publishing environmental books.

Funding the studies for the establishment of the Botanical Garden.

Participation in meetings with The Environment Public Authority tosolve the problem of landfills in Al-Qurain area.

Funding the greening and landscaping projects for some governmentschools.

Funding training courses in the field of the environment.

Assist and support the project of the protection of marine environmentand coral reefs in collaboration with the Kuwaiti Diving Team andThe Environment Public Authority.

Assist and support environmental exhibitions and environmentalawareness campaigns.

3-2-12 Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences

A government organization supports and encourages scientific researchand researchers locally, regionally, and internationally. Its activitiesinclude providing financial research assistances, organizing and financingscientific conferences, seminars, and workshops, awarding prizes forArab researchers for distinguished studies, and finally financing otherauthorities for research and studies in the different areas as well aspublishing books and scientific magazines.

This organization has paid great attention to environmental issues bysupporting and financing 56 research projects since 1991 to study theenvironmental situation and the changes that took place due to the Iraqiaggression. The total costs for these projects were 7,500,000 KuwaitiDinars; this organization paid 2,350,000 Kuwaiti Dinars of this cost.


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Kuwait University was supported with 11 researches, most of which haddirect or indirect relation with environment health sector including:

Assessing health effects in accumulated oil minerals in fish andshrimps in the State of Kuwait.

The effects of petrol pollutants and its derivatives on the geotechnicalcharacteristics of the sandy soil in the State of Kuwait.

The use of radioactive isotopes to study the function of the respiratorysystem for people exposed to smoke from burning oil wells.

Studies about contamination by trace metals in relation with waterquality, picoplanktons, and nanoplanktons in coastal waters.

Determining the polluted coastal areas caused by sewage waste in theState of Kuwait through the use of chemical indicator.

Kuwait Institute for Scientific research had 36 financed research bythis organization, including the previously mentioned (under item 3-2-7) and the following studies:

Survey of sources of ionized radiations in the State of Kuwait andtheir effects on the residents in collaboration between the KuwaitInstitute for Scientific Research and Mobile TelecommunicationsCompany.

Risk assessment resulting from consumption of fish and shrimpspolluted with oil in the State of Kuwait.

Assessment of the effects of man-made volatile organic compounds onthe quality of air in the State of Kuwait.

Ground water rationalization in irrigating Abdili farms.

Studying the patterns for treating and reusing under surface waters inresidential areas in the State of Kuwait.

Estimating the levels of residues from pesticides in food in the State ofKuwait in collaboration with the MoH.

A study to improve agriculture sector in the State of Kuwait incollaboration with KISR and PAAFR.

A study of the fin fish reserves in collaboration between the KISR andPAAFR.

3-2-13 Current legislations organizing the environmental health sector

There are many articles in the Kuwaiti constitution that assures the publichealth of citizens and protect families including mother and child.Therefore, many laws were issued in 1960 provide health care including


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those related to environmental health. The following are some of theselaws:

Amiri Decree, 33/1960 and implementing laws, for the law regardinghealth monitoring procedures on arrivals from countries suffering fromcontagious diseases.

Amiri decree, 34/1960, for the law regarding the procedures of healthmonitoring on pilgrimages arriving to Kuwait.

Amiri decree, 35/1960, regarding health precautions necessary toprotect against Anthrax.

Law, 49/1960, regarding the treatment institutions and other laws toimplement this law.

Law, 10/1964, regarding the preventive procedures against contagiousanimal diseases and other laws to implement this law, such as:

The decision by the Minister of Health, 6/1964, regarding the importsof poultry to Kuwait.

The decision by The Minister of Health, 7/1964, regarding the list ofveterinary quarantine on animals.

Ministry’s law, 10/1968, regarding the imports of poultry and eggs from abroad.

The decision by the Minister of Public Works and Minster ofHousings and the Chairman of the PAAFR, 10/1985, regarding thebylaw of veterinary quarantine.

Decision of the Board chairman and Director General of PAAFR,468/1988, regarding the ban on imports of animals that were re-exported.

Decision by Board Chairman and Director General of the PAAFR,612/1988, regarding the bylaw that govern and organize the import ofcows.

Decision by Board Chairman and the Director General of the PAAFR,176/1989, regarding the export and re-export of live animals and theirproducts abroad.

Law No. 8 for 1969, regarding the health precautions to protect fromcontagious diseases and its amendments. As well as some andexplanatory and ministerial decisions, which includes:

Decision by the Minister of Health, 26/1980, regarding the dates andprocedures of children vaccinations against diseases.


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Decision by the Minister of Health, 65/1980, regarding the dates andprocedures of vaccinations of some groups against contagiousdiseases.

Decision by the Minister of Health, 183/1982, regarding the cessationof vaccinating against smallpox.

Decision by the Minister of Health, 69/1992, regarding therestructuring of the Specialized Committee for the Protection fromMalaria.

Decision by the Minister of Health, 476/1996, regarding organizingthe use of vaccines and inoculations in protecting against contagiousdiseases.

Law, 9/1969, regarding dog ownership and the procedures required toprotect against rabies.

Law, 131/1977, regarding the organization of use of ionized radiationsand the protection against their hazards as well as the explanatory andnotes and ministerial decisions of the law, including:

Decision by the Minister of Health, 438/1978, regarding theregulations and procedures to grant license to handle, import, export,manufacture, and transport of X-ray equipments and radioactiveequipments as well as the disposal and storage or use locations ofionized radiation licenses.

Decision by the Minister of Health, 5/1989, regarding the allowableradiation level in consumable goods in The State of Kuwait.

Decision by the Minister of Health, 161/1993, regarding thequalifications and experiences of people to be licensed to work in thefield of ionized radiation.

Bylaw to organize the import, holding/storing, and use of non-ionizedradioactive equipment.

Decision by the Minister of Health, 296/1993, regarding theestablishment of the Department of the Protection from Radiation.

Decision by the Minister of Health, 304/1993, regarding the medicalexaminations conducted for workers in the field of ionized radiation.

Decision by the Minister of Health, 132/1994, regarding therestructuring of the Committee of Protection from Radiation.

Decision by the Minister of Health, 335/1994, regarding the formingof the Permanent Committee to organize the import and use ofequipment that produce non-ionized radiation.


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Decision by the Minister of Health, 52/1995, regarding the names ofthe members of the Committee to examining the applications forlicensing private laboratories for food testing.

Law, 74/1983, regarding narcotics prohibition and organizing their useand trade. As well many ministerial decisions to implement the law.

Law decree, 48/1987, regarding combating mental narcotics, its use,and trade. As well as the clarification and implementation notes.

Law decree, 62/1992, regarding the prevention of AIDS and otherministerial decisions issued to implement this law.

Law, 15/1995, regarding combating smoking. As well as otherministerial decisions to implement the law.

Other laws related to health

Law, 12/1964, regarding the prohibition of polluting navigation waterwith oil. Including its amendments and clarification notes.

Items mentioned in the private sector law, 38/1964, related to publichealth in the private sector.

Decision of the Minister of Social Affairs and Work, 66/1983,regarding the schedule that determines the percentages of disabilitiesin case of occupation injuries and morbidity.

Kuwait Municipality law, 15/1972, and the regulations of shops thatdisturb the public and endanger their health.

Decision by the Chairman of Kuwait Municipality, 3368/1981,regarding the sale, storage and shops of food products.

Decision by the Chairman of Kuwait Municipality, 3370/1981,regarding the street vendors.

Decision by the Chairman of Kuwait Municipality, 3371/1981,regarding the procedures of cleaning and use of public roads,pavements, and squares, especially the third section regarding thesanitary wastewater, industrial and public shops’ wastes. This includes tables of substances prohibited from disposal at the public sewagenetwork systems.

Decision by the Chairman of Kuwait Municipality, 3372/1981,regarding the organizing of public parks.

Decision by the chairman of Kuwait Municipality, 3373/1981,regarding the list and regulations of slaughterhouses.

Law, 21/1995, regarding the establishment of the Environment PublicAuthority and its amendment, 16/1996.


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3-3 Environmental health issues in Kuwait

3-3-1 Water resources issues

The increase in drinking water consumption due to the increase inpopulation density in the country and the irrational consumption andoveruse. This will have adverse effects on operating efficiencies ofpower and water stations and on the environment in general.

The possibility of polluting seawater at the suction inlets of the powerstations with oil pollutants (or other pollutants) in concentrations ortypes higher than the efficiency of the technologies used in thesestations.

The possibility of polluting halogenated organic compounds due to theuse of chlorine as primary disinfectant during the purification process,leading to increase in malignant diseases.

The possibility of contaminating desalinated waters after theirproduction and during distribution to consumers through pipeline andpumping stations especially in ground water tanks and water towersdue to lack of proper monitoring and inspection.

The possibility of polluting ground water from landfills areas or due tooil lakes caused by the Iraqi invasion.

Lack of laws, regulations, and conditions required to protect thequality of potable water from contamination, especially in relationwith handling and storage of water until delivery to consumers.

Lack of mechanism between entities dealing with monitoring andinspection of water quality, which are Ministry of Health, Ministry ofElectricity and Water, and the Environment Public Authority. Thiswill enable them to coordinate in data collection and sample testingwhich will save time, effort, and money.

The irrational use of ground water its intrusion with seawater incoastal areas increasing its salinity.

Installing new desalination units and increasing alkalinity ofdesalinated water in the existing stations due to the increase of waterconsumption and future expectations.

3-3-2 Sanitary wastewater issues

As a result of the increasing rates of wastewater (sewage) in thecountry and the aging of sanitary pipeline system, an increase in


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untreated and treated sewage water discharged to the sea is recorded.This could lead to serious problems to the Gulf waters.

The illegal discharge of used oils and untreated liquid wastes to stormwater network by institutions and people. This will lead to thepollution of the coasts endangering the marine and coastalenvironments.

Industrial and other institution discharging untreated liquid wastesproduced by their industrial processes directly to sanitary waternetwork system causing problems to the wastewater treatment plants.

Replacement and renewal of sewage network due to aging and to theincrease in its capacity to handle the increasing loads from increasingpopulation, which is time consuming and high in cost.

Treated waters are not fully used in greening and landscaping forsocial and religious beliefs.

The emission of obnoxious odours from sanitary wastewater networksin many areas in Kuwait.

The offences and irresponsible acts by individuals through thedisposal of solid substances in the sanitary wastewater networkcausing blockage.

3-3-3 Hazardous, medical, and solid wastes management issues

The quantities of wastes produced by different activities in Kuwait areincreasing every year with the increase in population, industrialdevelopment, and social behavior. The problem of waste disposal isconsidered as one of the serious economic and environmental problemsthat face most countries around the world and have high costs. Therefore,it requires proper technical methods and new technologies to disposethem of in a healthy and environmentally safe manner.

This will reduce the adverse environmental effects caused by improperdisposal. The total quantities of wastes produced is estimated to be 3,311thousands tons of different types wastes, including 596 thousands tons ofdomestic waste (18% of the total waste), 563 thousands tons of industrialwaste (17%) and 2,141 thousands tons of construction waste (65%). Thequantity of the latter is considered very high due to the increasing ofconstruction activities in Kuwait.


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Fig. 3-1 Locations of sewage treatment plants in Kuwait i.e. Al-Jahra,Al-Ardiya and Al-Riqqa, from left and to bottom.


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Fig. 3-2 Landfill areas in the State of Kuwait.Source: Al-Muzaini, (1992).


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Fig. 3-3 Utilized landfill areas in the State of Kuwait.Source: Al-Muzaini, (1992).


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Oil Industries wastes: Caused by oil industries that are located mostly inthe south of the country. The quantities reached 207 thousands tons,which represents 37 % of the total solid wastes produced by the variousindustrial areas in Kuwait. It contains around 70 thousands tons a year ofhazardous non-flammable industrial wastes (34 %); whereas the non-hazardous wastes reached 127 thousands tons (61%) from the total wasteproduced in the area. Shuaiba Industrial Area is considered as one of thelargest and most important industrial areas that contain three majorrefineries and most of the petrochemical industries as well as otherstrategic industries. Oil industries produce about 80 thousands tons a yearof wastes of which 7,000 tons are expired petroleum wastes.

Glass wastes: The total quantity of glass waste is estimated to be 30thousands tons per year. There is only one company that recycles thistype of waste, which is considered as one of the modern and largestcompanies in the Arabian Gulf area. It has production capacity of 40thousands tons per year and produces glass containers. This companycurrently recycles around only 600 tons of glass waste a year, which arecollected in glass collecting containers or purchased from bottle and lasscollectors.

Paper and carton wastes: The quantity of paper and carton wastes isestimated to be 186 thousands tons a year. Some companies recyclearound 15 thousands tons every year, which represents only 8% of thetotal quantity of paper and carton wastes despite the fact that theproduction capacities for these companies are higher than this value. Themain reason for the low recycled quantities is the inability of thesecompanies to collect the generated wastes. These companies purchase thewaste from garbage collection and cleaning companies that place theircontainers and compacting machines in public areas near cooperativesocieties. These areas are considered as a major generator of paper andcarton wastes. Some companies also export paper wastes outside Kuwait.

Slaughter houses wastes: There are four main slaughterhouses inKuwait. They produce about 27 thousands tons of animal waste everyyear from slaughtering more than one million and six hundred animalsevery year. There are many companies that benefit from slaughterhousewastes. One of these companies produces proteins and animal fat byrecycling 4000 tons of wastes every year and producing animal food aswell as soap manufacturing materials. One of the local companies forleather manufacturing produce more than 7,000 tons every year, which isequivalent to producing one million three hundred fifty thousands leatherunit a year. Therefore, the total quantity of used wastes (recycled) inslaughterhouse reach 11 thousands tons every year. Other quantities that


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include intestines and other parts are sold locally as food products orexporting without manufacturing.

Domestic wastes: There is one local company that compost around 1,000tons a day of domestic wastes by converting them to natural organicfertilizers. This is approximately 50 % of the domestic wastes containingaround 637,000 tons per year of organic matter.

Metal wastes: The number of revoked car license (and hence converted toscrap) is 1,325 per year. This is equivalent to 28 thousands tons of metalwaste, mostly steel. Some local companies compress scrap cars andexport them to other countries. Another company dismantles the cars andsells their parts. One company recycles around 4,800 tons of metal wastesper year by casting metals and producing cast iron. The operationcapacity of this company is 25,000 tons a year but the type of scrap itneeds is not always available.

Tyres wastes: The quantity of consumed tires reaches approximately21,000 tons a year, which is about one million eight hundred fifty twothousand tyres per year. There are many companies that refurbish thesetyres by re-belting them for reuse. This quantity is only about 231 tons ayear, which is around 11,000 tyres per year. The remaining tyres aredumped in domestic landfill sites.

Used, car, oil: The quantity of used car oil in Kuwait is estimated to be28,000 tons a year with an increase of 5% every year. Some localcompanies recycle around 10,000 tons of these oils, which represent 36%of these wastes. These companies have installed special tanks in car washstations, oil replacement shops, and landfill areas in order to collect theseoils on regular bases. Kuwait National Petroleum Company, also, collectsthe used oils from service stations owned by the company to be mixedwith ships fuel oil.

Batteries’ wastes: The quantity of used batteries’ wastes produced by transportation reaches 100,000 tons a year, which is around 430,000batteries a year. There is no local company that recycles these usedbatteries. However, many individuals and companies collect and exportthese used batteries. The quantity of used plastics’ wastes reach 114000 tons a year, which are not recycled in the country. However, some plasticcompanies use their own plastic wastes in their factories.

Medical wastes: The Ministry of Health manages and disposes medicalwastes as it is the only governmental institution that produces, suchwastes through the treatment and preventive services in hospitals andclinics. It is estimated to be 12 tons per day of non-hazardous medicalwastes and 3 tons per day of hazardous medical wastes. These wastes areincinerated in 11 incinerators owned by the Ministry with total capacities


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of 5.5 tons per hour. Only two of these incinerators operate according tosuitable efficiency. In addition, the Ministry also monitors medical wastesproduced by private hospitals.

Radioactive wastes: The Ministry of Health, through the Department ofRadiation prevention, is responsible in handling radioactive wastesproduced from the use of radioactive materials for medical and treatmentpurposes in hospitals. These substances are known for their relative shorthalf life reaches days or weeks, which make them limited in their effects.

The main issues concerning waste can be summarized as follows:

Consumption patterns generate high rates of various solid wastes andare considered as one of the highest in the world. It reached 1.4kilograms/person/day with total of more than 3,000 tons of solidwastes per day. However, it is not easy to change these patterns.

The growing industrial development, technological advances, and highconsumption rates caused increase in the type and quantity ofhazardous wastes in Kuwait. Many raw materials and synthetics areimported and used without sufficient information about the propermethods of their handling and disposal.

Lack of environmental awareness among citizens about environmentalconservation and the proper methods to dispose domestic wastes.

Environmental and health damages caused by abandoned landfillssites, such as the problem of landfill in Al-Qurain residential area, andthe high cost and long time required to rehabilitate the sites. There are15 old landfill sites with total area of 27 square kilometres.

The increasing utilization of wide areas as landfills, which is estimatedto reach 5,433 thousands square meters by 2020. As a commonmethod in Kuwait for waste disposal and as the country suffers fromland scarcity for development projects, this is becoming anincreasingly serious problem.

The lack of an integrated national strategy for domestic, medical andhazardous waste management in Kuwait.

The insufficient utilization of recycling and reuse methods for wastemanagement mainly due to economic feasibility reasons.

The Difficulty in waste segregation at the source mainly due to lack ofenvironmental awareness.

The inefficiency of incinerators operated by the Ministry of Healthdue to end of expected lifetime for these incinerators.


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The possibility of presence of environmental and health effects fromthe incinerators used for medical wastes, especially knowing that mostof these incinerators are located in residential areas.

The absence of action plan to deal with handling, temporary storage,transportation, and disposing of asbestos wastes in environmentallyand safe method. Many asbestos wastes are produced by manygovernmental and private establishments, despite the law issued by theMinistry of Commerce and Trade, 26/1995, banning the import anduse of products containing asbestos.

The absence of taxing policy for waste management. This isconsidered as one of the reasons for high domestic waste generationby citizens.

All current landfill sites lack technical specifications needed topreserve the soil, ground water, and air quality in these sites.

The need to train workers that deal with hazardous substances andwastes, i.e. customs and oil sector workers by making them aware oftheir hazards and the proper methods in handling and disposing them.

3-3-4 Healthy residence or accommodation issues

The poor environmental and health condition in expatriate workers’ camps and bachelor residents and the need to force employers, throughtough legislations and laws, to provide adequate residences and campsfor these workers.

The lack of proper and organized mechanism to coordinate betweeninstitutions in monitoring and inspection of workers’ camps.

The lack of acquaintance to Arabic and Islamic heritage architecturaldesign, which is linked to the history of Kuwait.

Visual impact of urban areas in Kuwait due to the lack of harmony inbuilding design such as colour, pattern and engineering design.

3-3-5 Issues related to health of the work environment

The total number of workers in Kuwait exceeds one million, whichrepresents approximately 50% of the population according to the latestcensus. This large number makes the issue of providing workers withhealthy and safe work environment as an extremely important issue. Thiswill also improve their productivity and prevent occupational injuries andmorbidity rates and increasing the Gross National Product and preservingproductive manpower.

These employees work in various work environments depending on thenature of their jobs, the raw materials, catalysts, products, processes and


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machines they use. The capacity and size of the premises, workprocedures, health care, safety care, and the awareness and training levelsof the management and employees also determines the condition of thework environment. Many of these workers might be exposed to differentoccupational hazards such as chemical vapors, gases, natural hazards(such as noise and heat), ionized and non-ionized radiation, insufficientlighting in different work places, mechanical and electrical hazards, andfinally biological hazards.

Many governmental institutions monitor and inspect all industrial, as wellas non-industrial installations to ensure that security and safety indifferent work environments are provided. These establishments includethe Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, MoH, the EPA, the PAAFRand other ministries, especially the Ministry of Oil which establishedspecific departments within its different companies to handle industrialsafety and security. The efforts exerted by of these establishments includemonitoring, inspecting, providing qualified employees to handle suchwork by using equipments to measure and analyze different workenvironment. Then comparing the results with international standards,allowable exposure limits, from international organizations such as theInternational Labor Office (ILO) or with American scientific centres thatare recommended by the Arab Labour Office or other establishments.

However, despite all these efforts, there are many main issues that arestill unresolved in this area. These include the following:

Weakness of policies regarding the protection of work environmentagainst exposure to pollutants and work related hazards.

Insufficient awareness programs, inside the industrial installations orin the general media, related to occupational safety and industrialsecurity.

Weak, or insufficient, national capabilities required, in terms ofnumbers and training level, for inspection and monitoring in the fieldof work environment preservation.

The international technical, cultural, and scientific advancement leadto the use, or exploration, of many modern chemical and biologicalsubstances in the field of processing and production. Handling thesesubstances require scientific qualifications and training to minimizetheir effects on workers.

Inexistence of local training institute specialized in the field ofoccupational safety and industrial security.

Insufficient number of employees in the field of occupational healthlocally and regionally.


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3-3-6 Food safety issues

Many pollutants can reach food during the production, packaging,processing, storage, or transportation phases. These numbers exceed2,500 substances. However, we should distinguish between food andsome food elements, which are, in most cases, mineral substances, theirsalts (such as magnesium silicate and aluminum sulfide) and additives(such as food preservatives, colour additives, flavours, anti oxidants, oradditives used to improve the appearance of the product).

It is known that exposure of man to polluted or toxic food, includingpesticides, hormones, phaltoxyates and heavy elements, could lead toserious diseases that have increased in recent years, such as cancer,kidney failure, liver failure, and immune deficiency. The following is asummary of the health risks for these materials:

- Acute toxicity - sub-chronic toxicity

- Chronic toxicity - Cancers- Pigments accumulation in tissues and reduction of lymphatics in blood.

- Allergy diseases. - Fetus deformities.

- Mutations.

Certain vulnerable groups, such as new born and infants as well aschildren below the age of five, should be prevented from eating food thatcontain strange and harmful chemical substances as these groups are verysensitive and could lead to hazardous health effects, because many oftheir enzymes, proteins, and plasmas are not fully developed to combatsuch as substances.

Despite the presence of many official (governmental) institutions in thecountry, like the Ministry of Health, Kuwait Municipality, Ministry ofCommerce and Industry, the EPA, the PAI, and the Public Departmentfor Customs, to monitor and supervise food products, effectivemonitoring system should be implemented to guarantee food safety, freefrom pollutants and compliant with standards.

This monitoring system should also include highly sensitive and accuratelaboratories capable of detecting pollutants accurately. It is also necessaryto include all technical and human capabilities including highly trainedindividuals to deal with such sophisticated equipment and to be able toanalyze samples based on standards and follow procedures of qualitycontrol. Finally, a suitable work site that is required to be wide enough tohouse all these equipment and workers provided.

The existing capabilities, including equipments, analysis methods,manpower, and location size for the laboratory, can not follow the


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developments that took place in the field of laboratory testing andpollutants’ detection. In many cases also, these capabilities are not capable of implementing standard specifications for food; for example,the laboratorial capabilities to test hormones’ residues, pesticides’ residues, antibiotics, heavy minerals, or other chemical pollutants are notavailable. The absence of these necessary equipment lead to restrain theseimportant tests from food testing procedures despite their importance forhuman health.

The wide international spread in the use of hormones, pesticides, andantibiotics makes the probabilities of their presence in imported food toKuwait high. In addition, the laboratory capabilities for measuringvitamins, mineral salts, and herbs in food supplement are insufficient.This lead to the issue of a ministerial decision regarding the validitycertificates from the country of origin to allow the consumption of suchproducts locally. The Ministry is even incapable of performing randomtesting for these products to verify the reliability of these certificates.

In addition, the existing legislations regarding food monitoring should berevised because they were issued during the seventies and were neverrevised despite the tremendous advancement that occurred in the foodindustry and food handling worldwide. It is also noticed that the currentpenalties and fines on violators do not correspond to the type and degreeof violation and therefore will not deter against such violations in thefuture. Therefore, these legislations should be revised.

Regarding manpower, qualified Kuwaiti technicians in the field ofnutrition have only two-year diploma from the Public Authority forApplied Education and Training. University graduates (from The Collegeof Science) are not employed in the field of food monitoring orlaboratories because of the decisions by the Civil Service Commission toeradicate the work allowance for workers in these fields and was onlyprovided to workers in the medical laboratories. This lead Kuwaitiuniversity graduates to find jobs in other places and hence causingshortages in workforce. Employment of non-Kuwaitis was also seized toimplement the nationalization policy. It should also be known thatKuwait University does not have majors in the fields of Food science orfood technology and those who which to specialize in these fields shouldacquire scholarships, which has become an obstacle in supplying nationalworkers in such fields.

Incentives are not valid for individuals who work in the field of food andnutrition due to the fact that these important services were not listed asassistant medical services. Therefore, workers in these fields areconsidered administrative rather than technical staff, which also causes


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many students to study other fields. Most workers in the Department ofFood Health hold diplomas in food health from the College of HealthSciences of the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training;whereas the University graduates are numbered.

Training capabilities are also limited because training abroad is notpossible due to lack of budget. Certified training institutions are notavailable in the field of Food Monitoring. The current training is limitedby the technical and human capabilities to the Department of Food Healthonly. Scholarships for higher education are now on hold by the CivilService Commission, available only for physicians. The following issuescan be added to the previously mentioned issues:

The great dependence on food imports to meet local needs, greaterthan 70%, with increase in food consumption every year.

Deficiency of soil fertility, lack of water resources for irrigation,climate conditions, and lack of trained manpower for agricultureworks influenced by the importance of agriculture sector in Kuwait,from of economics and consumer goods providing limited.

The frequent illegal use of fishery resources in the country could leadto the reduction of local fish reserves.

Some food products are exposed to contamination, such as thecontamination of fish and other marine organisms by oil and heavymetals and also the contamination of agriculture products withpesticides.

Insufficient local monitoring capabilities to monitor and test foodstuffsold or used in the country to ensure their validity for humanconsumption and the absence of harmful substances.

Inefficient coordination mechanism between the concerned authoritiesin the country that monitor the entrance and use of food until theyreach consumers, as well as the lack of awareness of people dealingwith food products and consumers about the proper storage methods.

3-3-7 Issues related to environmental health information system:

Absence of central database that includes environmental data, whichhas direct health effects to assist managers in the field ofenvironmental health to take proper decisions.

Considering environmental data and information as confidential andimpeding their analysis and study by specialists.


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3-3-8 General issues in environmental health

Negative effects of some social values brought to Kuwaiti societythrough the excessive numbers of expatriate workers. Also, theabsence of a strategy that aims to avoid their negative influence on theenvironmental health.

Incomplete clear policies towards the problems related toenvironmental health; as well as absence of protection mechanisms,supported by laws and legislations, which are carried out by trainedindividuals.

Insufficient of necessary expertise to determine health effects andecological damages of environmental pollutants as well as determiningthe possible environmental causes for the spread of some diseases insociety.

Lack of occupational expertise in the field of epidemiology of theenvironmental health, environmental health risk assessment,ecological risk assessments, and biostatistics.

Incomplete (systems and procedures and standards for the use oftreated domestic wastewater.

Insufficient role of society and public participation, which is onlylimited to planning and presenting procedures for preserving theenvironment health as well as taking decisions that will reflect on theirdirect lives and interests or changes that suit society and benefit it.

The absence of using economic mechanisms, such as incentives,penalties, and taxes to preserve environmental health and to preventviolations.

Disorder of authority and absence of team work spirit in activitiesdone by authorities to protect the environment, such as the EPA,Ministry of Electricity and Water, Ministry of Public Works, KuwaitMunicipality, the PAAFR.

3-4 Causes of problems of the environmental health sector


Since the discovery of oil in the late forties, the government (throughits various institutions) has spent vast amounts of money and efforts tocomplete many humongous projects within its plans for economic,social, urban developments and to achieve its ambitions in providingmany environmental health sectors with the infrastructure. Duringthese activities, many issues have aroused, as discussed in section 3-3of the strategy. In general, the main reasons behind such problems canbe summarized as follows:


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The general consumption patterns for the citizens and the irrationaluse of the different environmental health sectors to the extent ofabusing and overusing many of these resources. This includes the useof electricity and water. The average per capita water consumption inKuwait reached 38,000 imperial gallons, which is among the highestrates in the world. It is also the same for food and medical resources.

Unlike the citizens, the government bears the entire costs of theenvironmental health sector in the community. In some cases, likemedical treatment and drug dispensing, these services are providedfree of charge. Other sectors are heavily subsidized as in the case ofwater prices, which receive 75% subsidies of their total cost, andelectricity. All these factors contribute to the abuse of resources.

Lack of an awareness strategy to raise the awareness of peopleregarding the rational use of resources of environmental health sector.

Shortage in necessary legislations to organize and govern the handlingand use of environmental health sectors.

The increasing load on service and production properties within theenvironmental health sector due to population and expatriates growthin Kuwait.

The aging and end of expected life for using and operating some of theassets of this sector, which considerable budget and duration for theirreplacement, renewal, and increase of their capacities.

Insufficient scientific and practical experience for many workers in thefield of monitoring and assessment of environmental health sectors.Also, the lack of comprehensive training strategy to train workers andupdate them with the rapid scientific advancement in theenvironmental health sector.

Scarcity and limitation of some natural resources such as fresh water(rivers, rain, and others), low soil fertility used for agriculture andnatural grazing lands.

The dependence on importing many resources of the environmentalhealth sector. Also, the limited efficient monitoring systems that hasthe capability to inspect these imports.

The accumulation of negative environmental impacts caused by lackof awareness and environmental policies during the implementation ofthe previous development and urbanization projects.

The financial costs and duration required for setting and implementingenvironmental policies to protect the environment and limit the


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accumulated adverse environmental impacts as well as rehabilitationof the effected areas.

Climate conditions of the country, desertification, and the type of soilall limit the dependence on local production for some environmentalhealth sector resources. Also, the scarcity of land impedes thedevelopment and urbanization of this sector.

The damages caused by the Iraqi invasion to many assets of the sectorand their harmful environmental effects. This includes oil lakes, oilwells fires, and oil pollution of the marine environment. The country isstill suffering from these effects and needs international technical andfinancial support to reconstruct and rehabilitate the damaged assets.

Lack of coordination, coordination mechanisms, integration andcooperation between the different authorities responsible for theenvironmental health sector.

Limited numbers of researches and field studies to assessperformance, determine requirements and priorities to improve theenvironmental health sector in Kuwait.

Limited available information, the absence of suitable system forrecording statistical data to be exchanged and shared betweenauthorities as well as the confidentiality of some information.

In addition, the following explain the problems related toenvironmental health sector:

3-4-2 Quality of the drinking water

Limited natural drinking water resources and their scarcity.

Consumption patterns and irrational use of desalinated water.

The dependence on seawater desalination, which is heavily subsidiesby the government. The consumer bears only fraction of the totalcosts.

The possibility of seawater pollution at the inlets of the water andpower generation stations, which increases production costs so it canreach consumers best quality and suitable for human consumption.

The high salinity of ground water and the possibility of decrease in itsreserves as well as the scarcity of rainfall in the country in general.

The possibilities of polluting ground water by oil lakes, caused eitherby Iraqi invasion or during normal oil operations.

The possibility of polluting ground waters by landfill sites.


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The increase in use of desalinated and ground drinking waterconsumption for agriculture purposes, instead of using the tertiarytreated water.

Absence of mandating legislations to prohibit discharge of untreatedsewage waters to the sea, as well as industrial waste and ballast watersfrom ships in the local waters, which require special treatment beforedisposal, in order to decrease coastal pollution.

Absence of mandating legislations to prepare and organize wastelandfill sites in order to reduce the possibility of ground watercontamination.

3-4-3 Sewage

High costs and duration required repairing or replacing parts of thesewerage network in Kuwait.

Aging and deteriorating of many parts of the sewerages.

The increase in load on the sewages due to increase in population andurban development in Kuwait.

The spread of obnoxious odours in many residential areas in theKuwait generated from the main pumping stations, sewage networks,and treatment plants.

The presence of some health restrictions and religious opposition tothe use the tertiary treated waters in produce and food agriculture. Thisis because it contains relatively high concentrations of organiccompounds or heavy elements that do not conform to health andenvironmental standards required for human consumption. Also, thelack of researches and necessary information that assists in makingabsolute decisions for the use of treated waters.

The violation to the legal discharge of sewage and rainwater drainsystems as well as the lack of technical manpower to monitor andcoordinate in minimizing such violations.

3-4-4 The management of hazardous medical and solid wastes

The continuous increase in the production of large quantities of solidwastes due to increase in population and the implementation theambitious development plans, especially with the continuing high percapita consumption patterns in Kuwait, which is considered of thehighest in the world.

Absence in continuous awareness programmes through media,newspapers, radios, and TV’s, directed to all citizens and other groups


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to encourage minimizing the generation of solid wastes and encouragesegregation of waste at source.

Kuwait Municipality, which is responsible for management of solidwaste in Kuwait, does not provide the necessary tools and machineriesat the different locations (i.e. houses, industrial and commercialfacilities), to help waste segregation for recycling and reuse.

The total dependence on landfill as an option for municipal andconstruction solid waste disposal and incinerators for the disposal ofmedical wastes. Also, the absence of legislations and regulationswithin the authorities concerned with hazardous, medical and solidwaste management, including the EPA, to monitor and properlydispose such wastes in an environmentally suitable manner.

Insufficient manpower and financial capabilities required withinauthorities concerned with waste management and monitoring.

The continuing increase in technological and industrial developmentlead to the increase in the quantity and quality of hazardous wastesgenerated with the absence of certain data regarding the productionrates and types of hazardous solid wastes.

Lack of legislations that mandate companies, research institutions, andauthorities to properly dispose their hazardous wastes; as well as theinsufficient tools and machineries, like incinerators for hazardouschemical wastes, medicines, and expired pesticides, required to handlethese wastes.

3-4-5 Healthy accommodation.

Companies that hire expatriate workers do not usually provide healthyaccommodation as required by the law that mandate properaccommodation for these workers.

Lack of awareness programs directed to educate these workers abouttheir rights and duties toward the Kuwaiti society.

Lack of proper primary health care to remote areas that accommodateexpatriate workers, which will prevent these areas to be sources ofnoise, insect and rodent breeding, which causes diseases and threatenthe entire society.

Weakness of continuous health monitoring and preventive measuresand programs on the residence of expatriate workers. This leads to thecontinuation of more violations.


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3-4-6 The Healthy work environment

The lack of regulations in monitoring authorities (Ministry of SocialAffairs and Work and The Environment Public Authority) concerningthe monitoring of health damages and major accidents that occurs toworkers in different work environments in the Kuwait. This includesthe maximum allowable limits of exposure within work hours forchemical, physical, or biological hazards.

Insufficient availability of specialized and trained manpower in thisfield as well as other capabilities like laboratories and measuringequipments needed to efficiently monitor and inspect workenvironments in Kuwait in order to preserve the safety and security ofworkers especially with the increase in ambitious developmentprogrammes.

The lack of departments and sections in various industrialestablishments concerning the issues of occupational health and safety.

Lack of awareness programs for workers in the industrial and craftsectors to explain the health hazards or major accidents that theseworkers may face during work and the proper methods to avoid suchaccidents and hazards.

Lack of strict measures and decisions to oblige workers to usepersonal safety gears and equipment.

3-4-7 Food safety

Weak human and financial capabilities required to perform laboratorytests on imported food to ensure the absence of hormones, colours, andother harmful substances. These substances might be available in foodand could harm human health especially when knowing that Kuwaitimports about 70% of domestic needs of different food products fromother countries. Many countries use preservatives, colours andadditives, which require special modern testing equipment to detectsuch substances.

The production of various types of pesticides and the possibility oftheir misuse in agriculture without following the attached instructionsof use. An example is the spray of pesticides on vegetables shortlybefore reaping and marketing.

The possibility of polluting some types of fish and marine organismsby direct untreated sewage discharge, and other liquid, oil, andindustrial wastes, in the local sewers.


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3-5 Methods and procedures required to solve environmental healthproblems.

There are many issues and causes for the problems that face theenvironmental health sector in Kuwait. Based on the availableinformation, discussed in previous sections of the strategy, and theirimportance, the following measures, methods, and procedures areproposed to solve the problems of this sector. These include thefollowing:

3-5-1 In the field of food safety

To summarize what has been explained in previous sections, it is obviousthat developing food monitoring system is a necessity in order to protectsafety of citizens and residents from eating inedible food or food that isnot suitable for human use. This requires taking the following measures:

Improving the performance of the public health laboratories byproviding trained and qualified manpower as well as specializedconsultants majoring in biochemistry and microbiological sciences.These consultants should have the tasks of the development of analysismethods, quality control, and training of workers, analyzing testresults, and renovation of equipment and analysis methods.

Revising legislations and laws used by Kuwait Municipality, Ministryof Health, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and The PublicAuthority for Industry.

Requesting Kuwait University to establish a new scientific departmentfor food and nutrition sciences in order to provide qualified nationalworkforce in this field. Another option is requesting the PublicAuthority for Applied Education and Training to develop the existingdepartment to offer bachelor degrees instead of the two-year diplomas.

Develop the existing inspection and sample collection proceduresimplemented by Kuwait Municipality.

Present practical measures to coordinate between the variousresponsible entities in the field of food monitoring by revitalizing thecancelled Food Affairs Council.

Develop standard specifications and quality control laboratory, whichis run by the Public Authority for Industry to include food testing inthe quality control tests. Currently, this laboratory does not performthis type of tests.

Studying a proposal presented to The Ministry of Health in 1994regarding the execution of a program that provides food safetyassurance. This proposal can be implemented in two phases. The first


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stage is the “urgent” phase, which endures for the duration of sixmonths to implement and includes the following actions:

Appointing an expert in the field of food contamination assessment.This expert should be very knowledgeable in food contamination, ableto establish a complete database for food safety, knowledgeable andup to date in the recent research activities around the world, has verygood connections with international organizations that deal with foodsafety, and finally able to lead a scientific research team and takeassertive decisions.

Appointing a group of technical assistants in the fields ofbiochemistry, analytical chemistry, physiology, toxicology, pesticides,food industries, food environmental legislations, medicine, veterinarymedicine, statistics, and radiation.

Establishing a complete database for food safety.

Determining food consumption patterns and consumption rates in theKuwaiti society in order to determine the allowable safe limits forcontaminants.

Setting allowable limits of contaminants that could be present indifferent food products consumed in Kuwait.

Estimating citizens’ needs of food products.

Performing complete and comprehensive survey for air, water, andfood contamination in order to estimate the average intake per day ofsuch contaminants by citizens and study the possible effects.

Training technicians.

Establishing laboratories to estimate the residues of pesticides andradiation pollution and discover radioactive materials.

The proposal also suggested as model for construction structure for theproposed “Food Pesticide Residue Assessment Laboratory”.

The second phase is the “Thelong-term phase”, which endures for five years and requires establishing an integrated structure to monitor foodsafety and include three departments:

A public department for food monitoring.

A public department for monitoring of food handling workers.

A public department for food handling monitoring.

Each of these departments is specialized in specific tasks and. The firstdepartment includes central laboratories, food contamination monitoringunit, food awareness unit, legislations, food standards specifications, and


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technical guidance unit, training and employees’ production improvement unit, and finally data bank.

3-5-3 In the field of hazardous, medical, and solid wastes management

The proper procedures and measures that should be used in solving theproblems and issues related to hazardous, medical, and solid wastes arebased on reducing the rates of production of these wastes, segregation atsource, using the best and most suitable technical methods andmanagement in disposing them, and coordinating and cooperatingbetween various authorities in the country working in this field. Some ofthe suggested measures are:

Preparing complete and comprehensive survey in the country toestimate the quantities and quality of these wastes and their sources aswell as preparing and implementing a plan to provide data aboutproduction rates, sources, and types of these wastes.

Preparing a national action plan that includes and intensive andcontinuous media campaign to encourage people and producers todecrease their consumption and waste production as well as segregatewaste at source.

Increase capacities and efficiencies of projects related to wastesegregation, recycling and reuse. The private sector should beencouraged to invest in these fields.

Oblige companies and factories to use efficient processes to reducewaste and to segregate waste on site.

Developing human, technical, and institutional resources in the fieldof waste management.

Preparing necessary studies about converting animal andslaughterhouse wastes into animal feed and the relation with animaldiseases such as the mad cow disease. Experiences from othercountries that suffered from such problems should also be studied toreach proper decisions in this regard.

Preparing and issuing legislations and regulations for wastemanagement and disposal that include all necessary measures startingfrom minimizing waste generation, packaging techniques, temporarystorage and transporting to disposal sites. They also includesegregation, recycling, reuse, reception facilities and disposal sites aswell as standards and specifications of the disposal methods and sitessuch as landfill areas, incinerators, incinerators alternatives, andothers. These legislations should also force institutions, researchcentres, and government and private hospitals to comply with


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procedures in handling and disposing hazardous chemical wastes,radioactive materials, and expired pesticides that are produced fromthese sources.

Implementing an economic and legislative mechanism for taxes andpenalties in order to reduce the production of hazardous wastes,quantitatively and qualitatively as well as their proper disposal.

Preparing emergency action plan to face risks caused by leakage orspillage of hazardous wastes, which might threaten human lives andthe environment.

3-5-3 Sewage

The procedures and measures for solving the country’s problems in this field lay on the replacement and renewal of large parts of the existingsewage network system to deal with the growing population. Theseprojects should be implemented according to advanced engineeringdesigns that are environmentally safe and suitable for climate conditionsof Kuwait. The results of implementing these projects are expected to bepositive and will reduce emissions of obnoxious odors generated frommany residential areas. Another positive result would be the reduction inrates of discharging untreated sewage waters directly into the sea, whichwill also reduce seawater pollution. This will also yield to reusing thetertiary treated waters for many purposes such as irrigation of green areasand landscapes, which will in return reduce ground and desalinated waterconsumption.

To complete the work started by the Ministry of Public Works, thefollowing should be carried out:

Preparing researches and providing data regarding the uses ofdesalinated the treated sewage waters and their health effects.

Conducting a field study, in collaboration with The EnvironmentPublic Authority, to assess the completed projects to reduce obnoxiousodours produced by the sewage system.

Preparing a national plan, in coordination with the agriculture sector,for maximum use of treated sewage waters to avoid their discharge tothe sea.

The continuous improvement, renewal, and increase of efficiency ofthe sewage network system in Kuwait by the Ministry of PublicWorks.

Continuing the study by the Ministry of Public Works about thepossibility of treating sewage waters in order to reduce the rates ofdischarge into the sea.


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Preparing coherent policies, systems, and legislations about thestandards and specifications for liquid wastes to prevent the illegaldischarge to the storm water drainage network and sewer manholes.

Improving and developing human and technical capabilities tomonitor and inspect the implementations of standards related to liquidwastes disposal and to prevent the illegal negative uses of storm waterdrainage system and sewage network system.

Preparing and implementing awareness programs to increaseawareness about the precautions that should be taken when usingtreated sewage waters and the benefits of conserving waters.

3-5-4 In the field of healthy work environment

To increase procedures and necessary measures that will lead to betterperformances in the field of occupational health in the State of Kuwait, itis recommended that coherent working mechanism such as anindependent authority that congregate related existing departments andsections in many government ministries and institutions such as:

Occupational Health Unit and Radiation Prevention Section, bothunder the Ministry of Health.

Some industrial environment sections in the Environment PublicAuthority.

Safety and Industrial Security section in the Public Authority forIndustry.

Work inspection sections in the Ministry of Social Affairs and Work.

This proposed Authority, if imposed by law, should perform thefollowing tasks:

Prepare lists of standards related to environmental and healthspecifications that should be available in every establishment andfacility; as well as standards related to maximum exposure limits forall occupational hazards as well as penalties, violations, and generalrules and regulations.

Obliging all industrial facilities, private and governmental, to establishsafety and industrial security units. The number of employees shouldrelative compared with the total number of employees in the facility,its size, operation nature, and the hazards that workers are exposed to.

Provide employees with proper training in specialized local orinternational institutions to increase their scientific and technicalcapabilities in the field of monitoring, inspection and provision ofsafety and industrial security within these facilities.


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Provide scholarships for a number of employees to local orinternational colleges to obtain higher education in the fields ofindustrial security and occupational health.

Preparing training courses and programs for different scientific levelsof workers in order to improve the human, technical, and institutionalcapabilities in the field of healthy work environment.

Establishing and developing tools to evaluate and assess differentwork environments.

Preparing and implementing awareness programs for workers toillustrate health effects and work injuries resulting from exposure tohazards and the methods of reducing hazards and avoiding injuries.

Conducting field studies and researches and providing informationand statistics about occupational hazards in different facilities.

Preparing and implementing awareness programs in the differentmedia means to increase awareness of housewives about indoorhazards and ways to avoid them.

Publishing scientific and educational periodicals about safety andindustrial security.

3-5-5 In the field of water quality

The government spends vast amounts of money every year to providedrinking water suitable for human consumption. It is mainly spent inoperating the existing seawater desalination plants, constructing newplants to ensure the population future needs of desalinated drinking waterare met. In addition, part of this cost is spent on transporting and storageof water in water towers and reservoirs as strategic reserves in case ofemergencies.

The Ministry of Electricity and Water performs, through its laboratoriesin the different desalination stations and water resources developmentcentre, sample testing for these waters to ensure that they comply withinternational and local standards and specifications and to ensure thatthese waters reach the consumers in premium quality and suitable forhuman consumption. At the same time, the Environment PublicAuthority, through the Department of Water Pollution Monitoring andMinistry of Health collect samples from produced water on regular basisand perform chemical and microbial testing to ensure their safety. It iscertain that desalinated water quality in Kuwait conform to the highestinternational physical, chemical, and microbial specifications, particularlythose recommended by the World Health Organization. The Ministry of


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Electricity and Water works on improving the quality of water conserveand preserve it for emergencies.

To continue providing high quality drinking water in Kuwait, thefollowing steps should be taken:

Prepare a mechanism for administrative coordination and technicalintegration between authorities concerned with monitoring of thedrinking water quality. These authorities are: Ministry of Electricityand Water, The Environment Public Authority, and The Ministry ofHealth.

Prepare and implement a national emergency plan to protect theintakes of the desalination plants from chemical and oil pollution. Theplan should include economic policies to impose financial penaltiesagainst water resources polluters.

Prepare necessary legislations to organize and protect ground waterfrom pollution and abuse.

Prepare necessary legislations to determine specifications, types,methods, and means of drinking water transportation as well as thetypes of tanks that should be used in the houses and other facilities,including cleaning techniques to protect this resource water fromcontamination.

Prepare and implement a national plan to maintain strategic drinkingwater reserves in order to face the possibility of a major pollution tothe Gulf waters or shut down of the desalination plants.

Prepare scientific studies and researches about the methods ofproviding pure drinking water as a future alternative to the desalinatedseawater.

Prepare and implement national plan to increase people’s awareness regarding water conservation in order to reduce drinking waterconsumption.

3-5-6 In the field of healthy residence or accommodation

Direct and indirect health damages and effects on the environmentalhealth might result from the unhealthy conditions of some expatriateaccommodation in Kuwait. To reduce the health effects and diseasespreading caused by these conditions, it is necessary to implement thefollowing steps as suitable procedures in the field of healthy residences:

Issue proper legislations to oblige companies that import expatriatelabour to provide suitable and healthy residence.


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Intensifying the monitoring and inspecting visits to expatriate labourresidential compounds to ensure their suitability in terms ofhealthiness and clearance from contagious diseases.

Provide sufficient primary health care in the areas populated withexpatriate workers in order prevent the spread of contagious diseasesinsects and rodents, which affect the entire community.

Prepare and implement education and awareness programs forexpatriate workers after their arrival. It aims to explain their rights,duties especially their right for healthy and suitable accommodation.

Improve the technical, human, and institutional capabilities to supportthe preventive and monitoring health programs in the residential areasof expatriate workers.

3-6 Sources of Information

Ministry of Electricity and Water, (1999) Electrical Energy. AnnualStatistical Book. State of Kuwait.

The Centre of Water Resources Development, (1998) Monthly Report,Monitoring Water Quality produced in the State of Kuwait. Ministryof Electricity and Water, State of Kuwait.

Statistics and Information Sector, (1998) Annual Statistical Census,No. 35, Ministry of Planning, State of Kuwait.

Kuwait’s Health, (1998). Health and Biostatistics Section, Departmentof Statistics and Medical Records. Issue No. 35, Ministry of Health,State of Kuwait.

Ministry of Health, (2000) Ministerial Decision (347) for the year2000 related to the conditions that are needed to be fulfilled by privatehospitals in order to be licensed to work through the Health InsuranceSystem or Private Health Assurance. State of Kuwait.

Ministry of Health, (1996) Health legislations In the State of Kuwait.First Edition, State of Kuwait.

Climate and Life, (1984) Department of Weather Monitoring, PublicAuthority for Civil Aviation, State of Kuwait.

Mohammad Fawzi Qasim, (1998) The Environment Public Authority.Supervised and Reviewed by Dr. Mohammad Abdul Rahman Al-Sarawi, Environment Public Authority, State of Kuwait.

Ministry of Health, (1994) Brief Report On the Project of theEstablishment of the Department of Food Safety, State of Kuwait.

Rushbook, Philip, (1999) Healthcare Waste Treatment in Kuwait:Present Situation and Future Changes, An Initial Assessment. WHO,


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Kuwait Environment Public Authority and Ministry of Health, State ofKuwait.

Mohammad Qasim (1998) State of the Environment in the State ofKuwait, part one: the role of government and private sectors inprotecting environmental health (Initial Draft). Environment PublicAuthority, State of Kuwait.

Ministry of Oil, (1989) Bylaws and Regulations for Conservation ofPetroleum Resources. Technical Affairs Sector, Ministry of Oil, Stateof Kuwait.

Department of Industrial Environment, Department of IndustrialWaste Control, (1998) The environmental status of waste management(solid, liquid, and gas) in the State of Kuwait. The Environment PublicAuthority, State of Kuwait.

The Environment Public Authority, (1998) Annual Reports: the majortasks of the different departments in the Environment PublicAuthority, State of Kuwait.

Action Team of the Executive Office for Formulation of theEnvironmental Strategy of the State of Kuwait, (1999) Preliminaryperception on the general framework of the environmental healthsector. Environment Public Authority, State of Kuwait.

The Environment Public Authority, (1999) The bylaw regarding theestablishment of the Environment Public Authority: environmentalstandards and specifications, preliminary draft, State of Kuwait.

Al-khardaji, Hosni, (2000) Reference Conditions, EnvironmentalHealth Sector. The Environment Public Authority, State of Kuwait.


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Sector FourFresh Water Resources


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Members of the Fresh Water Sector Team

Yousef Mohammad Al-Hajri.

Deputy Undersecretary, Operation andMaintenance of Power and DesalinationStations, Ministry of Electricity andWater. Chairman of the team.

Ms. Fatima Malallah. Department Manager, Department ofWater Pollution Monitoring, EnvironmentPublic Authority. Repertoire of the team.

Eng. Khlood Al-Marzoog. Head of Projects Development Section,Department of Planning andEnvironmental Assessment, EnvironmentPublic Authority.

Eng. Khalifa MohammadAl-Furaij.

Manager, Centre of Water ResourcesDevelopment, Ministry of Electricity andWater.

Mr. Mohammad OmranAl-Qalaf.

Manager, Chemical Works Department,Ministry of Electricity and Water.

Preparation:

Dr. Mohammad FathiHamooda.

Civil Engineering Department, KuwaitUniversity.

Eng. Khalifa MohammadAl-Furaij.

Manager, Centre of Water ResourcesDevelopment, Ministry of Electricity andWater.

Supervision, review, editing, completion of the scientific material andre-organizing it:

Dr. Sufyan Al-Tal. Senior Advisor, United NationsDevelopment Program (UNDP).


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4-1 Introduction

Water is one of the renewable natural resources on earth. It ischaracterized by being a stable chemical compound that has not changedfor hundreds of years. Water is also very essential for life and economicand social developments. Societies in the past were established near waterresources, and civilizations flourished when water was abundant andwhen water demand was much lower than now and technologicalcapabilities did not affect the environment as much. There were noproblems in providing water for various uses.

However, in the present the earth’s hydrosphere is experiencing rapid depletion and pollution due to the increase in population, increase inwater consumption, and advances in technologies that adversely affect theenvironment. This should lead to an increase in concern for waterresources in order to provide good quality of water, which is required fordevelopment. Fresh water resources sector plays an important andprimary role in development and environment protection. It is for thesereasons that there is a crucial need to prepare an environmental for thisvital sector.

Countries that are located in arid and semi-arid zones on earth suffer fromwater resources scarcity. The State of Kuwait is located within a desertregion; therefore, it suffers from very hot climate, rain scarcity, and harshenvironment with poor fresh water resources. This has led the people ofKuwait, since the early years, to head to the sea for income, activities andliving. Ordinary fresh waters in Kuwait are limited in quantities withrainfall averaging 115 millimeters per year. Limited amount of groundwaters extracted from Kuwait and Dammam Group. It is mostly brackishwater and exploited for various uses.

Therefore, the State of Kuwait depended on non-conventional waterresources by constructing several seawater desalination plants to producefresh water for various purposes. In addition, Kuwait reuses treatedsewage water for other purposes such as irrigation and agriculture. Thecountry has provided fresh water to meet the increasing water demandsdue to the increase in population, economic and urban activities. Thecountry has also focused on protecting water resources from pollution aswell as taking into consideration the production of quantities of water inquality that meets the standards and environmental hygiene.

Water resources sector is considered very important in the institutionalstructure of the State of Kuwait. Therefore, it is considered in most of thewater or environmental related authority. However, the responsibility ofproduction and supply of water in Kuwait is solely limited to the Ministry


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of Electricity and Water. It plans, develops, manages, and supplies waterresources to different consuming groups according to their needs of freshand brackish water. Some Ministries and authorities, such as the Ministryof Public Works and the Environment Public Authority, play other roles,within their jurisdiction. This includes providing other services related towater resources such as sewage resources development and protectionagainst environmental pollution.

Many of the important topics and issues are included in theEnvironmental Strategy. However, water resources sector has the prioritydue to its importance. To complete the work performed by the actionteam of this sector, continued gathering important data and informationrelated to this important sector. Topics that are included in the strategyinclude Sector resource assessment, issues of concern related to the freshwater resources, causes of problems facing the Sector, techniques andprocedures to solve these problems and finally, sources of information.

4-2 Comprehensive assessment of the water resources sector

4-2-1 Water resources

Water is considered one of the scarcest resources in the State of Kuwaitdue to the absence of fresh surface water and limited amount of rainfalland ground waters as conventional water resources. As a result, the Stateof Kuwait depends largely on using non-conventional water resources,such as seawater desalination as the main source of water production. Italso reuses treated sewage water for purposes of irrigation and agriculturein addition to the use of ground brackish water.

Water resources in the State of Kuwait are limited to the following:

Fresh water produced by seawater desalination.

Fresh and brackish ground water.

Surface waters.

Strom water.

Treated sanitary wastewater.

Proposed water resources development projects such as importingwater through undersea pipes from Iran.

Fresh water produced through seawater desalination

The first experimental effort for seawater desalination in the State ofKuwait took place in the early fifties of the twentieth century in order toproduce fresh water. The success of this experiment was received withjoy all over the world due to the fact that large quantities of water can be


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produced from seawater in order to satisfy the increasing needs of freshwater for human, industrial, and commercial uses.

The technology used in water desalination is through Multi-Stage FlashDesalination and it was approved more than forty years ago and hasalready proven its effectiveness and efficiency in producing water. Thistechnology was improved to the extent that the State of Kuwait hasbecome one of the world’s leading countries in scientific expertise in this technology, which is associated with dual purpose system that sharedifferent factors to produce two products i.e. water and electricity and itsaves 20-30 % of the cost of producing each of them separately.

Currently, there are five water desalination plants in Kuwait; ShuwaikhPlant, South of Shuaiba Plant, Doha East and West Plants, and South ofAl-Zur Plant. These plants contain 44 desalination units with totalcapacity of 258 million imperial gallons per day (MIG/day) which isequal to 1.18 million cubic meters per day of desalinated water and undernormal operation conditions demand. It can also reach a maximum of283.2 MIG/day i.e. 1.29 million cubic meters per day if needed duringhigh weather temperatures. The following table (4-1) explains thelocations and capacities for these plants:

Table 4-1 Production capacities of the seawater desalination stations,in the State of Kuwait as in 1999.

Station Shuwaikh Shuaiba

South

DohaWest

DohaEast

Al-ZourSouth

Total

Number of units(desalination)

3 6 7 16 12 44

Production capacity (normaltemperatures in MIG/day

(Million Cubic meters/day)

18

0.082

30

0.136

96

0.437

42

0.192

72

0.328

258

1.175

Production capacity (hightemperature in MIG/day

(Million cubic meters/day)

18

0.082

30

0.136

110.4

0.503

42

0.192

82.6

0.378

283.2

1.291

The total production of desalinated water in Kuwait has increased asshown in table (4-2) to satisfy increasing demand for water consumption.The total production of desalinated water in 1992 reached 40105MIG/year (183 Million cubic meters per year) whereas the totalproduction in 1999 reached 78797 MIG/year (359 million cubic metersper year (MCM/Year)).


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Table 4-2 Increase in total production of desalinated seawater(MIG/year) from 1992-1999.

Year Shuwaikh Shuaibasouth

DohaWest

DohaEast

Al-ZurSouth

Total(MIG)

Total(MCM)

1992 - 5775 7101 14260 12969 40105 183

1993 - 6223 9725 16348 14113 46409 212

1994 2461 7460 9867 19070 14426 53284 243

1995 3574 7895 11696 19642 14560 57367 262

1996 4341 6731 12085 22272 18133 63562 290

1997 4282 7467 11125 27599 18035 68508 312

1998 2762 7788 13434 29271 19961 73216 334

1999 2994 7465 12506 30708 25142 78797 359

The production of the desalinated seawater and power plants operationshas environmental effects on the seawater. Seawater is used indesalinating and cooling the turbines’ condenser of the generators.

The quantity of seawater used in desalination and power plants everymonth ranges between 200-280 MIG/hour (0.9-1.28 MCM/hour).

Discharged water temperature, to the sea, ranges between 30-40degrees Celsius.

Chlorine injection used in the water inlets ranges between 1-1.5 ppm.

Chlorine concentration in the outlet, to the sea, ranges between 0.0-0.05 ppm.

Salinity of the seawater inlets reaches 45,000 ppm, whereas it reaches60,000 ppm in the outlets to the sea. Currently, there is no clear effectfrom the increase of seawater salinity levels as shown in table (4-3) andfrom observing seawater quality. However, it is possible that seawatersalinity levels increases in the future due to the increase in waterdischarged to the sea from these plants, especially with the increase ofvaporization rates of seawater caused by high temperatures.


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Fig. 4-1 Desalination and power stations in the State of Kuwait.


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The country has also experimented other desalination technologies. In1979, an agreement was signed between the State of Kuwait, representedby the Ministry of Electricity and Water and Kuwait Institute forScientific Research, and The Federal Republic of Germany. According tothis agreement, the two sides established a model plant that operatesusing the principle of Reverse Osmosis in Doha for seawater desalinationwith total capacity of 3,000 cubic meters per day. This plant includedthree different systems, different in design, membrane style, and chemicaltreatment.

Table 4-3 Annual average level of seawater salinity in differentlocations in the State of Kuwait (1986-1997).

Site 1986 1987 1988 1989 1996 1997 Code

Beda’a 39.9 39.5 38.0 39.2 37.4 38.3 Z0

Medaira 38.2 40.0 38.7 39.4 37.4 38.3 Z1

Doha 40.9 40.7 39.5 39.9 37.9 39.2 Z2

Ras Esherij 41.1 40.3 39.0 39.5 37.6 38.8 Z3

Al-Shuwaikh 41.0 40.1 38.7 39.4 37.6 38.5 Z4

Ras Ajuza 40.2 39.7 38.4 39.5 37.5 38.5 Z5

Ras Al-Ardh 39.3 39.5 37.8 39.0 37.2 38.3 Z6

Mesailah 39.3 39.6 38.0 39.2 37.3 38.4 Z7

Fintas 40.0 39.8 38.3 39.4 37.7 38.5 Z8

Mangaf 40.0 39.9 38.2 39.4 38.0 38.6 Z9

Mina Abdulla - 39.9 38.1 39.1 38.1 38.7 Z10

Julai’a - 39.9 38.3 39.2 38.2 38.7 Z11

Ras Al-Zur - 40.2 38.7 39.5 38.9 39.3 Z12

Annual Average 40.1 39.9 38.4 39.4 37.8 38.6


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Fig. 4-2 Desalination stations and the location of sampling points.


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The German side continued its participation until the end of 1987 whenKuwait took over the research activities. This station was dismantledstolen during the Iraqi Invasion and was completely dismantled andtransported to Iraq. Today, the station was built again and two newReverse Osmosis units were installed, with capacity of 300 cubic meters aday each, by the Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research and The Ministryof Electricity and Water. These units, which also operate with differentsystems in term of design, membrane style, and chemical treatment, arecontinued to use experimental research in the field of seawaterdesalination by Reverse Osmosis. New Reverse Osmosis desalinationstations will be constructed in the future.

Fresh and brackish ground water

Ground water is produced from Kuwait Group Layer and Al-DamamLayer. It is mostly brackish water that could be used for uses other thanhuman consumption. The salinity level in the brackish ground waterranges between 3,000-9,000 milligrams per liter and the productioncapacity for these ground wells reached 120 MIG/day (547 thousandscubic meters per day). As indicated before, these waters are found in theKuwait group and Al-Dammam group layers, which extend from easternthe Arabian Peninsula with slight decline towards the Arabian Gulf.There are many ground water wells in the State of Kuwait (Figure 4-2)that can be categorized according to their use to the following:

Brackish water wells such as the Sulaibiya and Shegaya wells, used inthe Ministry’s network by mixing with desalinated water to producefresh water. Other wells include Um-Gdair, which was operated inOctober of 1986 and Al-Wafra wells. The total capacity of the groundwater in 1999 reached 120 MIG/day (547 thousands cubic meters perday) and the maximum consumption in the summer of 1999 reached103.4 MIG/day (470 thousands cubic meters per day). The salinitylevels ranged between 3,000 and 7,000 ppm (Table 4-4).

Due to the availability of brackish ground water in Kuwait as naturalresource, the Ministry of Electricity and Water started to depend on thisresource to convert some of this type of water into fresh drinking waterfor human use through Reverse Osmosis technology. The first stage toimplement this strategy was to install and commissioning 13 ReverseOsmosis units in 1987 with production capacity of 250 thousandsImperial Gallons per day (1140 cubic meters per day) distributed acrossimportant locations. As part of the emergency plan, 20 brackish waterdesalination units were installed in different locations in 1993 increasingthe total production capacity of desalinated brackish water using ReverseOsmosis to 8.25 MIG/day (38 thousands cubic meters per day).


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Table 4-4 Ground water wells producing brackish water and used bythe Ministry of Electricity and Water in the State of Kuwait.

Field Drillingdate

Number ofproduction

wells

Number ofproducing

wells

Layersproducing

waters

Productioncapacity

(MIG/day)

Productioncapacity

(MCM/day)

Produced watersalinity

Sulaibiya 1954 118 85 DibdibaFormation

15 0.068 4000-7000

ShegayaA

1972 13 7 Kuwait +Dammam

8 0.031 3000-4000

ShegayaB


7 0.036 3000

ShegayaC


18 0.082 3000

ShegayaD


12 0.054 3000-4000

ShegayaE


15 0.068 3500-5000

Um-Gdair


40 0.182 3500-4000

Part ofWafra

1987 9 2 Dammam 8 0.036 5000-6500

Brackish ground water that reach consumers directly through a pipenetwork, different than the network used for fresh drinking water. Thenet consumption of brackish water used for direct distribution in 1999reached 20669 MIG/year (94 MCM/year). These waters are used forgreening, landscaping, and public parks.

Ground water used by Kuwait Oil Company (KOC): Abdaliya well isused by the KOC. Table 4-5 provide more details.

Table 4-5 Ground water used by the KOC, Kuwait.

Field Drilldate

Number

of wells

Layers

Producingwaters

Productioncapacity(MIG/day)

Productioncapacity(MCM/day)

Salinity ofproducedwater (ppm)

Abdaliya 1941 10 DammamFormation

12 0.055 3500-4500

Ground water used in agricultural areas: There are many brackishground waters wells in agricultural areas in Wafra and Abdili withvarious salinity levels. The quantities of consumed waters in private


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farms depend on many factors that are hard to contain. Table 4-6provide more details.

Field Numberof wells

Layersproducing

water

Productioncapacity

(MIG/day)

Productioncapacity

(MCM/day)

Salinity ofproduced

waters (ppm)

Wafra and Um-Al-Naqa farms

362 UpperKuwait

27 0.123 3000-8000

Wafra farms 485 KuwaitGroup

36 0.164 4000-9000

Fresh ground water: located at Rawdatain and Um Al-Aish. The firstproduction process was done in 1962 with an estimated natural reserveof 40,000 MIG (182 MCM). Production at Um Al-Aish field seizedafter the Iraqi invasion. The production capacity for Rawdatain field isestimated, in normal operating conditions, at MIG/day (4.5 thousandsCubic meters per day), and could reach as high as 2.5 MIG/day (11thousands cubic meters per day) if needed for 10-15 days and formaximum of three times a year in order to preserve these waters. Thetotal number of producing wells is 16; these wells are used forcommercial purposes in producing bottled waters. Salinity level rangesbetween 600-1000 ppm.

Near Surface waters

These waters are produced from the increase in levels of irrigation watersin parks and green areas within residential areas. Usually, these waters aredischarged in sewage drains. However, they still can be collected, treatedand reused, due to the fact that these waters are of relatively good qualityand their salinity levels range from 8,000-12,000 milligram per liter. Thevolumes of these waters are hard to estimate.

Storm water

Rain season usually starts in September and ends in May. The totalquantity of rainfall reaches about 171.7 millimeters. The highest rainfallin one season was 262 millimeters, whereas the highest rainfall in onemonth was 14.4 millimeters recorded in November 1997. The annualaverage rainfall reached 115.2 millimeters for the period between 1958and 1997. Rainfall is seasonal and irregular. These rainfall waters areusually collected in storm water drain network and then disposed in thesea, and therefore hard to estimate their volume. Rainfall sometimescauses flooding in storm water drain system.


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Fig. 4-3 Locations of ground water fields in the State of Kuwait.


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Fig. 4-4 Locations of ground water fields and wells in the State ofKuwait.


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Treated sewage waters

With the increase of population and urban development in Kuwait, thequantities of sewage waters increased as well, especially after developingthe treated sewage water collection system. Sewage, which increasesevery year as the consumption of drinking water increases, is the onlyresource that increases with population. The total quantity of sewagewaters is estimated to be 70% of the consumed drinking waters. Thismeans that these resources can be of good quality after being treated andthen could be used for different purposes such as greening andlandscaping and therefore can be considered as an important waterresource.

Sewage system contains a network of pipelines that are inclined to collectsewage waters from different installations like houses, hospitals, andfactories. This inclination allows the waters to flow to the pumping orlifting stations until reaching the main lifting stations and then pumpedinto main treatment stations.

There are four purification stations for treating sewage waters. Each ofthese stations works using the tertiary treatment process. These stationsare:

Ardiya Treatment Plant: The largest treatment station in The State ofKuwait, which was commissioned in 1970 with capacity of 100,000cubic meters per day. The capacity of this station was later increasedto 150,000 cubic meters per day in 1984 and again increased in 1993to 190,000 cubic meters per day. Finally in 2001, the capacity of thisstation was increased to 280,000 cubic meters per day.

Rigga Treatment Plant: Commissioned in 1981 with a capacity of85,000 cubic meters per day and later increased to 180,000 cubicmeters per day in 1995.

Jahra treatment station: Commissioned in 1981 with a capacity of66,000 cubic meters per day.

Um Al-Haiman Treatment Plant: Commissioned in 2001 with acapacity of 27,000 cubic meters per day.

The process of water treatment is divided into three stages: primary (orphysical treatment), secondary (biological), and tertiary treatment(chemical).

The average volume of sewage water treated in three stage treatmentplants reached 85 million gallons per day (388,000 cubic meters per day).Around 40% of these treated water, or 34 million Imperial gallons per day(155,000 cubic meters per day), is used for agricultural purposes. The


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remaining treated water (about 233,000 cubic meters per day) is disposedin the sea through coastal outlets (table 4-5). It is expected that thevolume of disposed treated water to sea will reach 128.20 MIG/day in2005.

Type and quality of sewage waters: The quality of treated waters dependson the type of sewage and on the different treatment methods. In the Stateof Kuwait, most of the sewage water is treated using the tertiary treatmentprocess through different sand filters and chlorine sterilization. The mainreason for disposing the secondary treated water in the sea is insufficientcapacity in the tertiary treatment plant in Ardiya for these waters.

Volumes of untreated sewage waters disposed to the sea from mainpumping stations: The volume of untreated sewage waters disposed tothe sea every month from main pumping stations is around 130.17MIG per day. The total volume of these untreated waters disposed tothe sea reached 1412.62 MIG in 1999.

The main problems facing sewage facilities are:

Gravity networks and pumping.

End of expected lifetime for mechanical and electrical equipment inthe pumping and lifting stations.

There are four treatment plants: Ardiya, Rigga, Jahra and Um Al-Haiman. Whereas Failaka Plant is not in operation since the Iraqiinvasion. Jahra Plant requires expansion to increase its capacity so itcan handle the expected increase in load due to the proposed housingprojects in the north of Kuwait. This should be done in coordinationwith The Ministry of Planning in order to approve the appointment ofconsultants to study the project, which is considered part of sanitaryengineering sector. It is also important to build a replacement forArdiya station due to the fact that this station has reached its expectedlifetime.

High maintenance costs for the sewage facilities because they havereached expected life time which lead to the reduction of theirefficiency as mentioned earlier.

Experts say that solutions presented to overcome the problems ofenvironment pollution caused by disposing untreated sewage waters inthe sea can be divided into temporary and permanent solutions:


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Table 4-7 Locations and emergency outlets of the main pumping stations and sewagestations in the State of Kuwait.

No. Station # Station location Location of emergencyoutlet

1 A1 Salwa block 3 Aqsa mosque street. National Guard Officers Club.

2 A2 Salmiya between Qatar and Hamad Al-Mubarak streets. Near the "Traditional Cafes".

3 A3 Daiya at intersection of Istiqlal and 2nd ring road. Between Dasma and ShaabAreas.

4 A4 Sharg, Hilali Street near Dasman Roundabout. Near "Kuwait Towers".

5 A5 Arabian Gulf Street near the National Assembly. Arabian Gulf Street.

6 A6 Abu-Baker street opposite to Sheraton Hotel. Arabian Gulf St. opposite tothe "Flag Yard".

7 A7 Shuwaikh Industrial Area. Jamal Abdulnasser St. opposite tothe port.

Inside Shuwaikh Port/Um AnNamil Island.

8 A8 Hospitals Area Intersection of Al-Hafez and JamalAbdulnasser Streets.

KISR Beach.

9 A9 Al-Jaiwan intersection of the 4th Ring Road and MohammadBin Al-Qasem Street.

Inside Shuwaikh Port/Um Annamil Island.

10 A10 Farwaniya Area/Airport St. near Al-Tadamon Club. Outlet of the main pumpingstation number A12.

11 A11 Jabriya Area near Al-Hadi Hospital. Beda’a Outlet betweenHussain Maki Juma Houseand Coast Guard Area.

12 A12 Ardiya/Mohammad Bin Al-Qasem/Stores. Old Shuwaikh High School.

13 A13 Mishref Area/ Fahaheel Highway. Near Messelah Beach Hotel.

14 A14 Mahboola Area/Highway. Mahboola Beach.

15 A15 Aqaila Area/Al-Safar Highway. Abu Hlaifa Beach.

16 A16 Intersection of Al-Jahra Road and the 5th Ring Road. Under the connection of DohaHighway (East).

17 A18 Jahra Area. Kadma Sea.

18 A19 Sulaibikhat Area. Doha Sea.

19 Um Al-Haiman

Um Al-Haiman Area. None.

20 Ardiya Opposite to Al-Rabya Area. Al-Ghazali Outlet.

21 Rigga Opposite to Al-Dahar Area. Abu Hliafa Beach.

22 Jahra Jahra Area/near "Amghara Scrap Yard". Doha Sea.

23 Um AlHaiman

Um Al-Haiman Area. None.


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Long-term solutions

Cancelling pumping and lifting stations: The number of these stationsis 61 pumping and lifting stations. These can be replaced with 6 newpumping stations that work according to the latest technological andengineering methods.

Network renewal projects: The Ministry of Public Works collaborated,since the eighties, with local and international consultants to study thesewage facilities in The State of Kuwait and worked to improve anddevelop these systems in order to eliminate the problems caused bybad conditions of the network. This was done through implementingnetwork renewal projects.

Experts also advise to speed up the implementation of these projects andreducing the time required for their completion to be around 6 fiscalyears. This will allow two projects to be implemented in one year insteadof one project per year.

Short-term solutions

Electrical and mechanical equipment renewal in the main andsecondary pumping stations.

Speed up the implementation of necessary renewal of spare tanks aswell as pipes accessories and vent valves in the stations.

Replacing the main stations outlet asbestos pipes that can break easily.

In case of lack of funding to implement the permanent solutions,sewage water should be treated before being disposed in the sea inemergencies, which is hard to implement due to the spread of thesestations in residential areas and therefore the difficulties in obtainingapprovals and necessary lands to build these stations, highmaintenance and operating costs, and disturbances caused to residents.In these cases, some other engineering solutions can be implementedsuch as the use of mobile treatment stations.

The number of pumping stations will be reduced to two main stationsinstead of 12, in addition to canceling all secondary stations, which are329 stations that dispose sewage waters, through emergency outlets, tothe sea directly without treatment.

It is estimated that the total treated sewage water volume in 2005 reaches128 MIG/day (590,000 CM/day) as shown in table 4-6. Therefore, ThePublic Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries installed a network todeliver these treated waters to farms that owned to Ministry of PublicWorks in Abdili area. However, there is still an abundance of thesewaters and can not be consumed by the existing limited number of farms,


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especially knowing that irrigation rates for landscaping are high duringthe peak of the summer and then these rates are reduced due to thedecline in temperatures which lead to disposing these waters directly tothe sea. The percentage of treated waters that are used for agriculturalpurposes during the summer and winter months reaches 40% and 24%respectively.

Near surface waters

Waters produced due to the increase in levels of gardens and parksirrigation waters in residential areas. These waters are usually removedand disposed in the sewage network. However, it is possible to collect,treat, and reuse these waters especially knowing that these waters are ofgood quality with salinity level of around 2,500 milligrams per liter. Thevolume of these waters is hard to estimate.

Table 4-8 Volumes of the current and future sanitary wastewatertreatment in the State of Kuwait.

Average volume ofsanitary wastewater

as in 1999

Expected sanitarywastewater in 2005

Station

Name

(MIG/day) (MCM/day) (MIG/day) (MCM/day)

Remarks

Ardiya 53 0.242 - - This station will berelocated to a newlocation in Sulaibiya andconverted to pumpingstation

Rigga 21 0.096 32 0.150 Expansion work iscompleted

Jahra 11 0.050 12 0.060

Sulaibiya - - 82 0.374 Designed stagecompleted. Whenoperating, expectedsewage waters couldreach 61 MIG/day

Um Al-Haiman

- - 2.2 0.01 Operational

Total 85 0.388 128.20 0.590

Rainfall

Rain season usually starts in September and ends in May. The totalquantity of rainfall reaches about 171.7 millimeters. The highest rainfall


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in one season was 262 millimeters, whereas the highest rainfall in onemonth was 14.4 millimeters recorded in November 1997. The annualaverage rainfall reached 115.2 millimeters for the period between 1958and 1997. Rainfall is seasonal and irregular. These rainfall waters areusually collected in storm water drain network and then disposed in thesea, and therefore hard to estimate their volumes. Rainfall sometimes cancause flooding in storm water drainage system.

Table 4-7 shows the salinity levels of different waters in Kuwait.

The Project of Importing Water from Iran

The State of Kuwait is currently studying the project of importing waterfrom The Islamic Republic of Iran. If approved, this project would beconsidered as one of the largest projects and would be an additional freshwater resource. The project consists of 450 kilometers pipeline with acapacity of 210 MIG per day of fresh water. The source would be Karkhadam in Iran and would reach Al-Zur area in Kuwait and then connected tothe general water network.

Table 4-9 Salinity levels of different types of water in the State ofKuwait.

Water Type Salinity Level (ppm)

Seawater flowing into desalination stations. 40000-50000

Seawater discharged from desalinationstations.

60000

Ground water "Brackish Water". 3000-9000

Ground water "Fresh Water". 600-1000

Near surface water 8000-12000

Sanitary wastewater 1500

Drinking water 500

4-2-2 Water production, distribution, and storage in Kuwait.

The process of producing fresh water takes place in four stations calledmixing and pumping stations. These stations are located close to thedesalination plants and distributed geographically on Shuwaikh, Shuaiba,Doha, and Al-Zur.

These four stations complete the work of the five desalination stations,which are Shuwaikh, Shuaiba south, Doha east, Doha west, and Al-Zursouth, by adjusting the type of desalinated water produced from


179

desalination plants in order to make them suitable for humanconsumption (drinking) according to the specifications of the WorldHealth Organization (WHO). This is done by mixing desalinated waterswith brackish water from the ground wells in Shegaya, Sulaibiya, Wafra,and Um Gdair at certain percentages to improve the taste of these watersand to add essential salts. Therefore, the volumes of produced drinkingwaters increase according to the added volumes. These waters are alsodisinfected by the addition of Chlorine in order to kill bacteria and otherharmful microorganisms present in the water.

The mixing and pumping stations receive desalinated and brackish waterson daily basis and during 24 hours a day. These waters are mixed and thenecessary chemicals are added. The physical, chemical, andbacteriological characteristics of the drinking water distributed aroundKuwait all conform to the allowable limits according to the specificationsset by The World Health Organization. Chemical and physical analysesfor these waters show that they are suitable for human consumptionaccording to international specifications.

Water produced from desalination plants or from wells is pumped toreservoirs, mixing stations, to be distributed through networks or directedto water towers, which are located in different areas to help in providingwater during maximum demand hours. The Control Centre in Shuwaikhmanages these pumping and distribution operations. The waterdistribution system in Kuwait consists of two networks, one for freshwater and another for brackish water. Each of these waters has theirpumping stations, water towers, and reservoirs.

Most of the main network consists of lined ductile pipes. In the past,asbestos pipes were used but were replaced with ductile pipes in phases.The distribution networks consist of main pumping and distribution linesand branch distribution networks. The diameters of these branch networksrange between 50 to 300 millimeters; whereas the total length of thesepipelines reached around 12,796 kilometers in 1999. Table 4-8 shows thedevelopment of water distribution network lengths in Kuwait.

In order to increase the fresh and brackish water reserves, to meetmaximum demand, additional reservoirs were installed in differentlocations and with different capacities.

The total storage capacity in 1999 reached about 2,183 MIG for freshwater (9.95 MCM); whereas the storage capacity for brackish waterreached 508 MIG (2.32 MCM) in the same year. Table 4-9 shows thedevelopment of fresh and brackish water storage capacity in The State ofKuwait.


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Table 4-10 The development of fresh and brackish water distributionnetworks lengths from 1991-1999.

Year Fresh water networklength (kilometers)

Brackish water networklength (kilometers)

1991 5110 4469

1992 5336 4709

1993 5479 4847

1994 5719 5077

1995 6178 5475

1996 6374 5671

1997 6399 5699

1998 6622 5844

1999 6817 5979

4-2-3 Water production and consumption

Water production

Total fresh water production in 1999 reached approximately 78,798 MIGper year (359 MCM per year).

Total water consumption

Based on data from the Annual Statistical water book published by theMinistry of Electricity and Water in 2000, the total fresh waterconsumption in 1993 reached 49,759 MIG/year (226.9 MCM/year). Thisfigure has risen in 1999 to reach 84070 MIG/year (383.4 MCM/year).The per capita consumption increased also from 89 gallons a day (406liters per day) in 1993 to 107 Imperial gallons a day in 1999 (488 litersper day). Table 4-10 shows the increase in total fresh water and the percapita consumptions in Kuwait, which is considered among the highest inthe world. Recent indicators show a decrease in per capita consumptionrates since 1998, which is a good sign resulted from the campaigns ofwater conservation in The State of Kuwait.

In addition to the total fresh water consumed, brackish water is also addedfor domestic, irrigation, and agricultural uses. The volume of brackishwater used is estimated to be around 25817 MIG per year (118MCM/year). Also, treated sewage water is also used for irrigation and


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agriculture, which consume around 9,120 MIG per year of this type ofwater (41.6 MCM per year).

4-2-4 Institutions working in the water sector

The State of Kuwait is concerned about the water issue and its scarcity.Therefore, many institutions and departments were established to work inthis field. The institutions working in the water sector can be divided intothree main groups. The first group is responsible for constructing,operating, follow up, and distribution of water. However, the secondgroup is responsible for monitoring water quality. The third group isresponsible for studies and research related to water.

Institutions responsible for construction, operation, follow up anddistribution of water

Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW)

The MEW and Water is responsible for this stage according to the Amiridecree issued in 1962 regarding the establishment of the countryministries and their responsibilities. In addition, it constructs, operates,and maintains desalination stations, water wells, distribution networksand their reservoirs, pumping and mixing stations, and delivers water tonew houses if required. It also collects tariffs from consumers.

Ministry of Public Works (MPW)

The Department of Technology and Water Resources at the SanitaryEngineering Sector in the MPW is responsible for treatment andpurification of sewage waters as well as providing tertiary treated waters.In addition, it is also responsible of installing and operating the sewagenetwork system.

Institutions for monitoring water quality and type

The following institutions are responsible for drinking water quality andtype; they have their own water laboratories.

The Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW)

The MEW produces and distributes drinking water, as well as monitoringits quality. However, to ensure that these waters conform to internationalspecifications when produced and delivered to consumers, samples arecollected by various government entities and then examined to verify itsvalidity for human use and conformance to international standards. Thesetests are performed in water laboratories. There are many departments in


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Table 4-11 Development of fresh and brackish water storage capacities in Kuwait, 1991-1999.

Fresh water storage capacity Brackish water storage capacity

High Towers Reservoirs Total capacity High towers Reservoirs Total capacity

Year

Numberof

Reservoirs

StorageCapacity(MIG)

Numberof

Reservoirs



StorageCapacity(MCM)

Numberof

Reservoirs


Number

OfReservoirs



StorageCapacity(MCM)

1991 40 25 58 1889 1914 8.73 15 9.6 21 267 276.6 1.26

1992 38 24.8 57 1852 1876.8 8.56 15 9.6 22 302 313.6 1.43

1993 38 24.8 57 1852 1876.8 8.56 15 9.6 23 359.3 368.9 1.68

1994 39 25 58 1872 1897 8.65 15 9.6 25 449.3 458.9 2.09

1995 39 5 58 1872 1897 8.65 15 9.6 25 449.3 458.9 2.09

1996 39 25 64 2143 2168 9.89 15 9.6 26 498.8 508.4 2.32

1997 39 25 64 2143 2168 9.89 15 9.6 26 498.8 508.4 2.32

1998 39 25 64 2143 2168 9.89 15 9.6 26 498.8 508.4 2.32

1999 39 25 64 2143 2168 9.89 15 9.6 26 498.8 508.4 2.32


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Table 4-12 Total and per capita fresh water consumption in the Stateof Kuwait, 1993-1999.

Total consumption/year Per Capita Consumption/dayYear Population

MIG MCM (gallon/person/day) (liter/person/day)

1993 1537714 49756 226.9 89 406

1994 1654924 57165 260.7 59 433

1995 1721968 61577 280.8 98 447

1996 1781411 67464 307.6 103 470

1997 1837450 73284 334.2 109 497

1998 2066759 78496 357.9 104 474

1999 2148032 84070 383.4 107 488

the Ministry responsible for this task. These include the following:

Electricity Generation and Water Desalination PlantsLaboratories: The laboratories of the electricity generation anddesalination stations, which are distributed according the location ofthe stations, monitor seawater, percentage of chlorine injection inseawater, and quality of desalinated water during the differentproduction stages in the station. In 1997 these laboratories analyzed61,600 samples and every sample was dedicated for the analysis ofone primary substance and its physical characteristics.

Chemical Processes Department: This department injects chlorine inmixing and secondary stations in the entire network to ensure water isdisinfected. Chlorine is produced locally by electrolysis, from SodiumChloride present in seawater in a process that takes place inpetrochemical plant in Shuaiba Industrial Area.

The Department of Chemical Processes also conducts some chemicalanalysis to assess and monitors water quality in the network. The totalsample collection points in the entire network reached 77 sites, whichinclude sites in mixing and pumping stations, reservoirs and towers,filling stations, and residential areas. These sites include desalinated,drinking, and brackish water sampling points. (Refer to Tables 4-13and 4-14).


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Table 4-13 Desalinated drinking and brackish water sampling points.

Parameter Desalinated Water Brackish Water Drinking Water Total

No. of Samples 1,560 1,248 8,112 10,920

Table 4-14 The total number of chemical analysis carried-out foreach sample collected.

Parameter Physical analysis Primarysubstances

Trace metals Total

No. of Analysis 6 10 10 26

The Department of Environmental and Engineering Programmes:This department was established in 1997 within the operation andmaintenance of power and water desalination stations sector in theMinistry of Electricity and Water. The total number of employees inthis department is four, with three chemical engineers and oneengineer assistant. Those employees follow up on issues related toenvironment and power and water desalination stations.

Water pollution from the power and water desalination stationsinlets:

The safety of the water inlets of the stations from pollution is considereda primary matter in securing continuous water and power production.Therefore, The Ministry of Electricity and Water in collaboration withThe Environment Public Authority monitor the safety of the inlets andoutlets of these stations through the following:

Limiting outgoing pollutants that impede the operations of thesestations. Some of these pollutants are: pollution by ports’ wastes, chemical pollution from factories, and oil spillage from fuel pipes andoil tankers.

Monitoring and ensuring that chlorine concentrations do not exceedenvironmental specifications at the water inlets and outlets of thestations in order to preserve marine life.

Effective participation in the works of the committee for theImplementation of Kuwait Plans to Combat Marine Pollution from Oilin Emergencies, which was formulated by the Environment PublicAuthority.


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The Ministry of Electricity and Water, Centre of Water ResourcesDevelopment:

The Centre of Water Resources Development was established in 1968 toconduct research and development in fields related to water resources.The activities of this centre include engineering. Environmental,technological, and economic activities for water desalination, wateranalysis, and water quality monitoring. The centre presented manystudies and researches as well as many scientific papers in regional andinternational conferences for this field.

The Centre of Water Resources Development also monitors water typeand quality from their sources until reaching the consumer in the generalwater network by performing many comprehensive analyses for theprimary chemical, toxic trace metals, organic compounds, andbacteriological analysis, which include all kinds of bacteria. These testsare conducted on samples collected from various sites in the network andrepresent desalinated, brackish, and drinking water (Tables 4-15 andTable 4-16). The total number of sample collection sites in the entirewater network reached 66 including mixing and pumping stations,reservoirs, water towers, filling stations and different residential areas.

Table 4-15 Tests are conducted on samples collected from varioussites within the network. They represent desalinated, brackish, and

drinking water samples.

Parameter Desalinated water Brackish water Drinking water Total

Number ofSamples

353 360 5088 5801

Table 4-16 The number of analysis can reach 54 chemical

and 6 bacterial analyses for each water sample.

Parameter Physicalanalysis

Primarysubstances

Tracemetals

Organicmaterials

Bacterialanalysis

Total

Number ofanalysis

8 14 24 16 6 68

The centre includes also a laboratory for material testing to test materialsthat are related directly to water. It examines the toxicity of thesematerials according to internationals specifications to ensure the safety ofthese materials that are used in the general water network.


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The Centre also performs many analysis and tests for substances incontact directly with drinking water originated from metal and non-metalmaterials and parts used in the network system such as coatings, joints,and plastic pipes. These tests are performed through testing toxicity levelsto ensure the safety of drinking water and to protect it from contaminationas well as to determine the quality of the parts. The total tested substancesin the centre in 1997 reached 36 substances 69 % of which are metalcompounds such as copper and iron and the remaining 31% non-metalsubstances such as plastics, coatings, pastes, and tanks.

The Environment Public Authority

The Environment Public Authority, through the Department of WaterPollution Monitoring, monitors continuously water resources anddrinking water after reaching the consumer to ensure that it still conformsto international specifications. Samples are collected on monthly basisfrom eleven sites that represent types of water in the water distributedthrough the network. These eleven sites include ten sites, or healthcentres, under the Ministry of Health in addition to one site, which isShuwaikh centre, owned by the EPA (Table 4-18).

Table 4-18 The number of samples analyzed by the EPA in 1997.

Parameter BrackishWater

DrinkingWater

Treated SewageWater

Total

Number ofSamples

144 434 90 668

These samples are analyzed to determine their natural, chemical, andbacterial characteristics. Each drinking water sample is subjected to sixtypes of physical analysis, eight primary substances measurementanalysis and nine analyses to determine trace metals. In addition, oneanalysis to measure organic substances, three bacterial analysis and freeresidual chlorine concentration analysis (Table 4-19).

Table 4-19 The types of test carried out by the EPA.

Parameter Physical Primarysubstances

Tracesmetals

Organic Microbiological Total

Numberof

Analysis

6 8 9 1 3 27


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These analyses are carried by the EPA to demonstrate the safety of thedrinking water and its conformance to specifications and standards of theWorld Health Organization (WHO).

The Ministry of Health

In 1975, the Ministerial Decision Number 165 was issued to establish theEnvironment Health Unit in the Preventive Health Section. This unitincludes four main sub-sections. These are the Water and WasteMonitoring, Food and Monitoring Food Handling, EnvironmentalPrediction of Contagious Diseases, and the Public Properties MonitoringSub-Section. Samples are regularly collected from certain sites and inaccordance with the distribution of the health areas of the Ministry ofHealth. These sites include medical clinics, hospitals, public propertiesand distribution stations such as food factories, mosques, restaurants,super markets, drinking water coolers, and other public properties. Thenumber of drinking water samples, tested, reached 8291 samples in 1997.The tests are periodically carried-out and include bacteriological tests, foreach sample, and in total eight different types of tests.

The Ministry of Public Works

The laboratories within the treatment stations owned by The Ministry ofPublic Works conduct analyses to determine natural, chemical, andbacteriological characteristics of sewage water in the different stages oftreatment for the waters inside the stations and the outlet waters disposedto the sea or reused in other purposes.

Kuwait Municipality

Kuwait Municipality, according to its main tasks and in collaborationwith the laboratories of the Ministry of Health, monitors imported foodproducts to Kuwait including bottled drinking and mineral waters. Then,the municipality issues necessary permits certifying the safety andhealthiness of these food products.

Institutions working in studies and researches related to water

The government has placed a great emphasis on the studies andresearches related to the field of water in order to follow and cope withscientific and technical advances in the field of water. Many authoritiesand departments are responsible for conducting studies and researchesrelated to this important field including:

The Environment Public Authority.

Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research.

Kuwait University.


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The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training.

The Kuwaiti Environmental Protection Society.

Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences.

Ministry of Electricity and Water, Centre of Water ResourcesDevelopment.

Ministry of Public Works, Roads and Sanitary Engineering Sector.

The Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources.

4-2-5 Laws and legislations related to the water sector

The increasing use of water, often irresponsibly and without control, aswell as the increase in pollution of the biosphere increase the dangers ofdepleting water resources. This requires a fundamental change in attitudestoward water consumption and protecting it from pollution. The WorldHealth Organization estimates 50 thousands mortalities per day indeveloping countries caused by diseases related to water contamination. Italso estimates that 60% of village children suffer from some diseasesrelated to water including cholera, Typhoid, and fungus. Water cancontain a number of chemical substances that can have negative effectson human health if present in excessive or insufficient concentrations.Therefore, the need to have and implement strict laws and legislations isvery important.

It is worth mentioning that laws and legislations related to seawaterprotection against pollution are very crucial in Kuwait due to the fact thatseawater is the main source of drinking water, through desalination.

Amiri Decree No. 2/1962, regarding organization of the ministries andthe Establishment of the Ministry of Electricity and Water.

The State of Kuwait has fully emphasized on laws and legislations relatedto drinking water. One of these important legislations was the AmiriDecree, 2/1962 and its amendment in 1979, regarding organization of thestate ministries. The clauses of the decree stated that the Ministry ofElectricity and Water is responsible for providing electrical energy andwater as well as their transportation, distribution for production andconsumption purposes, and developing these sources according to thecountry’s needs. The clauses of the decree also stated the tasks of the Ministry of Electricity and Water in establishing departments, operatingand managing electrical energy generating stations and water productionfacilities, and drilling and excavation work for extracting ground water; inaddition to providing and distributing electrical and water services.

The ministry also has the task of conducting engineering and technicalapplied researches related to electricity and water. Finally, The Ministry


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is responsible for presenting applied standards and specifications aboutthe materials and electrical and marine equipment and their use.

Law of 1964 regarding the Prohibiting Polluting Navigational Watersby Oil.

The marine environment is directly related to water resources of Kuwait,which depend mainly on seawater desalination in providing fresh water.Therefore, the government issued many laws and legislations to protectthe marine environment from pollution produced from differentcommercial, industrial, and marine activities. The starting point was thelaw number 12 for 1964 that prohibits polluting navigation water with oilto limit the negative effects on marine environment. This includes bothlocal and regional waters as stated by article 5 of clause 1 of this law.Some clauses of the law were amended in 1968 and 1976, by raising thefinancial penalties imposed on ships and oil tankers that pollute the localand regional waters.

Law No. 1511 of 1964, amended in 1972, in relation to KuwaitMunicipality.

The State of Kuwait recognized, since the issue of this law in the sixties,the importance of the role of municipalities. Therefore, the first clauseemphasized on the establishment of a sub-committee in every governorateto manage the municipal affairs.

Clause 19 of the law explains the relationship between KuwaitMunicipality and environmental protection authority in the country. Itstate: “The municipality works generally for urban development,providing municipal services for residents, especially land surveying,towns and villages organization and landscaping, as well as ensuringmaintaining public health including food safety, public consolation, andcleanliness”. Drinking water is considered as a food product and as a partof this law.

Law of 1973 regarding the Conservation of Petroleum Resources.

The third clause of this law obliges every individuals and authoritiespermitted by law to perform a petroleum process to take all necessaryactions and precautions to prevent any damage or hazard to human life. Italso included damages to public health, properties, natural wealthresources, cemeteries, religious sites, archeological sites, and tourismlocations. The law also included all necessary actions and precautions thatshould be taken to avoid water, ground and surface, contamination and airpollution. This law protects ground and surface waters, such as seawateras source for drinking water.

Kuwait Standards Specifications No. 494/1993, for Potable Water.


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Kuwaiti standard specifications No. 494/1993 included the natural andchemical characteristics of potable drinking water. It also included theorganic and non-organic components of water that affect the publichealth. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Departmentof Specifications and Standards, prepared and approved the specificationsin collaboration with other authorities.

The Establishment of the Environment Public Authority, Law21/1995.

The explanatory note of this law indicated the importance ofenvironmental management in preserving the environment by preparingplans and national and regional strategies. Based on the governmentdesire to abbreviate the number of authorities dealing with environmentalissues, the authority was established as a central authority responsible forenvironmental protection and preservation. This authority is alsoresponsible for coordination with other authorities that have activitiesrelated to environment. The authority was also established to face the newchallenges in Kuwait after the environmental disaster caused by the Iraqienvironmental aggression in 1990. It was also established to meet theneeds of having an efficient environmental management to correspond tointernational developed environmental tools and agreements especiallywhen related sustainable development.

Therefore, in July of 1995 the government issued this law. It consists of21 clauses that emphasized particularly on the establishment of the EPAand its responsibilities and relation with other concerned authorities. Thisauthority can establish inspection and monitoring centers, which has theduty to protect the environment. In addition, the authority can alsoestablish laboratories or monitoring stations specialized in providing thefinal opinion, in relation to the laboratorial results related to environmentpollution.

Based on this law, the authority performs its tasks regarding theprotection of the water resources sector from pollution and the continuousmonitoring of water quality and it suitability for various uses. Theauthority also sets specifications and standards regarding water quality forthe different purposes and verification. Finally, the authority ensures thatthese standards are followed and implemented.

International agreements in the field of water sector

Kuwait has joined, since the sixties, many international and regionalagreements related to the environment and water resources. The countryfocuses on coping with any new topics in the agreements related to thissubject as explained below:


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The international agreement on "Preventing Sea Pollution by Oil" of1954. Kuwait signed this agreement in 19/11/1961 and it becameaffective in 27/2/1962.

The international agreement on "Preventing the Pollution of Sea fromWaste and Other Substances through Dumping" of 1972. Kuwaitsigned the agreement in 1/3/1973.

The international agreement on the "Right to Intervene In Case ofAccident that Causes Oil Pollution in High seas" of 1969. It wasagreed upon to join the agreement in 28/1/1981 and in accordance withthe Law Number 12/1981 which came into force in 1/7/1981.

The "United Nations Agreement on the Law of Sea" of 1982. It wasapproved in 6/3/1986 by Law Number 15/1986 and came to force on16/11/1994.

The "International Union for the Conservation of Nature and NaturalResources" agreement of 1978. The Kuwaiti Law Number 10/1986was released on the 24th of February 1986, stating the acceptance ofthe agreement. Kuwait was accepted as a member in the IUCN in1994.

4-3 Issues of concern related to the fresh water sector

4-3-1 Covering future water needs, necessary for a sustainabledevelopment

Most developed countries use planning tools to determine their futureneeds of water of the various consuming sectors. They also work onsatisfying water demands when needed and with the suitable cost. This isdone by preparing a clear strategy that allows medium and long termplanning to satisfy the country’s future needs on economic and environmental basis. Kuwait has succeeded in the past years in meetingwater demands for all sectors in an efficient manner.

Looking at the annual consumptions of water for the past five years, itcan be noted that the increase in fresh water demands is continuing athigh rates of 6-8% per year. Whereas the population increase rate is about3-4% every year. This difference is caused by the increase in per capitawater consumption every year. This requires conservation campaigns tolimit the increase in fresh water consumption. The government has largefuture burdens to meet future demands and the costs. In addition, it ishard to forecast the future needs for water of other consumer groups suchas industries and agriculture due to lack of information and statistics. It isobvious that providing necessary funding to meet these future needs isfundamental in order to guarantee continuation of supplies and building astrategic reserve to achieve water security for The State of Kuwait.


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To meet these large additional demands when establishing large industrialfacilities or areas and new cities, accurate information is needed inadvance in order to provide necessary tools and methods. This usuallyneeds the following durations:

- Seawater desalination plant 3-5 years.

- Water network and main pumping stations 3-5 years.

- Water storage facilities 3-4 years.

- Development of new water wells 4-6 years.

Future projects to construct desalination plants, according to the plan setby the MEW, and according to available statistics and information, twonew desalination units need to be operational in 2001 with a capacity of7.2 MIG (32,800 cubic meters) per year for every upcoming year startingfrom 2001. This is to satisfy future consumption demands of fresh water.This allows us to determine the year in which additional stations arerequired. Tables 4-20, 4-21 and 4-22 illustrates the phase in which a newdesalination units are expected to operate in new plants.

Table 4-20 Stations, phases and time of operation of units of waterdesalination stations in Kuwait.

Station Phase No. ofUnits

Time of operatingthe first unit

Notes

Al-ZurSouth

Third 4 1st quarter of 2001 Other units will follow within 3-4months.

Subbiya First

Second

8

8

1st quarter if 2003

1st quarter of 2007

Other units will follow within 3-4months.


New station First

Second

8

8

1st quarter of 2011

1st quarter of 2015



Table 4-21 In progress ground water fields.Production Capacity Salinity LevelFields No. of

Wells MIG/day MCM/day ppm

Atraf Field 85 30 0.137 4,000-4,500

Field (25), North-East of Umm Gdair 19 10 0.046 3,500-4,500

Kabd Field, North-East of UmmGdair.

32 15 0.068 4,000-4,500


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Table 4-22 Future brackish ground water fields projects.Production Capacity Salinity LevelFields No. of

Wells MIG/day MCM/day ppm

North-East ShegayaField

85 25 0.114 4,000-5,500

Second Stage Al-Wafra Field

3 7 0.032 5,000-6,000

4-3-2 Environmental issues of concern related to the reuse of treatedsewage waters for agriculture and landscaping purposes

Treated sanitary wastewater represents a renewable source that can beused for irrigation and agriculture. However, this requires it to be of goodquality and healthy in order to avoid spread of diseases and epidemicsthat could result from its use. This requires comprehensive epidemicstudies regarding the reuse of treated sewage water. Issues such as theenvironment, health, social, and religious beliefs related to the reuse ofsuch waters should also be considered. At the same time otheralternatives for the use of treated waters should be considered too.

Some of the important issues that should be considered are the partialstorage, transportation, and distribution of water. Identification signsshould also be placed to identify the pipes and joints used for treatedsewage water in addition to signs on the water outlets to warn against usefor purposes other than irrigation. The treated sewage waters can be usedfor many purposes such as:

Land rehabilitation.

Crop irrigation.

Parks and playgrounds irrigation.

Industrial use such as cooling water.

Leisure purposes (fish farming and artificial lakes.

Ground water recharging.

Due to the expansion of landscaping in Kuwait and due to scarcity ofwater, the concept of using sewage water became very practical,especially with the improvement of treatment processes. Some of therecent projects carried out in the past two decades were supplied withtreated sewage water for landscaping. The highest consumption of treatedsewage water for agriculture was in 1999 and reached 34.1 MIG. Thetotal brackish, fresh, and tertiary treated water consumption inlandscaping in 1999 reached 35.5 MIG/day.


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In this respect, the MPW and in collaboration with the PAAFR studiedthe quantity of treated sewage waters that could be used in expandinglandscaping and productive agriculture. This is done through the five-yearplan implemented in four stages depending on the priorities suggested.The total financial requirements for the four stages and to satisfy the totaltertiary treated sewage water demand of 117 MIG/day are estimated to be74 million Kuwaiti Dinars.

4-3-3 Issues of concern related to water pricing, in order to reduceconsumption and the reuse of water in industry.

The cost of water desalination is approximately 2.1 Dinars per onethousand imperial gallons (460 fils/cubic meters) as shown in Table 4-23.The government subsidizes water, which is sold to consumers at 0.8Dinars per one thousand gallons. This policy contributes to the increase inwater consumption. Proper water pricing, and adopting increasing,ascending, tariffs policy, will help to reduce the large water consumed inmany sectors, like industrial sector, and in finding another resources suchas the reuse of treated industrial sewage water.

4-4 Reasons of concern related to the water resources sector

The water resources sector faces many problems and pressure that affectits performance. The reasons for these problems and issues are indicatedin Table 4-24. There are also the following:

Regarding ground waters

The irrational use of groundwater fields used in agricultural areascauses depletion of reservoirs, increase water and soil salinity, andhence reducing productivity of the land.

Percolating of rainwater and surface waters contaminated withhydrocarbon and heavy materials generated from oil lakes to thegroundwater.

Insufficient regulations and legislations regarding well drilling andtheir effect on strategic reserve of ground water.

The financial policies are not linked to a specific authority. Also, theabsence of an integrated water management.

Regarding the near surface waters

The irrational use of irrigation water for house gardens, due to the lowprice, caused an increase in the near surface water levels in residentialareas. This threatens the foundations of buildings, infrastructurenetwork and other services, and increases the economic cost.


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Table 4-23 Cost of fresh water, in Dinars per one thousand gallons.

Final cost in Kuwaiti Dinars Year3.116 84/852.775 85/862.278 86/872.288 87/882.127 88/892.391 92/932.286 93/941.993 94/952.179 95/962.061 96/972.137 97/982.039 98/99


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Table 4-24 Current environmental problems related to water usage in Kuwait.Conventional resources Unconventional resources

Seawater Ground water (brackish and fresh) Near surfacewater

Strom water Fresh produced water Treated sewage water

- Oilcontamination ofseawater

- Dischargeuntreated sewageand industrialwater to the sea

- Increase thelevels ofvaporization andlimited amountof fresh waterreaching the seathrough rivers.

- Increase insalinity ofseawater.

-Problems in the reservoir: irrationaluse of the ground water fields usedin agricultural areas leading to:

1. Depleting ground waterreservoirs and thus increasingsalinity.

2. Increase the salinity of theagricultural soil and reducingits productivity.

-Problems caused when pollutionoccurs outside the reservoir:

1. storm water percolationpossibility or any surfacewaters carryinghydrocarbon or trace metalscontained in petroleumpollutants in northern areasof the country due to oillakes

2. Oil pollutants leachatepossibility to ground waterreservoirs from damaged oilwells in Wafra and UmGdair.

- Insufficient regulations andlegislations regarding drilling ofwells could affect ground waterstrategic reserve.

- Problem ofsurfacewaters causedby theincrease oflevels due togardenirrigationsand theireffects onbuildings’ and servicesfoundationsand higheconomiccost.

- Surface waterpumping willlead to soilerosion anddisplacementand affectbuildings’ foundationsand otherservices.

- Cost.

-Scarcity of rain ingeneral.

- Rain fall in rainseasons is notutilized properly.

-Acid rain inindustrial areasand its negativeeffects.

- (In desalination and plants-Ministry of Electricity andWater)* seawater inletexposed to:1. Pollution caused by

industrial installationsand sea, commercial,and oil ports.

2. Accumulation of mudand objects.

- Thermal pollution in areasnear industrial anddesalination installations.

- Irrational consumption byconsumers.

- Lack of coordination betweenentities to monitor waterquality.

- Contamination of transportand storage means.

- Uncertainty in meeting theneeds of water supplies withthe increase in consumption.

(70% of the sewage water comes fromfresh water consumption, which isproduced by seawater desalination-Ministry of Public Works).-Economic and social obstacles(religious, health, and environmental)for using treated sewage water.

-Unavailability of central informationcentre to conduct research and collectdata related to the reuse of treatedseawater.

-Insufficient utilization of treatedsewage water in agriculture(landscaping and greening).

-Insufficient storage capacity fortreated sewage water.

* Water policies are not designated to a specific authority, Lack of an integrated water management.


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Pumping of near surface waters will cause soil erosion andcompression, affecting building foundations and other services.

The decline to adopt proper method to treat and reuse of sub-surfacewaters.

Regarding storm water

Scarcity of rain in general.

Rainfall is high during winter season and the inability to totally collectsuch waters through the storm water drainage system.

Absence of an integrated system by storm water is collected, stored,and utilized.

Regarding fresh water

Pollution caused by industrial facilities and oil terminals andcommercial sea ports, which affects water inlets.

Accumulation of sediments and floating objects at the inlets.

The irrational consumption of water due to lack of environmentalawareness and subsidized prices.

High production cost.

Lack of coordinated monitoring of water quality between the variousauthorities.

Contamination of water tanks.

The uncertainty in meeting future demands of water due to theabsence of alternatives other than seawater desalination.

The loss in drinking water network.

Regarding the treated sanitary wastewater

The increase of load on the treatment stations usually above thedesigned capacity.

The presence of religious, health and environmental obstaclespreventing the use of treated wastewater.

Unavailability of a central information centre to study and gatherinformation related to the reuse of treated sewage water.

Increasing the coordination with the Public Authority for Agricultureand Fisheries Resources to ensure the use of all the treated waters inagricultural purposes.

Insufficient storage capacity of treated water required to reach 100%reuse.


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Weak monitoring of industries. Wastewater from some industries,containing traces metals, is discharged directly to the network and thusadversely affecting the quality of untreated sewage water.

4-5 Means and measures necessary to solve the problems of the sector

4-5-1 Objectives

It is very important for Kuwait to develop and conserve its waterresources. Therefore, the aim of this integrated environmental strategy isto protect water resources and maintain their quality as well as to developand protect the surrounding environment. Other objectives include humanhealth and welfare by considering the following objectives:

Depending on the existing water resources within the boundaries ofKuwait and their rational utilization (desalinated waters, groundwaters, treated sewage waters- near surface waters, storm water).

Providing the best technologies for water desalination from economic,technical, and environmental aspects as technologies for waterdesalination are continuously developing at lower costs.

Developing and improving the desalination resource and protecting itfrom pollution.

Maintaining water strategic reserve to be used in emergencies.

Rationalizing the utilization of ground water and protecting reservoirsfrom pollution. Considering that this resource is potentially renewable.

The proper utilization of treated wastewater (tertiary treatment) tomaintain the population health and environmental safety.

Preparing a national strategic plan for water resources managementand conservation.

Water resources should be considered as one single resource thatneeds effective planning and management. This requires theestablishment of an institution (authority or a high council at the statelevel) specifically for water resources.

Emphasizing on water quality and quantity.

The establishments of systems that provide and process data to beutilized in the planning for the development and management of waterresources and providing comprehensible information about thenational water policy.

The means and measures needed to solve the problems of the fresh waterresources sector can be divided as follows and as shown in Table 4-13:


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4-5-2 Means

Implementing water conservation means to rationalization ofconsumption.

The scarcity of natural water resources in Kuwait and the high costs ofproducing fresh water require the implementation of effective andsuccessful means to conserve this resource and limit its loss and overconsumption. This should be done through rationalizing of consumptionof ground water as it is considered as a potentially renewable resource.

The problem of increasing levels of near surface waters in Kuwait ismainly due to the irrational use of water. This phenomenon may lead tovarious economic and environmental problems, and on the long-term,causing corrosion and weakening of building foundation. Anotherproblem includes the rising costs of treating used or contaminated waters.Treatment of these waters add more financial burden on the government.

Treatment and utilization of subsurface waters in residentialareas

It is vital to reach optimum utilization of the existing water resources, andimprove its management to increase production of fresh water andmaintain water reserve to secure future water needs.

This can be done through the reuse of subsurface water and utilization asanother water resource in Kuwait. It can be utilized in irrigation and otherpurposes. By doing this, the problem of increasing subsurface water levelcan be solved, which is one of the most serious problems facing Kuwaitat present. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research has conducted manystudies to solve the subsurface water problem using reverse osmosistechnique. The idea for this project came from the success of anotherproject that reduced ground water levels in residential areas. In thenormal conditions, these waters are usually discharged into the sewagenetwork, thus wasted it. The water produced is of relatively high qualityand could be mixed with brackish water to acquire excellent water qualityfor agriculture and greening. This additional source can be used to reduceconsumption of brackish water, which is another important naturalresource that should be conserved. The reverse osmosis project will helpin reducing production cost of producing subsurface waters.

Conservation of existing water facilities and equipment

Water facilities, such as production, storage, distribution, and treatment,are considered a national asset of extreme importance due to the high costinvested in these projects. Therefore, technical conservation of thesefacilities and equipment will result in long-term usage and will preserve


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the surrounding environment. This can be achieved by setting andimplementing preventive and emergency response programmes.

Searching for a new water resources, treatment of sewage andsubsurface waters

The increase in demand from different consuming sectors, to achieve thegoals and strategic development plans, requires searching for new waterresources. These alternatives include (first) if financial requirements forseawater desalination are met, (second) searching for new ground waterresources, (third) utilization of waste waters such as treated sewage water,and (fourth) using the near surface waters produced by rain and irrigationin residential areas. However, such resources have high costs that mightdiscourage their use.

Building and development of national capacity in the field ofwater from technical and administrative side

Training national employees to manage all water production, storage,distribution, and treatment facilities in order to achieve waterconservation.

Most of the workers are employed in the government sector with differentabilities and attitudes towards work. This is due to underpayment, whichcould be an obstacle toward their acceptance in the new administrativesystems. Therefore, training those employees and improving theircapabilities should be a top priority.

Adopting new management theories and improvingadministrative systems and structures

The limited water resources in Kuwait, due to its location, and increasingdemands for water for the development of the various sectors. Adoptingnew theories, based on mathematical models to development themonitoring programmes can assists in achieve ideal utilization of waterresources, including storage, distribution, and conservation.

Adopting policies related to water quality and its conservation asan integrated water management system

Proper planning for water resources and its management is based onorganizing policies at the state level in the fields of production,consumption, training, and scientific research. It also depends onimproving administrative systems and structures to implement thesepolicies based on environmental and economic considerations. Theestablishment of a department or an independent authority responsible forvarious water resources, distribution, utilization, share distribution, and


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determining the policies to conserve the environment and water is a majornecessity.

4-5-3 Measures

Legislative measures

Issuing suitable legislations to preserve water resources and to limitground water over consumption. These legislations should organizewell drilling and water utilization.

Preparing a study and evaluating environmental legislations related tofresh water as well as specifying the institutions responsible for theirimplementation.

Determining and specifying the procedures for implementing thelegislations efficiently as well as identifying the institutionsresponsible for their implementation.

Preparing implementation mechanism to imply specifications andstandards related to the use of treated sewage water for agriculturalpurposes.

Institutional measures

Preparing a coordination and cooperation mechanisms between theresponsible institutions for water sector management such as Ministryof Electricity and Water, The Public Authority for Agriculture andFisheries Resources, Ministry of Public Works, The EnvironmentPublic Authority, and The Public Authority for Industry.

Supporting and financing researches conducted by responsibleauthorities such as Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research andKuwait University. These researches, or applied studies, are done inthe different fields of fresh water such as researches to benefit fromsubsurface waters and reducing their impacts and researches to benefitfrom treated waters.

Establishing the national structures required to monitor and implementlegislations and specifications regarding fresh water consumption andprotection against pollution.

Technical measures

Setting specifications and standards regarding engineering designs insewage treatment stations to determine the best methods of treatmentto be used safely in agriculture.

Preparing a comprehensive epidemiological study for the reuse oftreatment plant products including water and sludge.


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Reducing the use of water in agriculture by conducting a study toidentify the rational amount of water needed for irrigation andimplying higher tariff rates for over consumption.

Improving the efficiency of water uses in agriculture sector.

Improving methods to protect and control inlet water quality in thedesalination plants.

Assessing the long-term environmental impacts of desalinationprocesses.

Studying and assessing different irrigation methods currently in use.

Studying the quantity and quality of water loss and suggestingsolutions to reduce it.

Development and innovation of equipment used in water qualitycontrol.

Conducting geological and hydrological studies and researches todiscover new water wells and reservoirs as well as determining thequantity of reserves and its life expectancy.

Studying the feasibility of using storm water in recharging groundwater reservoirs, greening purposes, landscaping, cattle grazing andcombating desertification.

Studying charging ground water reservoirs using treated wastewater tocompensate for the continuous ground water production as well as toprovide an additional strategic water reserve.

Developing effective programs to enhance water quality monitoring atthe different sources.

Preparing and developing mathematical simulation models to simulatewater resources in order to obtain ideal utilization of water resources.

Economic measures

Setting ascending tariffs and incentives to rationalize consumptionpatterns of fresh, irrigation, and industrial waters.

Identifying the economic feasibility for alternatives for fresh watersupply including seawater desalination, ground brackish water, reuseof treated sewage water, the use of surface water, and the import offresh water.

Using economic measures to conserve water resources and return thecost of production and distribution.

Awareness measures


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Implementing continuous, programmed, and intensive campaigns inthe media, designed by media specialists, to explain the importance ofwater and water contamination to reduce consumption and conservethis resource.

Preparing awareness programs for non-Arabs, especially untrainedexpatriate workers, to rationalize water consumption in houses, farms,and when irrigating private gardens.

Increasing the awareness about water issues of concern througheducational programs in schools and institutions as well as culturaland religious programs.

Approving the principle of public participation in implementingconservation programs.


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Table 4-25 Goals, means, and measures required to solve the fresh water sector problems in Kuwait.Items Goals Measurable goals Measures

First: Assessingthe currentsituation of waterresources,production, andconsumption

- Determining the quantityand type of different waterresources.

- Determining consumptionlevels at different sectors.

- Determining the cost ofpreserving water type fromdifferent water resources todifferent consumer sectors.

- Determining the quantity ofunused waters and thereasons.

- Determining the activitiesand processes thatnegatively affect currentenvironmental status forwater resources

Regarding the fresh water produced from desalination stations: (data from 97/98)- Production cost of unit fresh water 1.162 Dinars/one thousand imperial gallons.- Distribution cost of fresh water to different consumer groups 0.867 Dinars/ one thousand

imperial gallons- Quantity of fresh water produced from desalination stations 68508 MIG.- Increase in demand of water in the past five years averaged 8% annually.- Total cost ranges between 1.993-2.79 fils/ one thousand imperial gallons for the same period.

Goal:- Limiting the growing demand of water.- Reducing production cost by using natural gas.

Regarding brackish water from underground wells: (data from 97/98)

Quantity of brackish water produced for 97/98 was 25817 MIG/year.- Production cost for one unit of brackish water 0.668 fils/ one thousand imperial gallons.Goal: Constant and stable consumption at the current levels for the next five years until finishingprojects related to treated sewage water use in irrigation of agricultural areas and landscaping.

Regarding treated sewage water and sewage treatment plants- Average treated sewage water quantity reached 85MIG/day for 1999.- It is expected that quantity of treated sewage water to increase to 140 MIG/day in 2015.- Treated sewage water that is used for agricultural purposes is currently 35 MIG/day in the

finished projects.- Future expected quantities in 2015 expected to be 203 MIG/day.- The percentage of use of treated sewage water in summer months is around 40% and reduces

to 24% during winter.Goal: Using 100% of the quantity of treated sewage water (tertiary treatment) in agriculture andother sectors within the next five years in order to reduce the dependence on brackishunderground and fresh waters as well as to limit the negative side effects of disposing thesewaters into the sea.

1- Studyingthe cost ofpreservingwater type.

2- A study todeterminequantity ofunusedwaters andtheir use:

- Stormwater.

- Sewagewater.

- Main waternetwork.

- Subsurfacewaters.

3- Studyingconsumptionlevels ofdifferentsectors.

Based on Statistics of the Ministry of Electricity and Water from a report conclusion related to the cost of production and distribution of fresh water 98/99.Based on Ministry of Public works Statistics, Head of Sanitary Engineering, (1999).


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Continuation of Table 4-25

Items Goals Measurable goals Measures

Second:maintaingfuture needs ofwater requiredfor economic,social,agricultural,and industrialdevelopmentbased oneconomic andenvironmentalaspects.

- Determining future consumptionneeds for different sectorsaccording to development plans.

- Preparing alternatives for the futureplan including production andstorage of water to satisfy demand.

- Considering environmental issueswhen preparing plans to supplyfuture water demands.

- Determining the alternatives andmeans to provide required fundingto build new units for waterproduction and distribution.

Regarding the fresh water produced from desalination stations:

- Capital cost to build desalination units and water distribution network forone housing unit is 3167 Kuwait Dinars for 97/98. Regarding future projectsfor desalination stations, it is expected that 4, 6, and 16 new units will beoperational in Al-Zur south, Subbiya, and a new station respectively until2015.

- Cost of establishing desalination unit with a capacity of 6 MIG is between16-18 million K.D.

Goal: To meet the future additional demands of fresh water, accurate information areneeded well in advance as well as financial funding sufficient to provide the meansand methods that need the following periods:

- (3-5) years for new seawater desalination station.

- (3-5) years for new water network and pumping stations.

- (3-4) years for water storage means.

- (4-6) years to develop new water fields.

1- Determining future waterdemand for short andmedium ranges for thefollowing:

- Underground andirrigation waters.

- Sewage andindustrial waters.

2- Preparing environmentalimpact studies for proposedprojects.

3- Studying alternatives offuture plan withguaranteeing supply ofwater demand.


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Items Goals Measurable goals MeasuresThird:Implementingmethods ofwaterpreservationandconservation.

- Preserving water and limiting water losses.- Assuring conservation in water use according

with environmental requirements incooperation with different information media.

- Coordinating and cooperating with differentsectors responsible for water use to maximizewater preservation and reducingconsumption.

- Improving and enhancing technicalcapabilities as well as coordinating betweenthe various entities with similar technicalscopes in order to integrate their effortsregarding quality monitoring and pollutiondetection according to regular programs.

- Intensify continuous monitoring on watertransport means and storage.

- Developing existing monitoring legislationsto suit environmental concerns of watersurroundings.

Regarding the cost of fresh water quality monitoring (The total cost forwater analyses in the entire governmental laboratories including Ministryof Health, Ministry of Electricity and Water, and The EnvironmentPublic Authority reached 59119066 K.D. for 1997.)

Goal: Coordinate between different entities with similar work scopes tointegrate their efforts regarding the quality monitoring and pollutiondetection according to regular programs in order to reduce the total costof monitoring and open new channels between laboratories in cases ofemergencies.

1-Prepare awarenessprograms for consumersabout conservation.2-Studying a policy forpricing of water fromdifferent resources andpresenting alternatives tolimit overuse as well asissuing laws andlegislations.3-Studying and assessingdifferent irrigationmethods.4-Studying the quantityand quality of waterlosses and suggestingsuitable solutions.

Fourth:Preservingwaterinstallationsand equipment

- Preserving the equipment and installations ofwater production, storage, and distributionaccording to environmental balance andintegrity.

- Preparing preventive maintenance programs.- Preparing awareness programs for employees

to protect them, the installations andenvironmental and water equipment.

- Improving andrenewing the equipmentand tools related toquality and type controlof fresh water in order tomeet the newenvironmental changes.


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Items Goals Measurable goals MeasuresFifth:Searching fornew waterresources.

- Providing water to accomplishdevelopment plans.

- Improving and developing waterdesalination methods by followingtechnological advances and usingproper technologies as well asalternative energy sources that donot have negative environmentaleffects.

- Discovering and improving groundwater resources.

- Increasing the use of treated sewageand industrial waters.

- Use of near surface waters inresidential areas.

- Use of storm water.

1- Conducting geological and hydrologicalstudies to discover new reservoirs and wellsfor ground waters.

2- Improving and developing methods to treatsewage water.

3- Studying the feasibility of using stormwater.

4- Conducting a comprehensive epidemicstudy about the reuse of treated water.

Sixth:Preparing,developing,and enhancingtechnical andadministrativenational staffspecialized inthe field ofwater.

- Providing technical staff requiredfor water sector.

- Attracting national staff to join thewater sector.

- Improving the capabilities ofworkers in the field of water andenvironment.

Conducting a comprehensive statistical study toidentify the human capabilities working in thefield of water and pollution as well asdetermining the level of training required.


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Items Goals Measurable goals Measures

Seventh:Adopting newmanagementtheories andimprovingadministrativesystems andstructures forideal water use.

- Coordinating administrativeprocedures between responsibleentities to preserve water resourcesand reduce their pollution.

- Linking different water resourcesadministratively in order tomaximize their use.

- Assessment of economic return forfinancial investments.

- Prepare a comprehensive emergencyplan to supply the strategic waterneeds.

- 1- Studying charging of ground waterreservoirs.

2-Developing an effective program toenhance water type and qualitymonitoring from different resources.

3- Studying the effect of currentproduction levels of ground wateron the water level and quality.

4-Developing mathematical models tolink water resources in order toachieve ideal use and operating ofdistribution system.

Eighth:Adoptingpolicies relatedto water, itstype, and itspreservation asan integratedwatermanagement.

- Finding a specialized authority forplanning and presenting policiesregarding water and its preservation.

- Presenting policies in the differentwater fields integrated withenvironmental policies.

- Improving management andtechnical systems and structures toimplement these policies.

- Finding a specialized authority for planning andpresenting policies regarding water and its preservationwithin five years.

1-Assessing the establishment of anindependent authority to managewater resources and distribution.

2-Economic water studies and availabletechnologies.

3-Studying water use policies indifferent sectors.

4-Studying environmental obstaclesthat face different sectors.

5-Improving and issuing specificationsand standards for all usages of water.


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4-6 Sources of information

Al-Awadi, Badriya (1996). Environmental Laws in the GulfCooperation Council Countries. Specialized Books Series.

Al-Feraij Khalifa, Al-Adwani Abdulla and Al-Romh Mousa (1999).Study of Change In Drinking Water Quality After the Implementationof the Recarbonization in the Drinking Water Network in the State ofKuwait. Paper presented at the Fourth Gulf Water Conference,Bahrain. Ministry of Electricity and Water, Sate of Kuwait.

Al-Feraij, Khalifa (1999). Monitoring Drinking Water Quality: cost,and legislations in the State of Kuwait. Water Environment Team,Environment Public Authority, State of Kuwait.

Al-Feraij, Khalifa Mohammad, Al-Adwani, Abdulla Awad andAbdulAleem, Mohammad Kamal (2001). Drinking WaterContamination in Transport and Storage Media and Proposed Policies.Proceedings of the Fifth Gulf Conference on Water, State of Qatar.

Al-Rai Al-Am (2002). Report of his Excellency the Minister of PublicWorks Mr. Eid Hathal Al-Reshedi that was submitted to the MinistersCabinet. Published in Rai Al-Am Daily Newspaper in Volume 13116on Wednesday 23/8/2000.

Al-Wazzan, Yousef (1996). Treatment and Utilization of Water InResidential Areas. Journal of Science and Technology, KuwaitInstitute for Scientific Research, No. 66, State of Kuwait.

Centre of Water Resources Development, (1997-1999). MonthlyReports of Water Quality Monitoring In the State of Kuwait. Ministryof Electricity and Water, State of Kuwait.

Coastal and Seawater Team, (1999). Final Report for Coastal andSeawater Team. The Environment Public Authority, State of Kuwait.

Department of Chemical Operations, (1998). Statistics and data fromthe Department of Chemical Operations. Ministry of Electricity andWater, State of Kuwait.

Department of Plant Research, (1999) Annual Abstracts of ResearchResults. Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources,State of Kuwait.

Department of Statistics, (1998-2000). Annual Statistical Book forWater. Ministry of Electricity and Water, State of Kuwait.

Environment Health Unit, (1998). Statistics and data from theEnvironmental Health Unit. Ministry of Health, State of Kuwait.


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Environment Public Authority (1998). Environmental Situation ofWaste Management (Solid, liquid, and gas) in the State of Kuwait.Prepared by the Industrial Waste Control Section, EPA. Note:Published in November 1998.

Environment Public Authority, (1997-1999). Annual Report for theEnvironment Public Authority. Environment Public Authority, Stateof Kuwait.

Hammoda, Mohammad (1999). The Reuse of Treated SanitaryWastewater and its Role in Developing Water Resources in theArabian Gulf Countries. Department of Civil Engineering, KuwaitUniversity, State of Kuwait.

Malak, Hussain (2002). Report on Sanitary Wastewater Facilities andRelated Future Projects. The report was presented to the committeethat was formed according to Ministers Cabinet Decision Number 459in its meeting number 19/2000 dated 14/5/2000 regarding findingsolution to the problem of discharging untreated sanitary wastewaterinto the sea.

Mekhaimar, Samer and Hejazi, Khalid (1999). Water Crisis in theArabian Region. A'lam Al-Marefa Publications, Volume 209.

Ministry of Electricity and Water, (1999). The Strategy of theMinistry of Electricity and Water and the Five-Year Plan. Ministry ofElectricity and Water, State of Kuwait.

Ministry of Electricity and Water, (1999-2000). Annual Reports forthe Treatment Stations in the State of Kuwait. Ministry of Electricityand Water, State of Kuwait.

Ministry of Health, (1995). Annual Reports of the Department ofPreventive Medicine. Ministry of Health, State of Kuwait.

Minutes of the Sixth Meeting for the Coastal and Marine ActionTeam, Second stage of the preparation of Environmental Strategy ofThe State of Kuwait.

Note: Other resources include: Data obtained from the Ministry of PublicWorks, Ministry of Electricity and Water, the Public Authority forAgriculture and Fisheries, the Public Authority for Industry, and theEnvironment Public Authority of Kuwait.

Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, (1999). TheGreening Journey. The Public Authority for Agriculture and FisheriesResources, State of Kuwait.

Sanitary Engineering Division, (1999). Use of Treated Waters in theState of Kuwait. Ministry of Public Works, State of Kuwait.


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ShokerAllah, Hamza Abdulla (1990). Ground water in the State ofKuwait. Ground Water Department, Ministry of Electricity and Water,State of Kuwait.

The Environment Public Authority, (1997-1999). MonthlyEnvironmental Monitoring Results for the State of Kuwait. EPA, Stateof Kuwait.

Water Environment Team, (1999). Present and Future Situation ofWater in the State of Kuwait. The Environment Public Authority,State of Kuwait.

Weather Forecasting Department, (1997-1999). Annual Reports forRain fall-out. Public Department for Civil Aviation, State of Kuwait.


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Sector FiveEnvironmental Awareness and Education


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Human Resources Improvement, Education, and Awareness Team

Dr. Adnan Izeldeen Al- Rifai Deputy Undersecretary, MeasuringDevelopment Performance andFuture Studies, Ministry of Planning.Chairman of the team.

Ahmad Al- Mousa Manager of the Information andPublic Relations, Environment PublicAuthority (EPA). Repertoire of theteam.

Dr. Jafar Al- Aryan Secretary of the Kuwaiti NationalCommittee for Education, Science,and Culture.

Khalifa Mohammad Al-Mutaw’ah

Manager, Department Training andCareer Development, EPA.

Iman Hussain Al-Mutairi Researcher, Measuring DevelopmentPerformance and Future Studies,Ministry of Planning (MoP).

Hana’a Hamid Al- Rifai Researcher, Measuring DevelopmentPerformance and Future Studies,MoP.

Preparation:

Dr. Mohammad Mo'awadh Assistant Professor, MediaDepartment, Faculty of Arts, KuwaitUniversity.

Dr. Jafar Al-Aryan Secretary of the Kuwaiti NationalCommittee for Education, Science,and Culture.

Supervision, review, editing, completion of the scientific materialand re-organizing it:



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5-1 Introduction

Environmental education is defined as the process of providingindividuals with facts and information, shaping values, directions andskills. It also aims to develop his capabilities to understand and appreciatecomplicated and interacting relations related to environment. The purposeis to protect the environment through proper use for his own advantageand to improve his living standards. Educational research and studiesconfirm that environmental education is the output of the process ofredirecting and linking the different science domains and educationalexperiences to assist understanding the environmental issues andproblems and allows for more efforts to improve the environment andmeet the needs of the society.

Environmental education works toward developing the community and itspeople by making them more sensitive and considerate towards theenvironment and its problems. Environmental education also workstoward making the people acquire the knowledge, skills, directions,expertise, and behaviors that enables them to protect and preserve theenvironment. Environmental awareness, however, deals with introducingthe surrounding environment, its phenomena, and problems to individualsor groups, which may appear in the future. Therefore, people should haveenough knowledge and experience to deal with such problems. Therefore,people awareness and comprehension should be raised within the society.This will enhance their capabilities of understanding and analyzingleading to effective participation in preserving and dealing with theenvironment.

It is known that participating in environmental activities enhancesenvironmental education regardless of what can be achieved whether it isin the environmental field activities or in the efforts exerted to reachdesired environment condition. Based on the fact that education is acontinuous process directly related to extension of life on earth, educationcan help people to attain proper chances to acquire comprehensive andintegrated development spiritually, socially, mentally, and physically tothe maximum limits allowed by their readiness and capabilities.

This should also be done within the society values, heritage, culture, andprinciples in order to balance between achieving personal goals andpreparing them to participate effectively in developing and improving thesociety. On the other hand, any environment preservation program shouldconcentrate on environmental education and raising environmentalawareness or environmental media in addition to national capacitybuilding.


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Objectives of environmental education

Environmental education aims at preserving and maintaining theenvironment as well as raising environmental awareness andunderstanding in order to effectively manage and preserve environmentalresources and protect human life and improve his living standards. It willalso help in changing people behavior patterns toward conservation of theenvironment. The goals of environmental education can be summarizedas follows:

Enhancing and nourishing environmental awareness among peopleand finding the appropriate approaches to maintain betterenvironmental, social, and economic interaction.

Encouraging individuals to acquire knowledge, skills, values, anddirections needed to protect and preserve the environment.

Developing new human behaviour patterns to positively deal with theenvironment.

The general goals of environmental education

Awareness: Including helping the society to develop awareness andsensitivity toward the environment as a whole and its relatedproblems.

Knowledge: Providing individuals and people with information, facts,knowledge, and expertise that help them in understanding theirenvironment and its problems.

Directions: Acquiring and developing proper individual directionstowards the environment to enable individuals to form values andparticipate in improving and preserving the environment.

Skills: Acquiring individuals for skills that contribute in defining andsolving environmental problems.

Participation: Providing the opportunity for individuals and groups toeffectively participate and work in solving environmental problems.

The targeted audience for environmental education and awarenessincludes different sectors and groups of Kuwaiti society, which can bedivided into two groups. The first group is the systematic educationincluding preschool children, different education stages students(through school education), higher education students (KuwaitUniversity for example), and teachers and specialists in environmentaffairs. The second group is the unsystematic education to includeresidents and expatriates, including youths and elderly people fromdifferent population sectors such as families, workers, decision makersin environmental fields and other groups.


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5-2 Assessing the resources of the education sector and the sector thatdeals with environmental awareness

The State of Kuwait is considered rich in the number of institutions andauthorities, governmental and non-governmental that participates inenvironmental education as well as raising environmental awareness inthe society. Some of these institutions are:

5-2-1 Governmental establishments

Ministry of Information

The Kuwaiti media follows a flexible and open local policy to increaseenvironmental awareness. The information policy verifies this byexploiting the media through all its divisions and means to raiseenvironmental awareness in Kuwait. This is conducted by publishinginformation and facts related to different environmental aspects and theirproblems. This is done in collaboration with other concerned authoritiessuch as Kuwait University, The Environment Public Authority, andothers.

The Ministry of Information is concerned with raising people (nationalsand local residents) awareness in the field of environment as well asraising their understanding level of the environmental problems to be ableto react responsibly. This will enable people in the society to gainknowledge about the situation of the environment and will also broadentheir understanding to their surrounding and increase their capabilities.This will increase their active participation in making decisions andputting them into effect. This will be reflected on all aspects of theenvironment.

The Ministry of Information employs different information channels(printed and audiovisuals) to serve the society and environmentalawareness by diffusing and increasing the understanding and knowledgeabout environment, sharing people daily life and environmental problems.It also aims to express their demands, opinions and needs and at the sametime following latest environmental news and anticipating them to gainenvironmental facts promptly and share them with the society. This isdone through the following channels:

Educational or environmental programs dealing with environmentalissues. These programs are transmitted through the different radio ortelevision channels such as The Public Radio Program, Second RadioProgram, Holy Quran Radio, Arabic and English FM Radio channels,First T.V. channel, Second T.V. channel, Third T.V. channel, FourthT.V. channel, and the Kuwaiti Satellite channel.


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Press materials related to environment and its problems throughdifferent periodicals published by the Ministry of Information such asThe Official Kuwait Gazette, Kuwait Magazine, Al-Arabi Magazine,AlArabi AlSagheer, AlArabi book, and other publications, leaflets,and posters issued by the Ministry.

The educational activities or publications related to environmentproduced by the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters suchas Alam Al-Fikr (Idealogy World), Alam Al-Marefa (KnowledgeWorld), Al-Thaqafa Al-Alamya (International literature), IbdaatMahalya (Local Innovations) periodicals. The Council tries todisseminate awareness and culture in all fields and works to enhanceintellectual productivity. Other activities of the Council includeorganizing festivals related to the environment such as Al-QurainCultural Festival and the Children Culture Festival as well as someexhibitions.

News, views, issues, and opinions related to environment, its aspects,or its problems transmitted by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) as wellas their effects on institutions and individuals in the State of Kuwait.KUNA transmission is round the clock and in both Arabic andEnglish. KUNA also has voice news service and releases publicationsthat include the most important environmental events on the local,regional, Arabian, and international levels. KUNA also organizesinformational conferences and seminars.

In summary, all media institutions mentioned above supply individualsand groups with information, ideas, facts, opinions, and experiences thatcan assist in providing them with knowledge about the environment andinteractions.

Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs

The Ministry of Awqaf exerts evident efforts for the cause ofenvironmental protection and raising environmental awareness throughmany of its activities. This includes the coordinating with The Ministry ofEducation in presenting religious and educational lessons for students atdifferent educational stages and cultural activities beyond the mosquesboundaries. This includes environmental issues, which will assist inbuilding an Islamic personality filled with Islamic values andunderstandings and respect to the environment. Other activities include:

Organizing seminars related to aspects of the environment and itspreservation.

Issuing Al-Mawsooa Alfeqhyia (religious book) that handles someenvironmental issues and ways to deal with them.


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Fatwa (religious advice or opinion) that are given by the FatwaCommittee within the Ministry for dealing with environmental issues.This service is provided on the phone or through its differentpublications.

Different publications issued by the Ministry of Awqaf includingreligious books or magazines that many include environmental issues.

Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health conducts many activities that contribute andsupport the environmental protection efforts. This is carried out throughthe Preventive Health Section and the Environmental Health Unit byvisiting and monitoring nurseries, kindergartens, schools, and healthclubs to ensure their compliance with health regulations. They alsomonitor public swimming pools and follow up and investigate complaintsand health problems and try to find solutions.

The Ministry of Health is also responsible for issuing health publicationsthat increase environmental awareness especially those related tooccupational health and controlling pollutants generated in the workenvironments. The occupational Health Section conducts routineexaminations on workers from different occupations, especially inschools, assesses work conditions, setting specifications and standards foroccupational fitness. It also sets plans to prevent and solve environmentalproblems and obstacles.

Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour

The ministry pays attention to activities and programs organized inchildren parks and nurseries to educate children about environmentalissues. This is carried out through the Department of Childhood, and themonitoring of programme executed by NGOs and CommunityDevelopment Department. The ministry also prepares and publishesmany booklets and publications that serve the purpose of environmentalprotection and increase environmental awareness. The ministry alsofocuses on environmental issues in the activities it organizes, includingseminars, training courses, competitions, exhibitions, and workshops incollaboration with the Department of Guidance and Awareness, which isconcerned about environmental awareness. The ministry also works toenhance genuine values among residents, educate and encourage them topreserve the environment.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour incorporate many childrenclubs and nurseries that are overseen by the Department of Childhood.These facilities are equipped with various equipments such as TV’s, VCR’s, cinema display equipment, and libraries, which include children


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books and stories. The Ministry works to educate people and developtheir capabilities and skills in dealing with the environment. It alsoorganizes many seminars, lectures, exhibitions, and competitions in thefields of environment.

Ministry of Education

The ministry plays a major role aiming to protect and preserve theenvironment by introducing environmental concepts, facts, ideas, andknowledge in school curriculums for students at different levels(kindergarten, preschool, primary, intermediate, and secondary) anddifferent education types, public, religious, private, and open education.This is also achieved by organizing environmental seminars andworkshops. It also concerns with the centres for leadership training andguidance. The Ministry also supports Friends of the Environment groups.Studies indicate that environmental concepts are increasingly includedwithin course syllabus and textbooks to reach about 24,075 pages.

In intermediate schools, environmental education concepts represents 3%, 49%, 27.5%, and 10.24 % of the total number of pages of sciencebooks for first, second, third, and fourth classes, respectively. Insecondary schools, the average environmental education concepts in allcourses reached 41 pages representing 14.19% of the total number ofpages in sciences. In the two semester secondary school systems,environmental education concepts represented 54.4% and 13.6% of thescience subjects in first and second classes respectively. In Third class(science) the percentage reached a minimum of 1%, but it reached 58.8%of the geology book for third class (science). As for the fourth class(science), the percentage of environmental education concepts reached8.7%; whereas for third year (art), the percentage was 6.4 %.

In addition, the ministry is also responsible for training teachers toimprove their educational methodologies and achieve the goals ofenvironmental education effectively. The ministry is also responsible fordeveloping educational directions among the persons in charge of schoolmanagement to improve environmental education. Another task for theMinistry includes school activities aiming to train students for their futurepractical life. These activities include environmental education with all itsdifferent aspects. The activities also include competitions, to increaseenvironmental awareness, participating with the communities,exhibitions, environmental festivals, preparing educational programs andpublishing magazines directed to different education stages. Otheractivities include educational media and theatre activities. The Ministryalso supplies school libraries with references, books, and periodicals thathelp in raising environmental awareness among students.


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Kuwait University

Kuwait University, through its colleges and centres, is the windowthrough which the youths of Kuwait looks into the treasures of scienceand culture. The University has great technical and scientific capabilities,which attracted many researchers and specialists in the different fields ofknowledge including the field of environment. The University conductedmany sophisticated scientific researches in all areas of science includingenvironment to develop scientific theories and situate them according toneeds of the Kuwaiti society.

The University organizes conferences and scientific seminars related toenvironmental aspects and its conservation. It introduces its students toenvironmental concepts and facts and increases their environmentalawareness about its problems and the related legislations. The Universityorganizes camps and activities that serve the environment. The librariesof the University contain many sources of information to benefit studentsand teaching staff. They also contain audiovisuals, and microfilmingequipment to support demonstrating environment awareness. On the otherhand, scientific research including research on environmental issues isopen to researchers from inside or outside the University.

The University also publishes many scientific and informative periodicalssuch as Majalat Derasat Alkhaleej wal Jazeera Al-Arabya (Journal of theGulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies), Majalat AlUloom Al-Ijtimaya(Journal of Social Sciences), Al-Majala Al-Arabya Lel-Uloom Al-Insanya (The Arabic Journal for Humanitarian Sciences), Majalat Al-Hoqooq (Law Journal of Law), Majalat Al-Shareea (Sharia’ Journal), Majalat Al-Tarbya (Journal of Education), and other Journals. Studentand scientific student unions have other publications, which contain muchinformation regarding environmental education and awareness.

The University also publishes many books related to environmentalaspects. It provides financial awards for authors in order to encouragepublication of books in this field. It also supports scientific, field, andapplied researches for teaching staff, researchers and students in the fieldsof environment and environmental awareness. Many teaching staffmembers participate in many authorities and consultations in the field ofenvironment.

The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training

This authority is responsible for vocational education in colleges andinstitutes of applied education and training. It also puts great efforts inenvironmental education and awareness both as a specialty as in theEnvironmental Health Department or as subjects within otherdepartments curriculum. The authority is in the process of establishing an


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institute for environmental studies, which is specialized in environmentalsciences. The expected year of admission is 2002/2003 and the durationof study will be two years. The courses and curriculum will includeenvironmental problems in Kuwait and the gulf region. The efforts in thisfield will be coordinated with the EPA. Teaching staff in the centre willalso conduct and publish researches, studies, and scientific publications inthe field of environment as well as providing environmental consultationsfor various governmental authorities and institutions.

In addition, the center will be able to participate in the variouscommittees dealing with environmental issues such as EnvironmentalImpact Assessments. The authority organizes scientific conferences;seminars related to the environment and encourages teaching staff toparticipate in these and other international conferences. The authoritypublishes papers, booklets, publications, and magazines dedicated toenvironmental education and awareness.

Environmental education programs at Kuwait University and thePublic Authority for Applied Education and Training

Kuwait University and the Public Authority for Applied Education andTraining (PAAET) pays attention to issues related to human interactionwith the environment. As a result, the courses are designed to increase thelevel of environmental awareness among students. This will prepare thefuture generation to resolve challenges facing the environment andmaintaining its quality from deterioration by building an environmentallyresponsible workforce. The courses provided by Kuwait University, morethan 27 courses of 3-4 hours a week each, along with the PAAET focuson studying the environmental dimensions, its components, andenvironmental problems.

Some of these courses include Man and the Environment, Man andEnergy, Earth and the Universe, Earth Natural Resources, The ChangingEarth, Environmental geology, Environmental Conservation, Principlesof Environmental Science, International Environment Law, Climate,Geography, Environmental Resources, Geography, Air Pollution, EnergyPrinciples, Energy Geography, Environmental Psychology, TheEnvironment, Soil Science, Kuwait Wild Flora, Solar Energy,Sediments,.. etc.

PAAET and through the Department of Environmental Health at theCollege of Health Sciences, the Colleges of Basic Education andTechnological Studies teaches courses on the different fields of theenvironment. These include Environmental Sciences, TerrestrialEnvironment, Marine Environment, Environmental Analysis, Control ofEnvironmental Catastrophes, Man and Environment, Environmental


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Services, Environmental Education, Environmental Culture,Environmental Field Training Programs, Marine Science andClimatology,..etc.

On the other hand, faculty members of the University and the authorityconduct many environmental studies and researches. They alsoparticipate in the fields of environmental protection through committees,work teams, and consultations in the environmental field. They alsoparticipate in scientific conferences and seminars related toenvironmental issues. They are consulted by referee journals related tothe environment. Based on these facts it is apparent that the Universityand PAAET play a major role in teaching environmental sciences,conducting advanced researches, and preparing qualified scientificmanpower capable of understanding environmental aspects, its issues,and problems.

The Environment Public Authority (EPA)

The EPA Works to increase environmental awareness and responsibilityas an ethical value and importance to maintain safer life on earth. It playsan important role by cooperating with all government ministries,especially the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education.The Authority also prepares a comprehensive national plan forenvironmental conservation, increasing environmental awareness,combating pollution problems, organizing environmental weeks andcultural seasons that relates to environmental issues.

It also organizes conferences, seminars, roundtables, and workshops thatfocus on raising environmental awareness. The authority holds variousactivities and environmental training courses, in which students fromdifferent educational stages can participate. The Authority also fundsmany environmental and impact assessment researches and responds topeople enquiries and follows up their complaints. The Authority haveother tasks, which include training and preparing national staffs to protectthe environment from pollution, preventing deterioration, simplemanagement of protected areas, organizing competitions that aims toraise awareness about environmental problems among people.

The authority also implements many environmental projects such as therehabilitation of Al-Qurain landfill site near the residential area. TheAuthority is responsible for setting a public program, within this projectfor environmental education to raise awareness of citizens and residentsand encourage them to positively participate in conserving theenvironment.

The EPA also provides the media with updated information,environmental data, information and facts as well as well as responding to


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people’s enquiries in the newspapers. This will emphasizes the role of the environment in the national media. The authority also issues a dailyrelease about the environmental issues published in local newspapers.The authority also publishes many books, publications, and scientificmaterials, including leaflets, posters, signs, advertisements, andbrochures. The authority also has an information center, which providesinformation to assist in making environmental decisions. The centre alsoprovides an advanced computerized system to assist decision makerswithin the EPA to follow-up environmental matters. The centre is alsoestablished an information network that links all the authoritydepartments.

The EPA, also, has a library that contains most of the importantreferences, books, and publications containing basic requirements forenvironmental information. This will meet the interests of workers andresearchers towards capacity building that can be used in the variousfields of environment. The library also provides many services such aspublic awareness on sources of information and provides training on howto use these resources. The Library also provides the various departmentsand researchers with the necessary data and information in a fast andefficient manner.

Kuwait Municipality

Kuwait Municipality performs many activities related to the environment,public health and wellbeing including cleanliness activities and thepreventing activities that could result in environmental disorder. TheMunicipality publishes many guidelines in this regard. It also organizesmany activities that assist in achieving the goal of environmentalprotection.

Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

KISR is concerned with conducting environmental researches and studiesthrough the Department of Environment and Earth Sciences, whichlargely contributes in the conservation of the environment. Otherresearches conducted by KISR include those related to water and foodresources, oil, energy, construction, and engineering systems. TheNational Centre for Scientific and Technological Information at KISRoffers channels that provide information to assist decision making inenvironmental matters. KISR also organizes training courses that provideworkers with knowledge and experience in the fields of environment. Italso initiates science clubs for student from various school levels thatconcentrates on environmental aspects. The number of participants isusually very high.


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On the other hand, The Department of Environment and Earth Sciences atKISR is concerned with executing the environmental database systemproject. The project aims to provide information to other authorities inKuwait including urban planning and covers future research needs. Thefirst and second stages of this project were completed. This includes theorganizational structure of the environmental information system and dataentry of all necessary information related to the marine environment, landand atmosphere. The third stage is currently in progress. This includesinformation on the economic and social aspects (population distribution,sources of pollution and over consumption of natural resources).

Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences

This Foundation pays considerable attention to environmental issues,which is demonstrated by providing research awards, organizingscientific conferences, workshops, seminars, and other cultural activities.Since 1991, the Foundation funded more than 56 research projects relatedto the environment with total cost of seven millions and five hundredsKuwaiti Dinars. One of these projects is the "Atlas of the State of Kuwaitfrom Satellite Images", which contains geographic, satellite, geological,climatic, and marine information related to Kuwait. The board of thefoundation considers the environmental aspect as one of the mainpriorities of the scientific research. The institute also organizes manyactivities that serve the environmental cause and publishes scientificperiodicals and many studies in this field. For example, scientificencyclopedias, books translation, university theses, specialized books i.e.scientific-cultural and Arabic scientific heritage books.

Al-Waqf Fund for Environmental Conservation

This fund is considered as one of the important projects established by theGeneral Waqf Secretarial Office to support environmental researchprojects and to increase environmental awareness. This fund hasaccomplished many activities in these fields including publishingenvironmental studies, encouraging the production of materials andpublications that serve environmental protection and supporting otheractivities that increase environmental awareness. Some of the importantactivities organized by this fund are: “A Tree for Every Student Project”,preparing environmental publications, books, environmental studies, andleaflets, supporting environmental heritage of the State of Kuwait. Inaddition, holding environmental training programs for students of theMinistry of Education, and finally participating and supporting manyconferences and seminars organized by the State of Kuwait in this field.

The Public Authority for Youths and Sports


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This authority encourages research and studies, including environmentalissues that help Kuwaiti youths to develop their environmental awareness.It also holds and organizes festivals, shows, competitions, trainingcourses, camps, and cleaning campaigns of beaches, communitycleanliness, environment preservation and awareness projects.

5-2-2 Non-governmental establishments participating in raisingenvironmental awareness

The Kuwaiti Society for the Protection of the Environment

This society established in 1976 as one of the non-profit organizations.Since its establishment, its efforts were concentrated on protecting andmaintaining the environment as well as increasing environmentalawareness. The society holds several discussion meetings, seminars,lectures, competitions, and workshops in this field. It also publishes manyenvironmental publications. These include the following:

The Environment Magazine.

This magazine is published monthly and it covers environmental news,facts, information, opinions, experiences, and issues that aid in raisingenvironmental awareness in the State of Kuwait. It also covers thefollowing issues:

Environmental issues series publications.

Educational environmental storybooks to support environmentaleducation and awareness for children.

Environmental books and studies.

Environmental awareness series publication.

Books exhibiting wild life in the State of Kuwait.

The society also organizes exhibitions aimed at introducing theimportance and significance of the environment to the Kuwaiti society. Inaddition, the society works towards enriching its library with books,references, publications, and studies. This is being carried-out in order tosupport environmental issues as well as to serve the demands of itsvisitors and researchers, other interested groups in the field ofenvironment, and students from schools and colleges.

The society also organizes projects to raise children awareness aboutenvironment and means to preserve it. This assists in raising a highlyenvironmentally responsible generation that can interact properly with theenvironment, participate effectively and positively in environmentalactivities and is aware of the environmental impact of unsustainableactivities and behaviors.


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Newspapers and magazines published by press media in Kuwait.

There are many private and various Kuwaiti newspapers and magazines,including five daily Arabic newspapers i.e. AlWatan, Al-Qabas, Al-Seyasah, Al-Anba’a, and Al-Rai Ala’m and two daily English newspapers. In addition, there are many other newspapers and generaland specialized magazines that deal with different aspects of life. Thereare approximately 110 weekly magazines, 18 biweekly magazines, 105monthly magazines, 23 quarterly magazines, and one annual magazine.Many of these publications publish environmental issues, problems, andaffairs as well as playing a vital role in environmental education andawareness.

Environmental aspects are also addressed in these publications throughpublished news, facts, information, and articles, which include opinions,comments, news investigations, competitions, and follow ups ofenvironmental issues of the State of Kuwait. This is carried-out throughpublishing images, photographs, drawings, tables and statistics. Thepurpose of this is to increase public and government attention to be paidto these issues, to combat environmental problems, and to raiseenvironmental awareness of the Kuwaiti society. This will help in makinghuman behavior towards the environment more sustainable and hencesolving environmental issues that face the society.

Other Kuwaiti Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

These organizations cover wide aspects related to local, regional andinternational significant issues. These include the Heritage RevivingSociety, Social Reform Society, Teachers Society, Literates Union,Journalist Society, Women Society, Engineers’ Society, Lawyers’ Society, Physicians’ Society, Agricultural Engineers’ Society, and others. The cultural activities of these societies include environmental affairs andits preservation as well as environmental awareness through theirseminars, lectures, conferences, and exhibitions. These societies publishmany periodicals and magazines that include environmental issues.Examples include:

“Al-Mojtama’a” (The Society) Magazine, which is published by the Social Reform Society.

“Al-Mohandes Al-Zera’ee” (The AgriculturalEngineer) which is amonthly pictorial magazine.

“Al-Bayan” which is published by the Literates Society.

“Al-Moalem Magazine” Magazine (The Teacher), which is published by the Teachers’ Society.


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“Al-Ta’awon Magazine (The Cooperation), which is specializedinissues, related to cooperative societies affairs of the State of Kuwait.

“Al-Khairya” Magazine (The Charitable), which is published by the International Charitable Authority.

“Al-Majara” Magazine (The Galaxy), which is published by the Scientific Club.

There are also other magazines that are concerned with environmentalissues, its affairs, and problems. The environmental issues of concerns areaddressed in the different issues of these magazines to assist in supportingraising environmental awareness of the citizens. There are many non-governmental institutions or organizations that play varying andimporting roles in the field of raising environmental awareness that arenot mentioned in this strategy.

5-2-3 Programs, courses, and activities related to increasing theenvironmental awareness level

These include the following:

Educational courses given by various educational establishments andat different educational stages i.e. primary, intermediate, andsecondary in the fields of science, sociology, Arabic language, and Arteducation. In addition, to college courses offered by KuwaitUniversity and other institutes and colleges specialized inenvironmental education, its issues, and problems.

School activities, in the various schools and educational institutions,such as school wall journal and pamphlets, educational television,boys’ scout, girls’ scouts, friends of the environment…etc.

Cultural activities, such as seminars, conferences, lectures,exhibitions, festivals, and scientific workshops, organized byeducational institutions such as schools, colleges, institutes, and theUniversity. These activities might also include publications thatinclude opinions, information, comments, drawings, pictures, or viewsthat could help this process.

Cultural activities related to environmental issues and affairs andorganized by non-systematic institutions including lectures,interviews, seminars, exhibitions, competitions, and other activities.

Informational materials related to environmental issues and problems.These include news, interviews, debates, reports, statistics,competitions, drawings, and photos published in newspapers,magazines, and periodicals.


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Publishing books, booklets and storybooks related to environmentalissues and problems.

Supplying libraries of educational institutions with environmentalreferences and publications.

Producing some audio and visual materials (Video cassettes, CD’s, films...etc) that relates to environment or with one of its problems tobe presented on the television, radio, or the World Wide Web(internet); or presented to schools and colleges.

Organizing camps and projects that focus on greening, landscaping,beach cleaning, environment protection, or recycling to spread theenvironmental awareness amongst workers.

Preserving Kuwaiti environmental heritage, such as the conservationof “Al-Sidra”, one of the oldest trees in Kuwait. It is located in Sharq area opposite to The Public Authority for Minors Affairs building.

Organizing training courses in the field of environmental protectionand conservation such as Environmental Media Course, coursesorganized by Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research, Scientific Club,and other courses in this field.

National campaigns to control irrational utilization of water, soildeterioration and other sustainable campaigns.

Advertisements concerning environmental protection, sanitation, andadequate environmental behaviors.

Celebrating important environmental occasions such as theEnvironmental Day, the day of extinguishing the last burning oil wellset on fire by the Iraqi forces during the aggression on Kuwait.

Despite the efforts put forth by official and non-official authorities todevelop environmental awareness within the society, these efforts areconsidered as insufficient and limited. This can be observed by the lackof environmental awareness the common problems and people’s responsibility towards solving them. In summary, there are generalremarks about resources required by the Environmental Education andAwareness Sector. These include:

Shortage of manpower working in the field of environment.

The insufficient resources allocated for this sector including financialand administrative support.

The lack of coordination between authorities working in the field ofenvironmental education and awareness.


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The use of traditional educational methods in environmentaleducation.

Lack of integrated campaigns that utilizes maximum resources andcommunication to tackle environmental problems.

The gap between the educational system and the information media(especially in the field of executing the activities and programs relatedto the environment.

Lack of information, ideas and incompetent contents and outline ofinformation materials related to environmental issues or problems.They also lack to proper scientific basis especially when planning orexecuting projects.

The deficiency of adequate provision and amendments of all activitiesand programs related to environmental education and awareness.

Lack of communication with the public including expatriates whorepresent about 62% of the total population from more than 133nationalities.

Dispersed efforts of the governmental and non-governmentalorganizations in the field of environment.

Insufficient training programmes for workers in the field ofenvironmental education and awareness.

Limited public participation and support to environmental programsand activities organized by related institutions and authorities.

5-2-4 The technical and institutional resources available to developenvironmental awareness

In spite of the availability of many technical and institutional resources,such resources are not efficiently utilized due to lack of coordination andimproper planning. Therefore, efforts in this regard can be considered ascompeting against rather than complementing each other resulting intowaste of such resources.

Despite the various efforts in the field of environmental education andawareness, studies show that institutions are still not fulfilling theirobjectives. In addition, environmental education (at the official and non-official levels) requires a plan with clear targets that aims to improveknowledge, skills, and behavior patterns. This will also requires morecoordination between the various institutions under the umbrella of theEnvironment Public Authority.

5-2-5 Environmental awareness programs among Major Groups(children, youths, women…etc)


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Childhood is the first stage in human’s life in which personalities are shaped. The early childhood stage includes children between 3-5 yearsold and is classified as the kindergarten level. The number of children atthis level in the various schools is 203,567. On the other hand, the latechildhood stage (6-12 years) is the primary school level and thebeginning of intermediate education.

The preschool stage is the stage in which personalities shaped and manyconcepts and values are learned. Studies show that 50% of what childrenlearn at this early stage remains until they reach 18 years of age.Therefore, scientists recommend that special attention should be paid tochildren toys. At the age between 6-12 years children interacts with thelarger society and form relationships with friends and peers outside thefamily. Therefore, the family in Kuwait is important to its childrenbecause it is considered as the first interaction with other people andwhere children receive their first lessons in life.

Kuwaiti children represent more than 20% of the society total populationand therefore, require special environmental awareness programs inkindergarten and schools (primary and intermediate). In Kuwait, theattention to children, which includes offering environmental education,will enable them to deal with their future responsibilities regarding theenvironment. However, education and culture should be combined inorder to shape the children personalities with more social andpsychological integration when dealing with the environment.

On the other hand, Kuwait’s youths represent a large segment of the society. Researchers indicates that youth age in Kuwait society rangesbetween 15-24 years reached more than 297,687 individuals representing18% of the total population and 38% of Kuwaitis (according to statisticsby the Central Statistics Department for 1996). This group includesstudents in secondary school level as well as colleges in the universityand the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training as well asother youths who were not able to continue their secondary education.These youths need continuous environmental education and program toincrease their environmental awareness levels.

As for Kuwaiti women, they represent approximately half the Kuwaitisociety (more than 49.4% of Kuwaitis according to latest statisticsconducted by the Ministry of Planning). The role of Kuwaiti mothers isimportant not only in raising children but also in serving the communityand the country through the various service and production projects.Kuwaiti women also need environmental awareness especially whendealing with environmental problems.

5-2-6 Environmental awareness among decision makers


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Decision makers in various fields need to follow the new directions byrationally managing the environmental resources and dealing withenvironmental problems and issues of concern. This is also required fromother employees in different organizations and institutions to support andproperly interact with environmental issues.

To accomplish this, society leaders should be more aware ofenvironmental issues in order to accommodate the advances of theKuwaiti experience in regard to all fields of the environment andsustainable development. This is very important to formulate policies thatmeet the present and future needs of the society. This will assist decisionmakers when setting the national policy for the protection of theenvironment and when monitoring progress in environmental laws andlegislations. It will also assist when selecting alternative technologies andmaterials less harmful to the environment.

5-2-7 Environmental awareness among foreign workers

Statistics show that expatriates form approximately 62% of the totalpopulation in Kuwait representing more than 133 nationalities. Statisticalreports for the year 2000 regarding the main population and workforcecharacteristics and prepared by the Planning and Follow up Sector in theHuman Development Department at the Ministry of Planning, show adecrease in illiteracy rate in both genders of expatriates from 11.6% in1999 to 10.7% in 2000. Most of the 33.7% of expatriates work asdomestic staff and have basic education. The report also indicates thatthere is a lack of information regarding their directions, attitudes, andawareness towards environmental issues and problems. Therefore, thiscan be considered as an obstacle when setting programs that targets thedifferent groups in the society.

5-2-8 Environmental awareness among the media

Kuwait media continuously works to utilize all the necessary means toserve the community and support national issues. Environmental issuesand problems should be considered as one of the important issue on itsagenda. This requires increasing the persons in charge awarenessincluding all channels including Radio Kuwait and all its programs andservices. This includes the General Radio Program, Second RadioProgram, The Holy Quran Radio, focuses on religious issues, and the twoMusic Programs i.e. Arabic and English F.M. channels.

It is also required to increase the awareness of the persons in charge atKuwait Television, which aims at informing, educating, guiding, heritagerelaying of the society through the different television channels. Thechannels include KTV 1, the First Channel, the main channel of KuwaitTelevision, KTV 2, the Second Channel, transmits the English program


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channel directed to non-Arabs, KTV 3, the Third Channel, transmits sportand youth programmes, KTV 4, the Fourth Channel, transmitsentertainment programmes, and finally the Satellite Channel, whichtransmits most of the First Channel Programmes.

Other bureaucrats also need to be involved in the environmentalawareness process. This includes persons in charge for specializedinformational publications such as the Book of Facts and Numbers, whichis published every two years and in many languages (Arabic, English, andFrench) by the Ministry of Information. The book providescomprehensive and documented information about the achievements ofvarious sectors in Kuwait based on numbers and facts.

In addition to the Annual Book and some periodicals published by theMinistry of Information such as the Kuwait Gazette (AL-Kuwait Al-Youm), other publications are also issued. This includes Al-ArabiMagazine, which aims at educating Arabic minds, considering Arabheritage, and opening future horizons. Al-Arabi Al-Sagheer (youngArabian) magazine also serves children and youth and provides them withinformation, pictorial stories, and competitions. It mainly aims atinforming, educating, and entertaining young readers.

In addition, Al-Arabi Book presents group of different subjects andarticles written by one author. On the other hand, Kuwait Magazine alongwith other monthly publications provides readers with educational, news,and ideological materials.

Officials responsible of publications a well as in Information Officeslocated in many Arab and foreign capitals such as Tunisia, Cairo,Morocco, Beirut, London, Washington, and New Delhi all can transferother countries experience in the field of environment.

Kuwaiti News Agency (KUNA) includes many sections such as andmost importantly, the news coverage section. It covers local, gulf,Arabic, Islamic, and international news in all fields including theenvironment. There are also other sections such as the InformationCentre and the Photography Section…etc.

The National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters is an independentauthority chaired by the Minister of Information. The Council plays avital role in preparing a suitable atmosphere for cultural and artisticinnovation and in developing cultural activities. Therefore, it isnecessary for the council to focus on environmental issues (protectionand conservation) as part of its policy to increase environmentalawareness through all of its activities such as exhibitions, publications,and cultural weeks…etc.


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5-2-9 Environmental awareness among some religious clerics (mosqueImams and Islamic preachers)

According to the Kuwaiti Constitution, Islam is the official religion of thecountry and Islamic law (or Shari’a) is a main source of legislation. However, the constitution also grants the freedom of religious beliefs andstates that the state shall protect religious worshiping of all religions aslong as this does not violates the general order and performs courtesy.

Therefore, the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs through its workersand staff introduces Islam (as a religion and faith) to people and supportscultural and religious activities for Muslims in Kuwait and all over theworld. The Ministry also examines heritage books, prepares Feqh(Islamic) encyclopedia and organizes other activities that aim to introducethe Islamic religion and diffuse its principles.

The Ministry also has other important tasks such as developing thespiritual and religious aspects. This includes the protection, preservation,and maintenance of the environment. The Ministry focuses also onIslamic researches and cultures that examine surrounding phenomenon inreligious terms. The Ministry also publishes Al-Wae’i Al-Islami (IslamicAwareness) magazine and Bara’em Al-Iman (Children of Faith)magazine. Clerics also required having more understanding aboutenvironmental issues and its direct relation with Islamic values.

On the other hand, there are around 200 thousands Christians in Kuwait,including 200 Kuwaitis. Most of the Arab Christians are from Egypt,whereas the foreign Christians are mostly from India, Philippines, andother countries. Christians can practice their religion and worship freelywithout any interference as stated in the Constitution. Many of suchworship places are required to link environmental issues and programs toincrease environmental awareness levels among the public.

5-3 Major Issues of concern in the Environmental Education andAwareness Sector

5-3-1 Environmental awareness issues in decision making

Due to the increase of environmental awareness levels among people ofthe community and the daily introduction of environmental issues in themedia through the various channels, decision makers were urged to putefforts and pay more attention to deal with environmental issues. Despiteall this, the reaction is still considered as insufficient. Although theinteraction with environmental changes is considered as limited, one ofthe most important decisions made towards the environment was theestablishment of the Environment Public Authority in 1995.


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One of the most important environmental awareness challenges for thedecision makers is how to conserve and maintain the environment.Although they vary from one place to another according to the differentvariables and development level, environmental awareness concerns canbe correlated with the following issues:

Taking important decisions that prevent great losses and irreversibledamages to assets.

Environmental understanding and knowledge including the correlationbetween human activities and the ecosystems and the elements ofenvironmental change.

Activities conducted by individuals without abusing, changing,deterioration of the environment, or depleting its resources.

Directing the attention of individuals to environmental problems andtheir negative effects as well as the means to avoid them. On the otherhand, decision makers must realise the consequences of the decisionsthey make and assess the work of organizations under their authorityaccordingly.

On the other hand, these issues aim at building a society that is able tocomprehend the environmental situations and concerned about itsproblems through building knowledge, directions, skills, personal andindividual and team experience to face environmental problems andpresent specific solutions. It also works on avoiding irreversible faults.The Environment Public Authority, in collaboration with the CivilService Commission organizes many training courses, workshops, andseminars that deal with environmental issues. This is usually conductedby providing documents and information to help decision makers toacknowledge the current trends in the field of the environment and helpthem make rational decisions.

There are other issues related to achieving environmentally sustainabledevelopment. Sustainability can only be achieved when considering theintegration between environment and economic development since theenvironmental dimension has been highly considered in the nationaldevelopment planning. This requires increasing environmental awarenessand education especially amongst youths and children.

5-3-2 Environmental awareness issues amongst different groups ofsociety

Lack of environmental awareness among Kuwaiti women.

Despite the contributions of Kuwaiti women in many projects and herimportant role in the fields of services and production, the environmental


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dimension is still a problem facing Kuwaiti women in particular and non-Kuwaiti women in general. Their lack of environmental awareness isobvious when facing environmental problems. Some of traditions andcustoms contributed to this matter.

Accustoming youths to positively interact with the environment.

Kuwaiti youths are future makers. Despite the efforts to increase theirenvironmental awareness, their behavior towards the environment stillrequires more efforts towards a more positive interaction.

Improving children’s environmental culture.

Responsible authorities should introduce environmental culture tochildren through direct communication channels via meetings, activities,and media (books, stories, clubs, the Centre of Children Culture, childrentheatres, Child Culture Committee within the National Council forCulture, Arts, and Letters, parks, children’s libraries, and others).

These activities should include information about conservation of naturalresources such as water, oil and its derivatives, and energy as assets fordevelopment. They should also increase the society awareness to ensurethe rational use of such resources. It should encourage people to conservegreen areas and work toward their expansion to minimize air pollution.People should also be made aware of the appropriate methods to disposehouse refuse (in allocated receptacles).

People should also be encouraged to conserve water and to understandsthe effects of pesticides on vegetation, and produce and their hazardouseffects on human, birds, and fish. People should also be encouraged toprotect the beaches from harmful uses. They should be introduced to lawsgoverning environmental protection such as smoking prohibition law inpublic places, littering and wastewater discharge into the Gulf. Peopleshould also be encouraged to appreciate esthetic values in theenvironment and preserve its beauty. These issues should be addressed inthe media, schools, worship places, clubs, gatherings, and others.


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5-3-3 Lack of environmental awareness among the persons in charge ofthe media

Persons in charge of environmental affairs in the media suffer from lackof information, which is reflected on their level of awareness inenvironmental affairs, issues, and problems in Kuwait. Therefore, theyrequest an updated environmental database they can use to fulfill theirknowledge needs and the needs of their audience (readers, listeners, orwatchers).

Previous studies indicated that there is a noticeable reduction in coverageof environmental issues and problems, which reflects the level ofawareness among editors in charge of environmental subjects in the Gulfpress media in the Gulf.

On the other hand, a field survey directed to media environmental affairseditors indicated their lack of environmental specialty, qualification andexperience to tackle environmental issues and subjects. This forms anobstacle against the role of the national media in increasingenvironmental awareness.

Results of statistics related to contents of environmental issues in thelocal media showed that there is an unbalance in the information includedin the journalistic material. They are usually obtained from differentsources and published without realizing the consequential effects.

Studies also concluded that there is a weak correlation between theenvironmental concerns and the journalistic management. Publishingenvironmental subjects is therefore, considered as unplanned by thepersons in charge. This leads to the obstruction of the environmentalawareness process, which should be continuous and improving.Therefore, it is recommended that the Environment Public Authority incoordination with the Ministry of Information organizes training coursesand workshops aims to provide journalists with information andexperience in face environmental problems and issues of concern.

By looking at the present state of the media in Kuwait and its role andeffectiveness in environmental awareness, it can be concluded that it isunspecific, deficient, inconsistent, and unsystematic. It also lacks vision,planning, coordination and integration with the concerned authoritiesincluding the Environment Public Authority.

Local journals are looking for support to their efforts in this field.However, communicators such as editors, photographers, investigators,and reporters, need a special training program in the field of environment.This program should be attended by journalists from the local press,KUNA, the Journalists Society, and other interested groups.


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When following environmental issues or problems presented in thedifferent media channels such as TV and radio, it can be concluded thatthe financial and technical support are not sufficient. Such support isneeded to implement the strategies put forward and the distinguishedinformational programs. TV and radio programs related to theenvironment need specialized human, financial, and technical resourcesto handle these sensitive, complex, and accurate issues of theenvironment.

As Environmental information and media has become a specializedindustry that requires understanding and conception, TV and radio staffrequires training and rehabilitation in this field. Programs related toenvironment, conservation and rational use of resources should beencouraged and supported through incentives such as the annual rewardsfor the best TV or radio program.

On the other hand, environmental programs should be prepared on goodscientific basis before targeting the audience. In addition, the audienceshould be conferred to using the latest approaches in passing onconsistent environmental information. The environmental messages (orprograms) should focus on many environmental issues including:

Natural resources conservation.

Various environmental pollution problems.

All types and fields of sanitation and cleanliness and hygiene.

Sand encroachment.

Vegetation cover and greening.

Waste problems.

Different environmental disasters and crises.

Environmental awareness varies in terms of according to the variousapproaches used. Specialized studies indicate that every approach hasits own ability to convince people and are different in terms of theirobjectives and targeted audience. Experiments also shows that the effectof exposure to various approaches is better than being exposed to onlyone. Therefore, having more than one approach is the characteristic of asuccessful campaign. The informative media should also support andencourage direct communication methodologies that depend on Face toFace Communication such as interviews, seminars, and all types ofpersonal communication. This will achieve integration betweencommunication methodologies and approaches to achieve the goals ofenvironmental awareness.


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5-3-4 Environmental awareness issues in various education stages priorto university level

Environmental awareness programs for school pupils are limited,insufficient, and not in proportion with their percentage in the communitywhich reached above 25%. This is obvious in the programs presented bynon-systematic institutions such as the media including newspapers,magazines, radio, cinema, and TV. In addition, the programs presented bymedia require integration and coordination; whereas it lacks practicalrectification not only in the contents, but also in determining its role andinfluence on children, the future of this country.

Programs dealing with important concepts to be introduced to school anduniversity students should include:

Individuals are part of the environment, influence and are influencedby its components.

Understanding the components of the environment, its interactions,and its conservation.

The importance of environment to man and to the requirements ofdevelopment.

Emphasizing on the importance of environmental ethics, developingskills to solve environmental problems, rational decision-making,cooperation, and critical thinking, with focus on the society that thesestudents live in.

How to invest their various environmental resources, renewable andnon-renewable, as well as conservation from pollution.

This can be carried out through environmental education or byexperience. All will lead to raising environmental awareness andprovision with information and knowledge so that students can participateeffectively in the educational process and direct their behavior patterns.Therefore, educational institutions should cooperate with theEnvironment Public Authority in organizing meetings, seminars, lectures,environmental activities, and dedicating a school day for such activities.Additionally, this could be achieved through group discussions, camps,and competitions that aim to educate people in Kuwait. On the otherhand, the use of information tools and media, such as books, stories,theatre, newspapers, magazines, and radio and TV programs, will conveyenvironmental culture to the Kuwaiti individuals in an integrated andmutual form.


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5-3-5 Issues and problems of concern related to environmental modulesand curricula in Kuwait University and the Public Authority forApplied Education and Training

The behavior of Kuwaiti youth still requires efforts to increase theirenvironmental awareness and accustoming them to the rationalinteraction with the environment and abandon inadequate behavior in thedifferent work locations. These efforts are still needed despite theattention given to environmental concerns through environmental coursesand curricula in the higher education colleges and institutes in Kuwait.

Other important issues were also raised such as the ecological balance,environmental deterioration and its effects on mankind and his welfare.This includes pollution problems, environmental resources exploitation,salinization of soil, desertification, food security and others.

In addition to many other issues included in the courses such asenvironmental science, terrestrial environment, marine environment,environmental analysis, energy technology, control of environmentaldisasters, environmental engineering, health education, environmentalservices, environmental culture, oceanography, climatology, fieldtraining, environmental education (which includes human-environmentrelations, environmental balance, unbalance, and preserving the balance).These courses exceed 22 courses in the colleges of Kuwait University andthe Public Authority for Applied Education and Training.

Despite all these efforts by the University and the Authority, these effortsmight not lead to their set goals for many reasons. Most importantly, isthat the courses modules are not updated and does not reflect the actualneeds of the society. Second, the absence of follow up once students havecompleted the courses and to fulfilled the requirements of graduation.Third, the education methodologies used in presenting these courses,which requires development.

Therefore, institutions responsible for youths should focus on educatingthem by presenting cultural activities such as meetings, seminars,organizing competitions, forming friends of the environment groups toencourage their participation in the conservation of the environment.Youths can also benefit from the series of booklets that serve theenvironmental culture as well as producing posters and stickers that canbe posted in youth clubs, cultural centres, and theaters.

5-3-6 Bolstering environmental awareness of religious clergymen(Imams and mosques preachers)

The roots of environmental awareness are as old as history. It is alsorooted in the Islamic heritage for Islam regarded the environment greatly


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including conservation. This is evident in many verses of Quran and inmany of the Prophet’s Hadeeth (preaching/sayings) that advise people toconserve the environment. Islam advised and urged people to root Islamicconcepts and values in the present generations in order to conserve andmaintain the environmental system. Despite all these, many occasionsand events were not invested effectively in the comprehensiveenvironmental awareness field. Previous studies indicated that clergymenshould be trained to include environmental issues and events constantly intheir speeches. Also, environmental activities and programs shouldinclude verses from the Holy Quran, Qudsya and prophet’s preaching, which urge people to conserve and maintaining the environment.

On the other hand, Christian clergymen should also be invited and trainedto raise the issues of the environment in order to educate Christians asthey form a large segment of the people living in Kuwait.

Therefore, verses from the Holy Quran, Bible, prophet’s preaching, andverses from other religions should all be used to support theenvironmental issues and causes such as:

Cleanliness is part of faith and the strong relationship between them.

Interaction between man and the environment should be appropriate.

Natural resources conservation including food and water, whichshould be rationally used.

Man and environmental balance.

Environmental crises, its reasons and ways to control them.

Environmental ethics in Islam.

5-3-7 Environmental awareness issues at the non-governmental andnon-profit organizations.

The non-governmental and non-profit organizations considers manyenvironmental awareness issues by integrating means and methods ofdirect communications such as lectures, seminars, media (videotapes,films, newspapers, magazines, books, posters, stickers, and others) aswell as meetings to introduce environmental conservation to its membersand participants. These issues include:

Combating smoking and narcotics.

Paper, metals, and other waste recycling.

Preservation of environmental heritage.

Environment cleanliness and continuous maintenance.


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Limiting the depletion and exploitation of environmental resourcessuch as soil, water…etc.

Publishing information related to some environmental problems andinvesting some of these crises to enforce the communication skills ofthe leaders in sending education and informative messages in thisfield.

5-3-8 Environmental awareness issues to reinforce the concept ofparticipation and consultation in environmental conservation

This could be achieved through the informative media campaigns via thedifferent media channels. Media campaigns influence people very fastand therefore many of the existing capabilities can be congregated tochange people’s attitudes towards environmental conservation. This should be presented in an attractive and interesting form in order to attractpeople’s attention. The duration usually ranges from 3 - 6 months.Finally, these campaigns should present complete information so thatthey can achieve their goals of strengthening society’s participation in preserving the environment of Kuwait. Some general issues of concerninclude:

Disposal of domestic waste

Greening and landscaping projects of the city.

Protecting wild life in Kuwait.

Environmental resources (e.g. water) conservation by organizingworkshops.

Establishing parks in the different urban areas.

Cleanliness and protection of beaches.

Protecting desert environment.

Use of treated water in agriculture such as irrigation of palm trees andother plants and vegetables).

Rational consumption of energy and fuel.

Informing people about environmental legislations and explainingthem to members of the society.

5-4 Causes of the problems related the environmental awareness andeducation sector problems

Environmental education and awareness are important issues for thesuccess of any environmental strategy. In order for the strategy to reachits goals, all problems and deficiencies should be determined andresolved. Reasons and obstacles related to the sector of environmental


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education and awareness are explained below in order to formulate acomprehensive and integrated vision to implement this strategy.

5-4-1 Institutional causes

Lack of plans, short and long-term policies related to raisingenvironmental awareness. Efforts in this field are unfocused andspontaneous.

Lack of coordination and cooperation between the institutions andauthorities responsible for environmental education and awareness.This allows repetitions and interference in their activities ordisregarding some other activities.

Insufficient trained and qualified information staffs (editors,producers, directors, cameramen, photographers, lighting specialists,and others) to produce programs to raise environmental awareness.

Insufficient equipment and necessary tools (studios, cameras, lights,and others) to produce informational programs to raise environmentalawareness.

Lack of information and scarcity of statistics, numbers, and studiesthat illustrates the state of environmental awareness. This could assistin recognizing the current situation and therefore setting future plans.

Insufficient financial support for informative materials, radio and TVprograms that focus on environmental issues and problems. This isreflected by the absence of creative subjects in the environmentalmedia that assists in simplifying information and ideas about thevarious fields of environment and sustainable development.

Lack of training to people in charge of environmental education andawareness such as teachers, media men (presenters, editors,photographers, producers, directors, and others). This will deny themfrom real opportunities to develop and improve their skills andknowledge. The provided training programmes usually halt at certainlevels and are not coherent with the current trends in this field.

Lack of clear, planned, and organized policies to train people incharge of environmental education and awareness.

Many persons in charge of the environmental education and awarenessfield are unconvinced about the feasibility of this sector. This isreflected through all their activities including planning,implementation, and reorganization.

The deficiency in researches and studies related to the sector ofenvironmental education and awareness. These studies can providemuch information regarding the types of audience, their


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characteristics, perceptions and reaction towards the programs andactivities related to environmental education and awareness. Thestudies can also propose recommendations and initiatives.

The present methods of communication are traditional, which reducestheir effectiveness.

The efforts and roles of governmental and non-governmentalorganizations are divided, despite the fact that they both work in thesame field. Cooperation and integration between these organizationswill lead to better results.

Absence of integrated and reliable informative and literary policiesthat can be utilized in environmental crises. The current policies aredisorganized and therefore, the goals of environmental education andawareness cannot be attained.

5-4-2 Technical Causes

The absence of a national database that can be utilized in informationexchange and preparation of environmental awareness programmes.

The insufficient exploitation of scientific expertise and efforts ofspecialists in the field of environment.

The contradiction in the responsibilities and duties of the variousauthorities concerned with environmental education and awareness aswell as lack of coordination and integration between researchinstitutions and executing institutions in this field.

Disregarding many important environmental awareness programs inradio and TV. Foreign programs are dominant in this field.

The lack of programs produced on scientific basis and related toenvironmental awareness. Also the lack of audience participation(readers, listeners, or viewers), which reduces the benefits of suchprogrammes and impedes reaching the set targets.

The shortage in using attractive and creative methods in producingawareness messages in the field of environment.

Disregarding the use of previous studies in the fields of environmentalawareness.

The imbalance (in both appearance and content) of education andawareness programmes that deals with environmental issues andproblems. In many cases, the appearance rather than the contentmatters, which does not serve the objectives and goals of theprogramme.


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Conflicts between decisions made in regard to many environmentalissues and problems. Also, the lack of coordination between decisionmakers might lead to confusion, concerns, and will not createenvironmental awareness.

The environmental awareness programs are neither scientificallyevaluated nor modified. Modification is not conducted very often.

Lack (or insufficient) financial support allocated for environmentalprograms as well as lack of encouragement and incentives provided toproducers in this vital field due to low salaries and capabilities.

Shortage of time allocated to environmental awareness programs inthe media (radio and television).

Conflict in programme of the radio and television with the differentpublished materials such as newspapers, periodicals and books. Thiswill cause difficulties in attaining the goals of environmentalawareness.

Deficiency in the number of environmental scriptwriters andorganizers of environmental programmes in both radio and television.

Limited number of environmental programs that requires publicparticipation and contribution such as competitions, comments,viewpoints, or suggestions.

Lack of diversity and attraction element in environmental programs.

Improper timing for viewing environmental programs and not emittingsome uninteresting parts of programmes that might causedissatisfaction or boredom to the public audience (listeners andviewers).

Insufficient environmental information (or superficially dealt with).

The absence of a dedicated committee at the Ministry of Informationto evaluate and plan environmental programs.

Unsuitability of environmental contents of some informationalmaterials to people of different ages, economic and educational levelsas well as their social background.


Lack or weak public participation in environmental awareness andeducation programs.

Lack of human and financial resources required for the field ofenvironmental education and awareness as well as the irrationalutilization of the available resources.


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Uneasy access to information that serve the environmental educationand awareness programs as well as superficial contents of the availableinformation and lack of national output in this field.

Insufficient occupational coordination between researchers, experts,and producers concerned with environmental education and awarenessaffairs.

The targeted major groups of the society, such as children, women,youths…etc are undetermined or specified.

Lack of women and children representations in the environmentalprograms in a way that suits their positions in society especially whenconsidering that children represent the future of this country andwomen represent half of the society in most of the production andservice locations.

Lack of technology utilization in communication and informationmedia that assists in environmental education and awarenessprograms.

Disregarding Kuwaiti, Gulf, and Arabic heritage in the production ofprograms and environmental information. Such programmes are notrooted to history and the lives of our ancestor.

Media is usually influenced by political pressures and people involvedin this field lack environmental awareness.

Inconsistency and coherence between the output of the educationalinstitutions and the requirements of the environmental awarenessmedia.

The almost total dependence on official and state efforts to raiseenvironmental awareness. Also, the partial utilization of such efforts inthis field. In addition, the dissociation of the private sector and non-profit organizations from this vital field including production ofenvironmental programs. In other words, there is no actual partnershipor cooperation between official and non-official efforts in the field ofenvironmental awareness and education.

Lack of attention given to problems facing environmental educationand awareness programmes and disregarding many of the questionsraised by the implementers in all institutions related to environmentaleducation and awareness.

Insufficient research systems and independent research units thatconduct researches related to environmental education and awareness.Also, lack of integration between the completed researches despitetheir limited numbers. This will lead to lack of comprehensive


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knowledge about the results of these researches and their utilization inthe decision-making process.

Lack of prioritisation of environmental issues of concern that can beaddressed by the environmental education institutions and media inraising environmental awareness.

Practitioners in the fields of environmental education and awarenessare not fully convinced about the importance of research in its role inrationalizing the educational and informational policies. Also, thepossibility of setting these policies and preparing plans according toscientific basis, which leads to inconsistency between their researchand other researchers in the environmental institutions such as theEnvironment Public Authority, Kuwait Institute for ScientificResearch, Kuwait University, and The Public Authority for AppliedEducation and Training. This will also create a disparity betweenresearchers, planners, and implementers of environmental educationand awareness programs.

5-5 Means and measures required to solve the issues of concernrelated to the environmental education and awareness sector

Means and measures required to solve the problems of this sector playvital and important role in reducing the environmental problems anddisasters, if prepared in successful and comprehensive manners. They canalso prepare the suitable environment to take rational political decisionsprior to the occurrence of any environmental problem or disaster. At thesame time, they can prepare the society to accept, adopt, and monitor theimplementation of these decisions. The outcome of the preventivemeasures taken is cost saving and preventing series of adverse impactsthe environment have suffered during the last few years.

Accordingly, the proper action is preparing a long term environmentaleducational and awareness program that includes the following mainelements:

Allocating the qualified and capable personnel in the field ofenvironmental education and awareness within the country’s institutions, universities, and research institutes in the private andpublic sectors.

Priority should be given to preparing training programs to workers inthe information fields (press, radio, television, etc) in order to generatea group of environmental journalists capable of transferringenvironmental goals into scientific material that begins withinformation and ends with a change in behavior.

Dividing the society into homogenized segments such as:


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Media people in the press, radio, television and the officialinstitutions.

School students and personnel (teachers, inspectors, and schoolmanagers).

University students, lecturers and environmental researchers workingin the official media institutions.

Religious clergymen, mosques Imams, preachers, and the Al-WaqfFund for Environmental Conservation.

Non-governmental and Non-profit organizations.

Municipality staff working in the field of environment, hygiene,cleaning, food, and health.

Youths and sports sector.

Children.

Women.

Security men, Civil Defense workers, and coast guards.

Unions.

Industry workers.

Every segment should be adequately trained according to continuouscarefully designed training programs. The programs should include thefollowing:

Organizing scientific programs to develop the capabilities and skills ofthe national staff in the fields of environment.

Organizing exhibitions to increase awareness in environmental issues.

Organizing competitions and presenting rewards and valuable prizes.

Organizing camps and cleaning campaigns for polluted areas as wellas greening campaigns.

Preparing cultural seasons through which lectures, seminars, andworkshops are organized in order to discover the local, regional, andglobal environment and their effects on man.

Awareness campaigns regarding the laws and legislations related toenvironmental protection as well as identifying penalties andpunishments. Also preparing a guide and educate people on these lawsand penalties through discussion groups in all activities related toenvironmental education and awareness program.

Preparing posters and booklets and distributing them in schools,societies, clubs, and public places.


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Providing adequate training programmes on the collection,segregation reuse of waste and forming societies for this purpose.

Production of informational and educational materials and distributingthem to schools, societies, clubs, non-profit organizations, and peopleconducting environmental awareness campaigns.

Preparing and presenting training courses for preachers and mosquesImams in the methods of environmental awareness and the mainissues that should be addressed, in collaboration with the Ministry ofAwqaf and Islamic Affairs and The Environment Public Authority. Itshould also be emphasized on the use of statements from religiousbooks especially the Holy Quran and the Prophet’s preaches, especially those verses that urge preserving the environment and itsresources as well as the verses that urge to their rational consumption.

Creating a mechanism and providing financial support to supplyscientific material needed for preachers to be used as environmentallessons extracted from the Islamic religion. The funding can beprovided by the Public Authority for Al-Waqf Fund, KuwaitFoundation for the Advancement of Science, The Environment PublicAuthority and The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.

Urging non-profit organization and NGOs, especially those withreligious backgrounds such as: Social Reform Society, IslamicHeritage Revitalization, and Bayader Al-Salam Society, to preparecultural seasons or lessons with religious contents as well as printingbooklets and brochures that include information related to the ways bywhich the Holy Quran and Sunna (or prophet’s sayings and behaviors) treated the environment.

Benefiting from national, Gulf, or Arabic heritage in the production ofattractive educational and awareness materials. This can be conductedby relating traditional patterns of heritage without impedingadvancement towards modernization and development.

It is also important to achieve integration and cooperationbetween the direct organized and individual communicationgroups in all forms, which will lead to protecting and maintainingthe environment. Studies illustrated the importance of theirintegration and the roles they can play in achieving social changefor the sake of the environment. This can be achieved using themedia supported by “face to face” communication.

Encouraging local media production of environmental programmes.The national element should also be present in the preparation,execution, and production and capable of producing attractive


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awareness programs that compete with imported materials, especiallywhen realizing that affection does not necessarily mean disregardingvalues.

Refrain from the propaganda approach that concentrates only onpositive issues and ignores the negative. It is also vital to identify theeducational and informational institutions in the field ofenvironmental awareness and education and work to cooperate,coordinate, and integrate between these institutions as well asestablishing mechanisms for cooperation and integration.

Specialized authorities in the fields of education and informationstudies should conduct applied studies and researches aimed atdeveloping the outline and content of the programs constantly in orderto achieve the set goals. They should also study the patterns of humanbehavior in relation to the environment and identify targeted groups,their perception, attitudes and influencing factors to be utilized toachieve these goals.

Relying on media campaigns to raise the environmental awareness,due to their strong influence and fast distribution. It is also necessaryto depend on the scientific side and focus on comprehensive periodicevaluation for these campaigns to measure their success andeffectiveness.

Conducting surveys occasionally to determine the success of theseprogrammes and the people response in order to assess, improve, andmodify the process.

Present and provide the funds necessary for this program andestablishing a special fund for environmental awareness campaigns.

5-6 Information sources

AbdulMenem, Mustafa and Ammar, Wafa (1998). EducationalCurricula, Environmental Studies and the Importance ofEnvironmental Education in Supporting Environmental AwarenessWithin the Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries.Environment Public Authority, State of Kuwait.

Ahmad, Fatima (1998). The Role of the Environment Public Authorityin Monitoring Water from Microbiological Contamination in State ofKuwait. Environment Public Authority, State of Kuwait.

Al-Faqi, Mohammad (1996). The Media and its Role inEnvironmental Rehabilitation. ARAMCO, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Al-Hareery, Shafe’a Thebayan (1998). The Role of Religious and Educational Curriculum in the Gulf Cooperation Council States in


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Preservation the Environment. The Islamic Institute, Al-Ain, UnitedArab Emirates.

Al-Hatab, Ahmad, (1988). Environmental Education in the PreschoolStage. Seminar on Humans and the Environment, Muscat, Sultanate ofOman.

Al-Jadi, Jasim (1996). The Concept of Healthy Cities Projects inEnvironmental Planning. College of Environmental Designs, KingFahad University for Petroleum and Minerals. Kingdom of SaudiArabia.

Al-Khalifa, Hayam (1992). Social Directions toward Reusing TreatedSanaitary Wastewater in Bahrain. A Masters Degree Thesis, ArabianGulf University.

Al-Muzaini, Saleh (1998). Environmental Studies and Research andtheir Importance in Supporting Environmental Awareness.Department of Environmental Sciences Department, Kuwait Institutefor Scientific Research. State of Kuwait.

Al-Qallaf. Eidan (1998). The Role of Environmental Committee at theScience Club in Raising Environmental Awareness. Seminar on theCooperation in the Field of the Environment among the GulfCooperation Council Countries. Kuwait University. State of Kuwait.

Al-Rasheedi, Basheer and Al-Deeb, Fathi. Directions of KuwaitUniversity Students against the Gulf Water Pollution. ArabianPeninsula and Gulf Studies Magazine. Issue Number 38. KuwaitUniversity, Kuwait.

Al-Sharah, Ramadan (1996). Environmental Planning: An Economicand Administrative View. College of Commercial Studies, PublicAuthority for Applied Education and Training. State of Kuwait.

Al-Sharah, Yagoob (1986) Environmental Education. KuwaitFoundation for the Advancement of Sciences, Kuwait.

Al-Sharah, Yaqoob. Environmental Education in Science Modules inIntermediate Educational Stage, State of Kuwait.

Al-Suwaidi Ali, Duha (1998). Environmental Contents in the IslamicEducation Books in the Primary Education in the State of Qatar.College of Education, University of Qatar, Qatar.

Al-Tarsheedi Ahmad Kamel. The Role of School Activities inAchieving Environmental Education Goals in Children: A pilot Study,Centre of Childhood Studies, University of Ain Shams, Egypt.


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Ameed, Ammar and Shehata, William (1996). Towards a BetterEnvironmental Education. Faculty of earth science, Kingdom of SaudiArabia.

Filfa, Mustafa (1996). New Trends in Analyzing Organic ChemicalContaminants in Water and their Role in Assessing EnvironmentalRehabilitation Processes. Ministry of Health, Medicine AnalysisLaboratories. State of Kuwait.

Final Report of the Scientific Workshop on the Results of the R/V.

Gharabah Samih and Al-Farhan Yehya. Introduction to EnvironmentalSciences. Dar Al-Shouroq for Publishing and Distribution.

Guide on Marine Environment Protection Legislations.

Guide on Safety during Oil Spills Response, (1999).

Ibraheem Fareed, Manar (1990). Curricula and EnvironmentalDirections in Science Books in Primary and Intermediate Stages in theState of Bahrain. A Masters Degree Thesis. The Jordanian University,Jordan.

Ibraheem, Muhammad (1998). The Role of the Arabian Gulf Media inProtecting the Environment. Seminar on the Cooperation in the Fieldof the Environment among the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries.Kuwait University. State of Kuwait.

Ibraheem, Muhammad (1999). The Role of Gulf TV Channels inCombating the Effects of Environmental Pollution in the GulfCooperation Council Countries.

Ibraheem, Muhammad (2002). The Role of Media in CombatingEnvironmental Disasters and Crises. Seminar of the EnvironmentPublic Authority at the General Secretariat of the Gulf CooperationCouncil Countries.

Imam, Salwa. Information and Development Issues. Applied Study inthe Arab Republic of Egypt, Arab League, Egypt.

International Charity Authority (2001). Towards Development.Kuwait Pearls Company, Kuwait.

Juma, Mohammad Rida (1998). The Importance of Awareness inPreventing Food Contamination. Nutrition Institute, Cairo, Egypt.

Madani, Ismail & Bu-Gahoos, Khalid. The Awareness and Directionsof University students in the State of Bahrain Towards Air pollution.Educational Magazine, Issue Number 33.

Madani, Ismail & Bu-Gahoos, Khalid. The Influence of EducationalLevel and Gender on Awareness and Opinions of the Citizens of the


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State of Bahrain Towards House Hold Refuse. Gulf Studies Magazine,Issue Number 69, Kuwait University, Kuwait.

Mahmood, Mustafa Ibraheem (1998). Environmental AwarenessLevels of Science Teachers before Service and its Influence on theirPerformance. Faculty of Education and Human Sciences. Universityof Sultan Qaboos, Sultanate of Oman.

Marine Pollution Combat Directory, (1995).

Ministry of Housing, Municipality and Environment, (1998).Exploitation of Pearl Oysters Sites in the Arabian Gulf: An ExcellentExample of Sustainable Development. State of Bahrain.

Motlag Al-Saqan, (1995). An Evaluation and Assessment Study forthe Response of the Environmental Awareness Programs forEnvironmental Problems in the State of Kuwait. A Masters DegreeThesis, Arabian Gulf University.

Muhammad Deeb, Mustafa (1998). The Importance of Trees, Shrubs,and objects in Combating Desertification and Treating EnvironmentalBalance. Kuwaiti Society for the Protection of the Environment,Kuwait.

Muhammad Mustafa, Bin Al-Neam Muhammad and Ameen AbuSinna Muhammad. The Use of Treated Sanitary Wastewater inAgriculture and Environmental Rehabilitation. The Institute of lands,Water and Environment. Centre of Agricultural Research. The ArabRepublic of Egypt.

Murad, Ghalib (1995). Integrated Environmental Awareness and itreflection on the Environmental Behavior in Groups within KuwaitSociety. A Masters Degree Thesis, Arabian Gulf University.

Muslim, Kamel Zaki Hameed (1998). Community Development andthe Advancement of Environmental Research. University of the ArabEmirates, Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science.

Rashid Al-Reshood, (1992). Assessment of Environmental AwarenessFacts in the Saudi Press. A Masters Degree Thesis, Arabian GulfUniversity.

Regional Marine Pollution Monitoring and Research Programs,(1985). Proceedings of the Symposium on Al-Min, 8-11 December1985.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1978). Kuwait Regional Convention for Cooperation on theProtection of the Marine environment from Pollution and related


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Protocol Concerning Regional Cooperation In Combating Pollution byOil and Other Harmful Substances In Cases of Emergency, Kuwait.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1986). Report on: Wastewater Discharge From Domestic Sources tothe ROPME Sea Area, Kuwait. Note: Information is from the reportappendices.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1987). Codes of Practice for the Use of Oil Spills Dispersants in theROPME Sea Area, Kuwait.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1978). ROPME Intercalibration Exercise on Trace Metal Analysis inMarine Sediments and Biota, Kuwait from 15-19 November 1987.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment.Facts and Functions. National Focal Points of ROPME MemberStates.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1989). Guidelines for the Preparation of the National Status of theMarine Environment Report.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1989). Manual of Oceanographic Observations and PollutantsAnalysis Methods (MOOPAM), Kuwait.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1989). Proceedings of the Second ROPME Workshop on CoastalZone Management; Kuwait, 12-14 November 1989.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1990). Protocol for the Protection of the Marine Environment againstPollution from Land Based Sources.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1991). Report on ROPME-UNEP Meeting on the Aviation of the UNInteragency Plan of Action for the ROPME Region; Kuwait, 28-30September 1991.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1992). Environmental Crisis in the ROPME Region: Role of theROPME in Mobilizing International support for EnvironmentalRehabilitation.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1993). Report on MT. Mitchell Cruise in the ROPME Sea Area,Kuwait, 24-28 January 1993.


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Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1992). Report of the ROPME-IOC Meeting of the SteeringCommittee on Oceanographic Cooperation in the ROPME Sea Area.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1993). Protocol Concerning Marine Pollution Resulting FromExploration and Exploitation of the Continental Shelf.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1993). ROPME Achievements.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment.Proceeding of ROPME Workshop on Coastal Areas Development.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1997). Oceanography and Pollution Studies in the ROPME Sea Area,Kuwait, 1997.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1998). Protocol on the control of Marine Transboundary movementsand Disposal of Hazardous Wastes in the ROPME Sea Area.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1998). The use of Oil Spills Chemicals in the ROPME Sea Area.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1999). Regional Report of the State of the Marine Environment.

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(1999). Manual of Oceanographic Observations and PollutantAnalysis Methods (MOOPAM).

Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment,(2000). Integrated Coastal Areas Management Guidelines for theROPME Region.

Reports on MT. Mitchell Leg 100 Day Cruise, (1993).

Sabareeni, etal. (1986). Environmental Education. Royal ScientificSociety Press. Amman, Jordan.

Shehata, Abdulla (1996). Islam and the Environment. College ofIslamic Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University. Sultanate of Oman.

The Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council Countries (1992). Researchand Papers of the seminar on "Environment and Development:Integration and not Collision". Part I.

United Nations Environmental Programme. Environmental Media.Series of Environmental Studies Number 9. The Arabic Organizationon Education, Culture, and Sciences Press.


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Wahba, Saeed and Murad, Ghalib. A mathematical Model to MeasureVariable Values of Education, Comparing Social Groups, Study andAssessment of Environmental Awareness in Educational Groups inthe Kuwaiti Society. Arabian Peninsula and the Gulf studiesMagazine. Issue Number 38.

In addition, the team members provided the following list of publicationsrelated to environment, which are:

Environmental Characteristics and Marine Pollution in the MarineArea of the ROPME, (2002).

Environmental news, in the local press, of the Regional Organizationfor the Protection of the Marine Environment Countries.

Environmental pollution and the role of the Regional Organization forthe Protection of the Marine Environment in EnvironmentalRehabilitation.

Government Strategies and Politics for Cleaner Production.

Marine Environment Publication.

Sea Kaps.

The National Biodiversity.

The National Strategy to Protect the Environment in Jordan. In Arabicand English.

The Role of Media in Raising Environmental Awareness, (2000).

The Strategy of the Sultanate of Oman.

The United States and Strategic Plan.


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Sector SixIndustry and Energy


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Members of the Oil and Energy Sector Team

Mr. Jamal Hashim Al-Refa’ei. Deputy Assistant Secretary forTechnical Affairs, Ministry of Oil.Chairman of the team.

Ms. Fayza Al-Thuwaini. Head of the Gasses PollutionDivision, Air Pollution MonitoringDepartment, Environment PublicAuthority. Secretary of the team.

Ms. Najat Al-Kandari. Head of the Indoor EnvironmentDivision, Industrial EnvironmentDepartment, Environment PublicAuthority.

Mr. Mohammed Ja’afar Al-Shawaf. Head of the Conservation andEnvironmental ProtectionDepartment, Ministry of Oil.

Mr. Mohammad Ismail Mindikar. Supervisor, Conservation andEnvironmental ProtectionDepartment, Ministry of Oil.

Dr. Jassem Besharah. Head of the Scientific EducationDepartment Kuwait Foundation forthe Advancement of Sciences.

Supervision, revision, editing and completion of the scientificmaterial and re-organize it.

Dr. Soffian Al-Tal. Senior Advisor, UNDP.


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6-1 Introduction

The non-petroleum industry and energy sector is considered as one oflargest sector that have environmental impacts after the petroleum sector.With no doubts that both sectors have significant importance on humanactivities and the industrial structure of the state of Kuwait, since they aredirectly linked with the largest slices of the population through thefollowing:

The increasingly daily consumption of electricity and water, which arethe most important products of the electricity and water desalinationindustry that is managed by the Ministry of Electricity and Water.Therefore, the relationship between individuals with this sector is verysensitive and transparent, since the behaviour types of individuals,groups and state institutions will be affected by any changes in thesesectors products whether directly or indirectly and periodically indifferent time frames.

The Ministry of Electricity and Water data and information indicatesapproximately 30 % increase in energy consumption through out the pastseven years. This increase leads to the increase in production rate tomatch the same percentage increase in demand. This reflect thecharacteristics of the growing civil society in the state of Kuwait as adirect result of urban expansion, increase in land utilization, populationincrease, and increase in industrial activities in general.

The industrial sector, the non-petroleum, in the state of Kuwait usuallyworks within the scope of activities designated for the private sector. Itsactivities are characterized by low investment and limited contribution tothe oil industry or sector which is the main industrial sector in Kuwait.This sector is totally owned by the government i.e. the public sector. Theindustrial activities of the private sector are considered as either small ormedium size. However, these activities greatly differ in productsproduction. These products are directly utilized and used by individuals,groups, or establishments of the community. The private sector activitiesare directly affecting and affecting the types of the human activities andthe economy of the Kuwaiti society. Also, such industrial activities aredistinguished by their fast growing which is being influenced by thedevelopment in economical activities and the increase in the industrialbase especially of the private sector.

In addition, this sector include many industrial activities such asaluminium, paper and its derivatives, woods, metal waste and scraprecycling, chemicals, plastics, construction materials, food production,pharmaceutical, cement bricks and building material industries.


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The industrial sector gained special attention and care from the state andmany governmental and non-governmental institutions and organizationswere supported either through financial, legal, legislation or even logisticfacilitation to encourage its activities and development. The main drivebehind this was to broad the industrial base in Kuwait since it representthe main strategic choice for the state to diversify its income and it GrossNational Product. This supportive action will aid in providing many jobopportunities for the local labour force, along side the development ofother infrastructure and service providing companies. In addition,encouraging the spending of local capital and funds and investing it inproductive industrial project.

Also the state has privatized some of the industrial sector; examplesinclude the privatization of the salt and chlorine factories that used tobelong to the Petroleum Industries Company (PIC). Further more, itenacts laws and legislation to encourage the employment of the localnational labour as happened recently with the National Labour Law.

The Public Authority for Industry represent the main central agency thatis concerned with developing, protecting, organizing, encouraging,marketing and the local exports, establishing standard specification, andmonitoring the industrial facilities to assure its competence andcompliance to the safety, security and environmental protection.

The total number of processing industries facilities/plants during the year1997 was 4024 facilities with 65,576 employee and labour. Theseindustries managed to achieve a total addition to the original capital ofapproximately 117,500,000 K.D. in the 1997 as indicated in the annualstatistical report of the Ministry of Planning for the year 1999.

In the same context, the Environment Public Authority represents themain and central agency with the responsibility of protecting theenvironment in accordance with its laws of establishments, i.e. law (21)for the year 1995 and the modified law No. (16) for the year 1996. Theselaws gave the Environmental Public Authority the responsibility ofcarrying all necessary actions to ensure the protection of the environment.Further more, the main objectives of the authority are the following:

The establishment and implementation of the general policy for theprotection of the environment.

Preventing, or minimizing, pollution and the preservation of thequality of air, water, environment, and soil in order to make themsuitable for the requirements of: general health, preserving naturalresources, and preserving properties. This can be achieved by


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continuous monitoring and inspection as well as assessing thepractices and regulations related to the protection of the environment.

Ensuring the balance and integration between environmentalconsiderations and development processes by making developmentprocesses in accordance with the requirements of people’s health and avoiding negative effects on environment and properties.

Combating, a cross border pollution problems and intensifying theefforts to prevent pollution accident by cooperating with state agenciesthat are responsible for studying problems associated with pollution andrecommending and implementing sound solutions.

6-2 Evaluation of the Resources of the industry and energy sectors

6-2-1 Industrial Sector

This sector has various industries that vary in size, aspects of work,products, as well as their impacts on the local environment. Some of theseindustries are:

Aluminium industry: moulding and casting, cutting and assemblingof aluminium. It is worth mentioning, that there are no aluminiumrefining factories in the state of Kuwait; however, there is a proposal,still being study, from some private sector companies to establish arefinery aluminium factory in Kuwait.

Paper and its derivatives: This industry largely depends on recyclingpaper and its derivatives. This reduces the amount of local paperwastes and relieves the local environment from some environmentalburdens. This industry also assists in strengthening economicindicators due to the fact that raw materials are locally available atcheaper costs from recycling.

Woods: This industry mainly depends on woods import, treatment,storage, reshaping, and remanufacturing of wood to be used indifferent industrial and domestic applications.

Chemical industries: Some private sector companies manufacturechemical substances that are used in various applications such assolvents, raw material for paints and construction materials industries.In addition, organic and inorganic additives that are used in various oilprocesses or cooling water treatment in some industrial factories.Chemical industries are one of the most promising industries in thecountry due to their growth and expansion potential because of the factthat raw materials are available in Kuwait, although at the present timesuch materials are being imported and then remanufactured locally.


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Petrochemical industry: The Petrochemical industry is characterizedas one of the most growing industries, not only in Kuwait but alsoworldwide. This because of great advancements in technologiesrelated to polymers and plastic industries. This technology enabled thereplacement of many metals in many industrial applications.

The Petrochemicals Industry Company (PIC) is the main company inthe State of Kuwait that work in the field of producing chemicalproducts and in different forms. It is a company that is fully owned bythe Kuwait Petroleum Corporation. Both of the companies are ownedby the government. However, some smaller private sector companiesare trying to work in the petrochemical industry field either separatelyor jointly through local, regional, or international partnerships.

Currently, the most important petrochemical factories, established inthe State of Kuwait, are within EQUATE Petrochemical Company inShuaiba Industrial area. These factories produce plastic polymers.This is joint project owned by the Petrochemical Industries Company,Union Carbide Corporation (UCC), and a local Kuwaiti companycalled Bubiyan Petrochemical Company. EQUATE producesapproximately 650000 tons of ethylene gas every year that can betransformed to polyethylene polymers with a production capacity of450000 tons annually. The liquid ethylene glycol has a productioncapacity of 350000 tons annually. There is another plant, in the samearea that is owned solely by the PIC. It produces 150,000 tons per yearof polypropylene polymers. Although, most of the production is beingexported, local plastic factories are also being supplied with thesepolymers. These are then transformed into other plastic products suchas pipes and other industrial and domestic equipment.It is worth mentioning that the products of these plastic industries,especially polyethylene and polypropylene polymers are nothazardous or toxic. Such materials are thermally stable in their solidstate and do not disintegrate into their original components in normalweather conditions. However, the stability of these plastic materials’ waste, after a very long period of time, could reach tens of years. Andbecause such materials do not disintegrate, they pose direct threats tothe environmental balance of the environment due to the increase oftheir use and also, because they replaced other traditional materials.Therefore, many countries are working toward recycling plasticwastes, to reduce the adverse environmental impacts; such wastesinclude plastic soda bottles, plastic bags, and plastic tissues used forpreserving food.

In addition, the PIC is planning to expand in the field of petrochemicalindustries. There is a proposal to establish Aromatic Petrochemical


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Plant (Benzene and xylene) using Naphtha. The expected cost for thisproject is about $1.7 billion. Another project is also being studied toestablish a polyolefin plant that has the same capacity as EQUATEplant. A third project is planned and studied to produce methanol,which is a raw material that can be used in other down streamindustries.

Chemical fertilizers industry: The Petrochemical IndustriesCompany operates the chemical fertilizer plants in the ShuaibaIndustrial Area. These plants produce ammonia, with a totalproduction capacity of 550 thousands metric tons. It also producesurea fertilizer, with total production capacity of 750 thousands metrictons. The company exports most of its products to internationalmarkets, especially the Asian markets. Currently, the company isrestoring its factories to produce granulated urea due to the highdemand of the international market. This demand is being requestedbecause of the high chemical and physical quality characteristics of theproduct. The production of such type of product will also eliminate theproblem associated with urea dust, which is considered as a significanthealth and environmental problem associated with the production ofpelleted Urea.

The number of workers in the PIC is approximately 1100 worker andfrom different specialties. The company conducts training programsfor its employees to enhance their capabilities. The company is nowbeing restructured through the “Danah” Project, which considersamong other issues the establishment of an administrativeorganization for environmental protection, i.e. EnvironmentalProtection Unit.

Salt and chlorine industry: This industry is one of the mainindustries that were owned, at a certain period of time, by thegovernment and later it was privatized. The Salt and Chlorine Factory,located in the Shuaiba Industrial Area, produces the table salt, chlorinegas, solid caustic soda, hydrochloric acid, and small amounts ofhypochlorite. The factory uses seawater as a raw material to producesodium chloride, which is then converted into other products. Chlorinegas is liquidized and compressed into containers, cylinders, ofcompressed gas for export and local use.

Chlorine gas is used to sterilize distilled water in power and waterdesalination stations of the Ministry of Electricity and Water as wellas in sanitary wastewater treatment plants and other uses. Other downstream petrochemical industries that depend on chlorine as a rawmaterial can also be established. However, the global trend to restrict


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the use of chlorinated hydrocarbons, for their direct impact on theozone layer, made many investors very reluctant to start such projectsin Kuwait in fear of a decline in the demand of the internationalmarket.

Construction materials industry: It includes the production of cement,bricks, ceramics and other building materials. In addition, importinggravel for concrete and different types of steel constructions. Thissector is considered as one of the main and active sectors that arecontinuously developing, due to the increase in construction activities,in the State of Kuwait. The sand and gravel quarrying activities inKuwait were halted three years ago through a decision by theEnvironment Public Authority because of their direct impact indestroying the local desert environment.

There is a great need to enhance policies and measures related to thereduction of the adverse environmental and health hazards caused byconstruction wastes. New rules and mechanisms should be placed toprovide better storage and recycling methods and in accordance withsustainable development policies. This is needed to be done withoutviolating the main environmental regulations.

Due to the variety of industrial activities in the state of Kuwait, inwhich some of these were explained in the different sectors, there aremany governmental and non-governmental establishments thatimplement their industrial activities and monitor the implementationof the regulations related to them, including policies and regulationsrelated to environment. Therefore, the administrative structures, rules,regulations, and procedures related to environmental protection withinthe context of sustainable development vary according with eachagency. Some of the establishments that deal with this sector are:

The Public Authority for industry.

Kuwait Municipality.

Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Environmental Public Authority.

Kuwaiti Industries Union.

Industrial Bank of Kuwait.

Ministry of Public Works.

Ministry of Electricity and Water.

Petrochemical Industries Company.

EQUATE Petrochemical Company.


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Others, private sector.

6-2-2: The Public Authority for Industry

The public Authority for Industry (PAI) is the most important officialpivotal establishment that is concerned with industrial development,especially the legislative and monitorial aspects. Some of the importantactivities of this Authority, as well as it specialties related to the nationalstrategy for protection the environment, will be briefly discussed.

The public Authority for industry was established by the law of industry56/1996. It is a public and Independent Authority with an independentbudget supervised by the minister of commerce and industry.

Objectives:

The objectives of the authority include the development of the industrialactivities in the state of Kuwait as well as supporting and supervisingthem until the national economic goals are achieved. This includes thefollowing:

Encouraging, developing, and protecting the local industries.

Expanding the industrial and craft production base.

Diversifying the national income resources.

Supporting the development and encouraging the production ofstrategic commodities needed for national security and nutrition.

Providing the proper environment to attract national workforce thathave higher technical capabilities.

Supporting, developing, and encouraging industrial crafts.

Strengthening industrial awareness among citizens and presenting thepositive role of the industrial development path. Also, preparing,publishing studies and research, supplying the required informationsystem and data and encouraging improvement and creativity.

Coordinating between the existing and proposed industries within theGulf Cooperation Council Countries and the Arab League Countries inorder to achieve integration and to avoid harmful competition.

Strengthening the industrial Cooperation with all countries andinternational organization in order provide the expertise andinformation necessary for the development of local industry.

Responsibilities:

The authority is responsible for all aspects related to the development andimprovement of industrial activities such as:


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Establishing a plan for industrial development, within the frame of thegeneral plan of the state. It includes a clear identification of theindustrial strategies and industrial development directions.

Recommending locations for crafts and industrial sites within theframe of the general structural plan.

Planning and preparing the infrastructure for crafts and industrial sitesincluding the associated industrial and public service facilities.

Preparing, designing, and implementing industrial services projectsthat compliment the industry as well as operating and managing themeither directly or through cooperation with other agencies.

Reviewing and approving the layouts and designs related to crafts andindustrial facilities including other related facilities.

Allocating crafts, industrial, and service sites within the areaaccording to rules and regulations.

Signing contracts and collecting fees from companies andestablishments, in return for benefiting from industrial, crafts andservices areas or blocks.

Collecting fees and payments for the different services provided bythe authority.

Managing, operating, developing, and maintaining crafts andindustrial areas as well as providing the necessary services andmaintaining them. New industrial areas can also be established incooperation with the private sector.

Issuing construction permits for facilities in the crafts and industrialareas by the responsible authority.

Taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of public facilitiesand properties as well as monitoring industrial safety and theprevention of fire for installations within its jurisdiction.

Implementing industrial inspection and monitoring procedures forrelated facilities.

Preserving cleanliness of roads, public squares and courts, andpavements from industrial and public shops wastes in industrial areas.

Coordinating with the concerned security authorities in industrialareas to ensure the safety of lives, properties, and other productionelements.

Preparing rules, regulations, and procedures to regulate the process ofgranting and cancelling industrial permits.


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Monitoring the implementation of the international, gulf, and Kuwaitispecifications and standards that are set by the laws and decisionsrelated to all imported and local goods as well as coordinating withspecialized entities to combat fraud.

Ensuring the compliance of industrial projects with all internationaland local regulations related to the protection of the environment andthe compliance of the products with these regulations.

Preparing specialized studies for the industrial activity and methods ofsupport as well as ways to protect the local products.

The Authority is supervised by a board of directors, chaired by theMinister of Commerce and Industry, and includes three main sectors.These are the financial and administrative affairs, industrial developmentand licensing, and industrial services and specifications. The latter sectorhas the industrial Safety and Environmental Monitoring Department(Refer to Fig. 6-1).

6-2-3 Industrial areas

On the 15th of January 1997 the authority began, and in accordance withits law of establishment, managing industrial sectors in the State ofKuwait. The industrial areas of Kuwait can be divided into the following:

The southern sector

Shuaiba Industrial Area, which is located in the eastern area with atotal area of 10.37 million m2.

Shuaiba Industrial Area, which is located in the western area with atotal area of 12.61 million m2.

Therefore, the total area of the Shuaiba Industrial Area, including bothsectors, is about 22.98 million m2. This area includes 42 factories ownedby 37 companies i.e. 24 in the western area and 17 in the eastern area.

The area provides the following services:

Preparing and allocating industrial blocks for long term or temporaryuse and storage.

Providing seawater for cooling and fire fighting purposes.

Environmental monitoring.

Roads and related services.

Industrial safety and security.

Public relations.

Supplying information and data.


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Fig. 6-1 Shows that the Industrial Safety and EnvironmentalMonitoring Department is part of the Industrial Specifications andServices Sector in the Public Authority for Industry.

The Minister of Commerce and IndustryChairman of the Board of Directors

Board of Directors of the authority

The Director Genral

Information andDecision SupportCenter

Internal Auditing andPerformance EvaluationDepartment

IndustrialPlanningDepartment

LegalAffairsDepartment

The Office of theDirector Genral

Industrial Development andlicensing Sector

Industrial Specifications andServices Sector

Administrative and FinancialAffairs Sector

Departmentof Stores and

Reception

Admin.Affairs

Department

Admin.DevelopmentDepartment

FinancialAffairs

Department

Cooling WaterStations

Department

TechnicalServices

Department

EnvironmentalMonitoring andIndustrial Safety

Department

QualityControl

LaboratoriesDepartment

Standards andSpecificationsDepartment

Marketingand IndustrialSupport Dept.

Career Planningand ProjectsFollow up

Department

IndustrialLicensing

and RecordsDepartment

IntegralServicesCentre


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The authority also provides other services in collaboration with otheragencies such as:

Shuaiba port and marine facilities’ services.

Gas.

Distilled and fresh water.

Mail and telecommunications.

Public security.

Health services.

Customs services at Shuaiba Commercial Port.

Weather forecast services.

The total number of employees in these industrial facilities exceeds15,000 employees.

Fahaheel Industrial Area: This area includes a mosque, petrolstation, and a bus stop. The activities of this area are mainly for carrepair workshops, Aluminium workshops, furniture workshops,carpentry workshops, and stores.

The total are used is 129000 m2, 135 service blocks and 17 industrialblocks. The area has a sewage network facility, with total length of 2745meters, and rainwater drainage network, with total length of 3790 meters,as well as roads, electricity, and fresh water.

East Ahmadi Industrial Area: The area includes services such asmosque, super market, and fire department. Activities in this areainclude contracting, car garages, and food and construction industries.

The total area utilized is 874500 m2 with 239 service and 106 industrialblocks. The area has sewage network facilities, with a total length of 2960meters, storm water drainage network, electricity, and fresh watersupplies.

West Assafar highway crafts area: This area is currently withoutinfrastructure, though a study to establish this infrastructure will beimplemented soon. The large blocks (real estates) are owned by thePublic Authority for Industry, the Kuwaiti Port Institute, and thePublic Stores Company. The current activities in the area are mainlyfor storage, bricks manufacturing, and metal machining.

The central sector

Sabhan Industrial Area: Most of the activities in this area are relatedto food, engineering, and metallic industries as well as contractors andstorage.


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The total area utilized is 458251 m2. It has 19 service and 531 industrialblocks. The area has a sewage network, which was constructed by theMinistry of Public Works and will be connected to the main network assoon as a new waste treatment plant is established. Also, the area includesa rainwater drainage network, modern roads, electricity, fresh water,distilled water, and natural gas supplies. Bank branches, mosque, and asupermarket are also available. Area 11 is still unoccupied and underreview.

Sulaibiya Industrial Area: The main activities of this area aremanufacturing of bricks, aluminium, enforced plastic, printing,refrigeration, tiles, carpentry, car bodies and frames, and storage.

The total area utilized is 1529605 m2. It has 181 industrial blocks. Thetotal length of the sewage network in the area is 832 meters. Futureexpansion will increase the length to 3496 meters. The number ofworkers is estimated to be 3000 worker. The area has modern roads, andfew temporary unpaved roads. There is a proposal to install storm waterdrainage network with a total length of 12417 meters. Electrical and freshwater services as well as a mosque and a super market are also availablein the area.

The northern sector

Amghara Industrial Area: It includes chemical and constructindustries. The total area utilized is 1546000 m2. It has 105 service and603 industrial blocks. The area has electricity; however, theinstallation of a sanitary wastewater network is being proposed with alength of 3310 meters. The total number of workers in the area isabout 1000 worker.

Amghara Area (The Scrap Yard): This area has various metallicindustries and scrap storage areas. The total utilized area is 521486 m2.It has 161 service and 64 industrial blocks.

Al-Kassarat Area (Al-Mutla’a):The total area utilized is 445000 m2

with 91 industrial blocks.

Ships Repair Area of Al-Doha: The main activities in this area areship repair, nets and robes manufacturing, storage as well as ice andwood industries.

The total area utilized is 48494 m2, including 41 service blocks and 3industrial blocks. The area has also telephone, electricity, fresh water,gas, roads, storm water drainage, and sewage network facilities.


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The following two tables show the number of industrial and craftinstallations for the year 2000 including the industrial activities based intheir type.

Table 6-1 The existing industries as in the year 2000.

Industrial activities QuantityUtilization of mines and quarries 29Food products 96Textiles, clothing, and leather industries 18Wooden products 98Paper and related products, press, and publishing 77Chemicals and oil derivatives 106Non-metal industries 198Basic metal industries 253Metal products 11Other manufacturing industries 9Total 895

Table 6-2 The existing crafts as in 2000.

Industrial activities QuantityFoodstuffs 167Wooden products 657Paper (& its products), press, and publishing 163Textiles, clothing, and leather industries. 432Chemicals and oil derivatives. 77Non-metal industries. 98Metal products 905Other manufacturing industries 16Total 2515


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Fig 6-2 The location of the industrial areas in Kuwait.


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Fig 6-3 Shuaiba Industrial Area (SIA), the eastern and westernsectors.


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Fig 6-4 Shuaiba Industrial Area (SIA). Plan for Shuaiba "East"Area. Note: SIA is situated 50 km to the south of Kuwait City along

the gulf coast.


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Fig 6-5 Amghara Industrial Area. Note: This area is located betweenAl-Jahra Road "North" and the Six Ring Road "South". It is

bounded by desert from both the east and west.


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Fig 6-6 Al-Amghara Industrial Area. Note: This area is locatedbetween the Fifth Ring Road and the Popular Housing Area. It can

be approached from the Fifth Ring Road east of the junction with Al-Firdous Road.


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Fig 6-7 Sabhan Industrial Area. Note: This area is located east ofKuwait International Airport. It can be approached through King

Fahad Road. The area has two entrances, the southern and northernentrances.


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6-2-4 Energy sector

The Ministry of Electricity and Water is solely and directly responsiblefor this vital sector which is aimed to provide electricity and freshdistilled water to the entire population of the State of Kuwait. Theministry provides these services through the main power stations in thecountry. The following is a brief description about the current situation inthe various power generation stations:

Shuwaikh Station, with a capacity of 208.2 MW: This station wastotally destroyed during the Iraqi invasion and, thus, the electricalgeneration units had to be taken out of service.

Shuaiba North Power Station, with a capacity of 400 MW: Thisstation is currently out of service due to damages it received by Iraqiregime during the invasion period of the country. A study is now beingcarried-out to investigate the feasibility of reconstructing and renewingit. The station has 5 steam units and two gas units.

Shuaiba South Power Station, with a capacity of 804 MW): Thestation is operational and includes 6 steam units.

Doha East Power Station, with a capacity of 1158 MW): All unitsare operational. The station includes 7 steam units and 6 gas units.

Doha west power station (total capacity of 2400 MW): This stationis operational and includes 8 steam units.

Al-Zur South Power Station, with a capacity of 2511 MW: Thisstation is operational and includes 8 steam units and 4 gas units.

Subbiya Power Station, with a capacity of 2400 MW: The station isoperational and includes 8 steam units.

These power stations are dual purpose. This means that they can produceelectricity and water by using "Flash Distillation" method. The ministryalso operates large electric networks and substations that are distributedall over the State of Kuwait. There are around 7000 employees in theministry from all disciplines. The ministry also runs a training centrespecialized in training and developing human resources in the ministry.The power generation sector has seen a tremendous development duringthe past forty years. The Ministry of Electricity and Water was able tomeet the increased demand of electrical supply in Kuwait.


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Table 6-3 The maximum increase in electricity demand.

Year Maximum electricaldemand (MW)

Generationcapacity(MW)

The annualaverage growth

for ten years

1970 516 694 -

1980 2100 2578 15.6%

1990 4500 7283 8.0%

2000 6450 9273 5.3%

Table 6-4 A comparison between energy per capita and the annualaverage electricity consumption.

Year Energy per capita(KWH)

The annual average growth in percapita consumption

1970 2864 -

1980 5686 6.3%

1990 - -

2000 12305 3.2%

Table 6-5 The increase in electricity generation from power stationsand the increase in consumption.

YearsParameter94 95 96 97 98

Generated electricity(GWh)

22.802 23.724 25.457 26.724 29.984

Electrical Consumption(GWh)

19.537 20.376 21.846 22.977 25.836


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AzzorSouth

StationDept.

ShuaibaStationDept.

ShuwaikhDistillation

StationDept.

The Minister

DeputyUndersecretaryFollow-up andCoordination

Undersecretary

Undersecretary’s Office

Management

LegalDepartment

Public Relationsand Information

Department

CustomerService

Department

Minister’s Technical

OfficeManagement

Minister’s Office Management

DeputyUndersecretaryfor Monitoring

and Info. Systems

DeputyUndersecretary

Planning,Training, ControlAnd Monitoring

Centers

DeputyUndersecretary for Water

Projects

TechnicalDepartment

ConsumersAffairs

Department

DeputyUndersecretaryfor Financial

Affairs


for Operation andMaintenance of

Water

DeputyUndersecretaryfor Power and

DistillationStations Projects

DeputyUndersecretar

yFor The

OperationAnd

MaintenanceOf Power andDistillation

Stations

DeputyUndersecretaryfor Distribution

Networks


for Transmissionlines Networks

DeputyUndersecretary forConsumers Affairs

DeputyUndersecrt.Technical

Services&Workshops

Affairs

DeputyUndersecretaryAdministration

InformationSystemsCenter

StatisticsDepartment

EngineeringDrawing

Department

MonitoringDepartment

Training&

QualityControl

Admin.Devlop.

&Train.Dept.

WaterResources

Dev.Center

Planning& Studies

Officefor

ControlCenters

ControlComputer

Depat.

Generalplanning

AndStudies

Control&

MonitoringCenters

ControlEquipment

MaintenanceDept.

Technical.Monitor.

Dept.

WirelessCommun

icationDept.

ControlCenters

OperationDepartment

Follow-up& ResearchDepartment

GeneralRecords

Dept.Human

ResourcesDept.

DevelopmentFollow-up

Dept.

JobssortingDept.

Admin.Services

Dept.

ProductionDept.

MainWorkshops

MaintenanceDepartment

TechnicalServices

Dept.

Testingand

MeasuringToolsDept.

TechnicalServices

GroundWatersProjects

Dept.

WaterFacilitiesProjects

Dept.

WaterNetworkProjects

Dept.

WaterProjectsDesignDept.

EmergencyServices

DepartmentPlanning

andFollow-Up

Dept.

ElectricalNetworkDesignDept.

MainSubstations

MaintenanceDept.

ElectricalNetworkProjects

ConstructionDept.

UndergroundCables &Overhead

Transmissionlines

MaintenanceDept.

PlanningAnd

Follow-upDept.

DistributionNetworks

EmergenciesDept.

StreetsLightings

Dept.

ElectricalDistribution

NetworksDept.

ElectricalInstallationsDepartment

Operation& Maint.Of Power

&Distill.

Stations(South ofKuwait)

Environmen.&

EngineeringPrograms

Dept.

SubbyaStationDept.

Doha WestStationDept.

Doha EastStationDept.

Operation& Maint

Of Power &Distillation

Stations(North ofKuwait).

AzzorNorth

StationDep.

(UnderDesign)

InstrumentWorksDept. Elect.

WorksDept.

CivilWorksDept.

Mech.WorksDept.

PowerStationsProjects

Electrical&

Instrument-ationsDept.

ExecutionDept.

DesignDept.

DistillationUnits

Projects

TechnicalFollow-up

Dept.

ProgramsPlanning

& Follow-upDept.

Water FacilitiesOperation &Maint. Dept.

FuelNetworks

Operation &Maint. Dept.

Assist. WaterDistill Dept.

Water fillingStations Dept.

WaterNetworks

Operation &Maint. Dept.

ChemicalProcesses

Dept.

Ground WaterProduction Dept.

FinancialAuditing &MonitoringDepartment

ComputersCenter Dept.

Stores Dept

Contracts &Tenders Dept.

Purchasing &Receiving Dept.

Budgets Dept.

Planning &Follow-up

Dept.

AccountingDept.

Fig. 6-8 Organizational chart of the MEW.


282

Fig 6-9 The locations of power stations in the State of Kuwait.


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The power stations, in Kuwait, uses mainly steam turbines. However,some of these stations also use gas turbines, which contribute to about 4%of the total generation capacity during emergencies events and duringpeak electrical demand only due to the high operating costs associatedwith this. The stations use fossil fuels that are available in Kuwaitthrough a local source i.e. Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC).For example, natural gas, crude oil, heavy fuel oil, gas oil all can be usedto operate the stations. This depend on the design of the boilers within thepower station it self. The modern power stations are capable ofcombusting all the above mentioned fuels. The power stations are locatedalong the coastal areas of Kuwait at the north, centre and south. Thesestations are located facing the Arabian Gulf. The stations uses seawater intheir different processes e.g. for cooling water. One of these stations islocated along Kuwait Bay i.e. Al-Doha station. The other power station islocated at the tip of Al-Subbiya Area, which is located at the northern partof Kuwait’s bay. The two other stations are located at the southern partsof Kuwait along the southern coast i.e. Shuaiba and Al-Zur stations.

There have been attempts to produce water by Reverse Osmosis (RO);these attempts, however, are still under research and development. Thereis an experimental station that produces small quantities of this type ofwater. However, this station was not designed for commercial purposes,but only for testing and experimental use. Based on the statistics theMinistry of Electricity and Water and by analyzing the consumptionpatterns in Kuwait, it can be concluded that the industrial sector is theleast sector in electricity consumption i.e. 1.2% as shown in Table 6.However, the domestic and investment consumptions make 87.7%. Thus,it can be concluded that the current status of the industrial sector does notpose a massive stress on the electrical network. However, the plannedfuture expansion in industry, especially in heavy industries, could sharplyincrease those rates in the future. This will require the need to strengthenthe infrastructure and the distribution network.

Table 6-6 The types and percentage of electricity consumers in theState of Kuwait, based on sectors and as in the year 2000.

Sector Percentage

Domestic 34.3 %

Investment 53.4 %

Commercial 11 %

Government 0.1 %

Industrial 1.2 %


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6-3 Environmental issues related to Energy and Industry sectors

Energy and Industry sector face many environmental issues that representserious challenges. These challenges require the preparation of short andlong term planning, taking into consideration the changing global trendsin the field of environmental protection. The main environmental issuesrelated to these two sectors can be summarized as follows:

6-3-1 Issues related to the equilibrium between industrial developmentand environmental conservation

Legislations concerning environmental protection are developing in manycountries around the world among governmental and non-governmentalauthorities and organizations. Perhaps, the most important industrialsector that interacts with those legislations is the energy sector, especiallythe ones related to crude oil and various petroleum products. Theintegrative relationships among the three elements; environment,development and socio-economic and industrial activities will bediscussed below.

Attaining a positive equilibrium among these three major elements has torepresent a framework to all countries in order to obtain and to keep asafe environment in our planet. This has to be achieved without breachingthe requirements of development for communities that require boostingand encouraging industrial activities to allow them to obtain betterrevenues. This will enable them to carry the burdens required to achievedevelopment including preserving the environment.

It is obvious that losing the equilibrium between the requirements ofindustrial development and environmental protection is one of the mostimportant problems and challenges that have to be treated on the nationallevel. This problem is mostly due to the non-optimal utilization of theavailable natural resources, which results in non-optimal usage of theseresources for community development. This situation will cause theinability to develop and to adopt efficient mechanisms and systems forthe protection of the environment in a sustainable manner. One of theconsequences is the presence of an immense gap and a differencebetween policies and mechanisms adopted by rich, industrial and poorcountries.

On other hand, crude oil and petroleum or hydrocarbon products, ingeneral, are the most important energy sources in the world. It is knownthat there is a direct relationship between development rates of countriesand their energy consumption rates. While crude oil will remain the mainsource of energy for at least the next three decades, as most researchesand studies indicate, it is the duty of societies to develop this type ofindustry and to strengthen the technical, economical, and political


285

capabilities of the oil producing countries in order to enable them toproduce and supply this commodity to consumers. In addition, to facedevelopment burdens in their countries. This will require the utilization ofscience and technology for the purpose of improving the performance ofall the elements within the energy production system, which uses fossilfuel. Consequently, this will reduce the potential environmental risks.This is the case for the improvement in industrial installations related toenergy production. Also, improving the performance of transport meansincluding land, air, and sea that uses petroleum products as fuels. Thisimprovement will reduce the emission of gases without resorting to othernon-petroleum products, which are usually more costly, complicated tooperate, and less safe such as the nuclear or solar energy.

Therefore, it possible to reduce the emissions of burnt fuel by 20%through improving the performance of electricity generation from powerstations and through raising the performance efficiency of the burners andboilers as well as the usage of substances that prevent the emission ofharmful gases to the environment. All of these procedures must beimplemented within a system of legislation and policies aiming at theprotecting the environment and to limit the negative impact of theindustrial activities, without obstructing economical, industrial, anddevelopmental activities.

Consequently, the State of Kuwait environmental policies and activitiesshould be in harmony with the industrial and economical policies andactivities without altering any of them. Therefore, it’s necessary to ensure reaching this required balance between industrial development andenvironment conservation. This harmony between the requirements ofindustrial development and environmental conservation forms one of themain guarantees that ensures the cooperation of the industrial sector inadopting and applying the National Strategy for the Protection of theEnvironment, including legislations and systems that may involveadditional financial cost on the industrial sector. However, it will be lessexpensive on the country than any other remedial measures that may ormay not work. It is important to mention the importance of adopting andapplying preventive measures to protect the environment, instead ofindustries continue the production of “good” and “bad” products, which will result in spending more efforts to curb and reduce the effects of the“bad” products.

6-3-2 Issues related to industrial development

Industry in Kuwait has developed considerably in the last two decades.There are ambitious plans to establish several industries, especially in thepetrochemicals field. The Environment Public Authority has recently


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prepared an ambitious strategic plan to encourage the industry and toprotect local productions as well as easing measures that are required toobtain industrial licenses and monitoring and supervising the industrialactivities. The main purpose of these efforts is to create an economicalbase that can contribute to the growth and prosperity of Kuwait. Thestrategic option for the essential economical development lays in theexpansion of industrial activities. This issue will require directinginvestments towards increasing the export of industries that have highadditional values. These industries have great effects on the economicaldevelopment of the State; however, the uncalculated expansion could leadto:

The possibility of an increase in environmental pollution, which inturns will affect all the aspects of life if preventive measures are nottaken.

The increase in the use of energy and raw materials, which may not beused properly.

The increase in industrial wastes that require sound environmentalmethods to be disposed of.

It is important to study the effects of industrial processes on theenvironment and what types of pollution control measures should befollowed and adopted. This issue requires a thorough study in order todetermine the suitable sound solutions.

6-3-3 Issues related to Population Development

Despite of the countless benefits of the calculated population growth, it isstill one of the challenges that should be treated within a comprehensivestrategy. The increase in population, also, increases the demand onconsumable goods, housing resources, industrial products, andexpectations for high living standards and improvement. Thesedemonstrate that population growth and rapid urbanization can lead to thefollowing:

An increase in exploiting natural resources, energy use, and anincrease in the production of different industrial products, especiallythe ones related to construction and population requirements.

An increase in the needs and requirements of the population. This willput a burden on resources, using more lands, and increases theconsumption of energy.

An increase in industrial wastes.

A continuous pressure on energy and mineral resources, directly orindirectly.


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6-3-4 Issues related to Industrial Areas:

The diversity in the geographical distribution of the eleventh industrialareas of Kuwait reflects the diversity and expansion of industrialactivities. Shuaiba Industrial area, Eastern and Western Sectors, isconsidered as one of the most important and dense areas with regards tothe numbers and sizes of industrial installations and facilities that arelocated on it. These industrial facilities are either under the jurisdiction ofthe Public Authority for Industry (PAI) or under the jurisdiction of the oilcompanies that are owned by Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). Inaddition, Shuaiba Industrial Area is the most integrated area, among allother industrial areas in Kuwait, in terms of its infrastructure andavailable facilities, which are also linked with the main export ports in theState of Kuwait.Therefore, the most important challenges that require setting futureprojections, in order to balance industrial development and environmentalprotection, include the coordination between the development ofindustrial areas and the growth in manufacturing, along withconstructional and residential expansion in neighboring areas. This isvery important to be achieved in order to control the adverse effects onthe components of the local environment. There is also a need to reviewthe locations of some industrial areas because of their existence near bysome sensitive ecological systems. An example of this, is the unjustifiedpollution, caused by the different processes in Al-Doha Industrial Area, tothe marine environment and coast of Kuwait Bay i.e. Al-Doha coastline.It is worth mentioning, that most of the industrial areas, power stationsgenerating and water desalination stations are located along the Kuwaiticoasts. This is causing severe stress on one of the most sensitive localcomponents of the environment. Moreover, the close proximity of someindustrial areas from heavily populated residential areas forms a genuineconcern that should be addressed in future development plans. Forexample, the close location of Al-Fahaheel Residential Area to the nearby Shuaiba Industrial Area, raises concern about the several industrialprocesses and facilities that emit gases that could directly affect theresidential areas. These include oil refineries, fertilizer plants, ammoniaunits, and liquidation processes of petroleum gas.

6-3-5 Issues related to Energy Consumption patterns:

The population and industrial growth will certainly have a great effect inimproving the standards of living. However, this will also inevitablyincreases the pressure on energy resources and the patterns ofconsumption. Therefore, the expansion in building modern residentialcomplexes, as is the case in the new residential areas, to meet theincreasing demands on residences required a horizontal expansion.


288

However, this is leading to a steady increase in energy consumption.Also, the medium and heavy industries often have extensive demand onelectricity and specific types of fuel. All these issues make it necessaryfor the energy sector in Kuwait to take all necessary measures to increasethe energy production to meet the growing demand in energy. Thesedemands are estimated to require one new power station every ten years.This in turn will lead to more fuel consumption, in order to operate thesenew power stations, or to increase the capacities if the existing ones. Thiswill, certainly, increase the stress on the local environmental and maycause the deterioration of the near by environment and natural habitats.

6-3-6 Issues related to technology

It is difficult to define accurately the technological patterns that should befollowed and used in the various industrial processes. However, it is verycrucial to mention that industrial processing technologies has undergone,and still undergoing, continuous improvements and evolutions. Theseimprovements, especially in the performance of industrial units andindustries are beneficial to reduce operational cost, solid and liquidwastes emission, and energy consumption. Some industries seek to useefficient technology patterns that go beyond the process stage byrecycling some wastes and emissions that can be used, as an example, asraw materials.Therefore, the selection of sound environmental and economicaltechnologies is one of the main challenges that face the industrial sectorin Kuwait. Furthermore, this challenge can exceed this stage and reachanother advanced and technical stage through the selection of processtechnologies that could improve the general and companies'environmental conditions. This can transform the industry from theposition of merely treating environmental problems, caused by poor andinefficient industrial processes that may have very high cost, into theposition of using advanced and environmentally clean technologies.Clean technologies may have a high capital cost but will definitely reducewaste treatment costs after production.This will have a positive impact on operation cost, operation efficiency,and on treating potential environmental problems prior to theiroccurrences. However, this requires the availability of a technologicalbase and sound knowledge that can generate a technical judgment inrelation to the best available technological alternatives, presented bydifferent companies that could be adopted and used. This will also requirethe availability of technical capabilities to conduct applied research andstudies that could improve the performance of industrial units andprocesses and to develop new products with better specifications.


289

Another requirement to meet this challenge is the availability of trainedand qualified human resources. In addition, the availability of specializedresearch facilities. The cost of research and development may beextensive for small or medium industries; therefore, national researchcenters can bear part of this cost provided that these industries arecompelled to invest part of their revenues and investment in researchrelated to their industrial activities. This could be achieved throughproper institutional arrangements and financial and administrativecontributions within the national research centers.

The use of inefficient technologies

Inefficient technologies always proved to be harmful to the environmentand have a higher social cost. Basically, industrial projects tend to ignoresocial and environmental costs in order to maximize their profits. Thiscould reach a point in which that environmental damage can slow downor obstruct the progress or development of projects without spending anyfurther massive investments to renew or replace technologies being used.At this point, economic indicators may not encourage the continuation ofthe projects.This is known as unsustainable development. The entire world is nowtrying and working toward achieving sustainable development. Thisreflects the importance of considering environmental aspects from thebeginning, in order to preserve the basics of economical development ofindustrial projects. For example, the trend of most modern factories thatproduce PVC plastic material is to use a modern technology to produce anew and stable environmentally friendly material i.e. the UPVC. This isdue to environmental restrictions imposed on traditional PVC all over theworld because of the instability of this type of polymers.

Research and development activities

Research and development activities are considered very important todevelop new technologies that can provide solutions to potentialenvironmental problems resulting from industrial and energy activities.These include, especially the ones related to cost minimization,improving product specifications, implementing proper environmentaland mechanisms, and importing efficient technologies to treat and limitthe impacts of pollution. Hence, there is a great need to develop a generalstrategy and an action plan for research and development programs alongwith all the necessary requirements such as human and financialresources, and the necessary research facilities.

6-3-7 Human resources

One of the major challenges that must be addressed is the ability toprovide highly trained and qualified human resources, both technically


290

and in the field of environment, so they can operate various industrialfacilities in a sustainable way in order to ensure clean and efficientoperation as well as incorporating scientific solutions. Thus, one of theimportant challenges is to prepare human resources with environmentalsense so they can distinguish between sound and improper environmentalactivities.

6-3-8 Issues related to industrial wastes and emissions

In general, industrial wastes and emissions represent the most importantchallenges to humans and industrial activities in the country, and inspecific to the industry and energy sector. This is because of the greatvariance of the nature of industrial activities in terms of types, volume,and quantity of industrial wastes generated from them. The requiredprocedures to minimize the impact of industrial wastes differ accordinglywith the type of wastes generated by the different industries in thecountry. However, the most significant issues related to waste, classifiedaccording to the type of the industrial activity, include the following:

Issues related to energy and electricity

Gaseous Emissions: Gaseous emissions produced by the burning offossil fuel used in power plants represent the main environmentalproblems facing such industry. The emissions of such facilities orindustries can pollute the air with a mixture of harmful compounds. Itis known that power stations use a mixture of fuel oils that areproduced locally by the oil refineries in Kuwait. These oils usuallycontain high levels of sulphur and carbon contents compared withother, cleaner fossil fuel types, such as natural gas. The result of usingsuch fuels is the emission of gases that carry burning fuel products,whether if complete or incomplete burning took place that couldcontain sulphur oxides, other sulphuric compounds, carbon oxides,carbon soot, and trace metals that are present in the fuel.

Discharge waters returned to the sea: Power plants use largequantities of seawater in their processes and for two main reasons i.e.water evaporation and cooling water. Technically, this means that theremaining waters would be discharged back to the sea after beingtreated, to ensure its conformance with recycled water specifications.However, due to the large quantities of seawater being used andrecycled, stricter monitoring procedures should be implemented inrelation to the recycling of these waters in order to ensure thecompliance with safety standards and limits. This is very important inorder to avoid operational errors, which could result in discharginglarge quantities of untreated waters into the sea. If untreated waters areaccidentally discharged into the sea, the ecology of the marine


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environment, especially in Kuwait Bay, will be directly affected andwill threaten the marine biota of the bay. In addition, thermal pollutionresulting from discharging cooling water, which is usually higher intemperature than the receiving water body, presents a significantpotential source of marine pollution that should be expected andminimized. This requires the adoption and implementation ofnecessary measures to minimize the impacts of thermal pollution.

Issues related to industry

As mentioned earlier, the diversity in the non-oil sector industrialactivities, in Kuwait, lead to the generation of different types of industrialwastes. Therefore, each industrial activity might face a different wasteproblem. The following is brief information about some of the mainindustrial wastes generated in Kuwait:

Solid waste: One of the most significant problems facing theconcerned authorities is the difficulty of sorting solid waste accordingto their nature, physical and chemical characteristics, and theirabilities, or inabilities, to be recycled. Accordingly, there is a greatneed to implement some kinds of management systems that can beimposed on all industrial activities or on various industrial productsconsumption patterns in order to assist the encouragement of sortingand segregation of wastes according to their nature. For example,plastics should be segregated from glass, wood and paper items andproducts. The most hazardous solid wastes, are the chemicallyunstable ones or the ones that contain chemical substances that canleach e.g. spent catalysts that are used in most chemical processes andalso sludge generated from the treatment of paper or aluminium.

Liquid wastes: Various liquid wastes are generated by variousindustrial processes. Some are hydrocarbon base, such as differenttypes of oils; others have aqueous base, such as cooling water andextraction water.

Gaseous wastes: Usually in the form of vapours, caused by industrialprocesses under high temperature conditions. The vapours are releasedor emitted fromplants’ chimneys, or in the form of by-products fromburning raw materials or fuel.

Deficiency, weakness, of pollution control programmes: Thoroughand comprehensive monitoring of pollutants generated by industrialactivities is very crucial to ensure that the maximum allowable limitsfor pollutants do not exceed permissible limits. The absence ofmonitoring programmes in certain industries, especially those ofmoderate and small sizes, can waste many important opportunities toreduce the level of pollution.


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6-3-9 Establishments structures

Many of the moderate and small industrial establishments suffer from theincompleteness of their structures in relation to environmental protection.In some cases, these structures or organizing units are absent. However,some establishment services can be provided for these industries throughunions, professional forums, or non-profit organizations such as theKuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Kuwait IndustriesUnion. The neutrality of these establishments, which represent mostindustries, enables them to coordinate with various local industries andwith government organizations that are responsible for environmentalprotection, such as the Environmental Public Authority. This is veryimportant in order to establish sound institutional structures that arecapable of implementing environmental standards related to industrialactivities in each establishment without obstructing industrial processes.In addition, the administrative organization and structures can play animportant role as a technical consultant for any new industrial facility inorder to ensure that environmental aspects are considered and thatEnvironmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is carried-out during the firststages of projects planning. However, in relation to large industrialestablishments or government authorities associated with industry orpower generation such as the Public Authority for Industry, the Ministryof Electricity and Water and Kuwait Municipality there is a need to havea thorough institutional structures that is greater. In addition, it shouldalso be concerned with preparing long term plans, work procedures, andadministrative systems in order to deal with environmental problems.

6-3-10 Legislative issues

The regulations and legislations, set by government entities related toenvironment protection, can minimize the negative impacts of human andindustrial activities on the environment, especially in preventing all typesof pollution as well as the removal and treatment of them in cases theyoccur. To ensure the continuous success of the environmental protectionlegislations, which are usually the main tools to activate the short andlong-term plans as well as the strategies related to environmentprotection, these legislations should be accompanied by other legislationsand regulations for the industrial sectors (energy and industry sectors).

Thoroughness of environmental legislations

Legislations adopted by the Environmental Public Authority, which is themain agency in the country that is related to environment protection in thelegislative context and sectors, and those adopted by industrial andenergy sector institutions, both private and public, should be insynchronism. These national legislations should also be implemented,


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through detailed process procedures and regulations, within the energyand industry sectors. This could later be applied in an easy manner usingsimple mechanisms within the administrative structures and organizingunits for each institution. This synchronism or integration between thelegislations adopted by the Environmental Public Authority and theinternal detailed procedures within the industrial institutions will enablethe Environmental Public Authority to apply the general policiespertaining to the National Strategy for the Protection of the Environment.This could be done via these industrial institutions through their owninternal systems and legislations using the available manpower in order tooperate their industrial facilities in proper environmental method.This integration in legislations will also enable the Environmental PublicAuthority to supervise and monitor the extent of which each institution isapplying these policies and can therefore identify and amend problemareas. This will also benefit these institutions in combating anyenvironmental emergency, due to the availability of rules and regulationsin these institutions that are being applied by specialized institutionalstructures and organizing units that can be dealt with easily.

Activating and implementing environmental legislations

One of the crucial subjects that should be addressed when discussing thelegislations of environment protection, on the national and institutionallevels, is the ability of the available human resources to implement theselegislations through daily practices, operational mechanisms, andorganizing structures. This reflects the readiness of these industrialinstitutions to apply the National legislations for the Protection of theEnvironment and to activate the National Strategy for the Protection ofthe Environment. This, however, should be accompanied by adoptingqualifying and training programs aimed at raising the performance andcapabilities of the human resources.On the other hand, systems to implement rules, legislations,environmental requirements, enhancing the authorities of theEnvironmental Public Authority in monitoring, inspection, detection, andenvironmental auditing are some of the main challenges and issues thatshould be dealt with in order to preserve the effectiveness of theselegislations and to achieve their objectives. This will also provideflexibility for companies working in the industrial, energy, andproduction sectors to deal with these regulations without violating theircontents. However, this requires better identification for the role ofindustries in self-monitoring, record keeping, and providing necessaryenvironmental data.


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Fig 6-10 Environmental protection at different organizational levels.

Pollutionprevention

and combatingprocedures in

companies, at theunits level.

Environmental protection policiesat the company level

Technical servicesand scientificresearch projectsactivities.

Environmental protection policiesat the sector level

Priorities for each sector fortechnology transfer andscientific research activities.

Environmental protection policiesat the national level

The national vision for thetransfer of technology andscientific research.


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6-4 Causes of environmental issues of concern in the industry andenergy sector

6-4-1 The balance between industrial development and environmentalprotection

This issue represents a major challenge for every country includingKuwait. Searching for causes and reasons may be time and effortconsuming due to the nature of the industrial activities. In general, themain causes and reasons of concern in the industry and energy sector arethe following:

The improper use of available natural resources.

Not reaching the optimal and needed condition for integrating theindustry and energy sectors activities and environmental protection.

Not considering environmental impact assessment studies whenimplementing industrial projects.

Insufficient understanding of the importance of environmentalconcepts and methods, in some industrial facilities, before and duringthe operational stages of industrial establishments.

Weakness in monitoring and supervision mechanisms and activities, insome industries. This weakness prevents ensuring the compliance withrelated environmental regulations.

Not considering environmental aspect in the long term industrialdevelopment plans or in the development plans of the energy sectorsuch as energy generation and transfer. This situation is creating a gapin the development plans of the industry and energy sector leading tounsynchronized legislations and operating methods.

Weakness in coordination mechanisms between the Public Authorityfor Industry, the energy sector and the Environment Public Authority.

Weakness in the roles of the internal organizational units in relation toenvironmental protection in industrial establishments.

The need to enhance the knowledge and understanding of theenvironmental protection sector in issues related to technical andeconomic aspects of the industry and energy sector.

6-4-2 Technology

The main reasons behind the significant manifestation of technology asone of the main challenges of environmental system in Kuwait are thefollowing:

The inadequate ability to select the best technological alternatives thatcould be adopted in the various industrial activities. These alternatives


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need to consider the best economic operations with the lowest possibleadverse impacts on the local environment.

The inability to create a suitable environment and climate withinindustrial establishments that consider the implementation of science,technology, and scientific research activities. These crucial elementsneed to be emphasized and as one of the main significant corporatevalues.

The weak relationship between industry and scientific researchinstitutions.

The inadequate availability of financial resources for scientificresearch in comparison with other developed and industrial countries.

The absence of a general plan for scientific research and technologytransfer that takes into consideration the aspects of environmentaldevelopment within economic development context.

The absence of well established organizational structures for scientificresearch within industrial establishments that can contribute and solvesissues related to environmental protection by using scientificapproaches.

6-4-3 Industrial wastes, litters, and gaseous emissions

Gaseous emissions from power stations

The increase in gaseous emission from power stations could be related tothe expansion in using fuel oil, which has high sulphur contents, as fuelfor power stations due to its low cost in comparison to other alternatives,such as gas oil or diesel. This resulted in the reduction of operation costof the stations. Another reason for using this type of fuel is theavailability of this fuel locally, from oil refineries, and the ease ofobtaining it (Table 6-11).

Table 6-11Some of the, approximate, physical characteristics

of fuel oil.

Relative density at 20º gm/ml 0.967Carbon residue type:"Conradson"

% Benzene 10.2

Trace Metals:- Nickel- Vanadium

P.P.M.1050

Sulfur Weight % 3.5


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Although that crude oil, which has better physical and chemicalcharacteristics than fuel oil, can be used as a fuel, it also has a relativelyhigh content of primary pollutants and sulphur contents. However, thepresence of such pollutants is still less than fuel oil. For example, thesulfur content is about 2.5% (weight) and it also contains trace metalssuch as nickel and vanadium. However, due to crude oil economics andits high revenue returns, oil companies tend to export and sell it in theinternational market. This is because the demand is high for crude oil andit will be more beneficial to sell it rather than burning it as fuel for powerstations, otherwise it will be considered as wasting one of the importanteconomic resources of the country.In addition, the unavailability, locally, of sufficient quantities of naturalgas prevented it to be used as fuel for power stations on the long term andto make the necessary technical adjustments in order to convert fromusing fuel oil to natural gas, despite of the ability of the power stationsburners to use both resources as fuel. Natural gas is considered as one ofthe cleanest fossil fuel due to low particle contents, especially sulfurcompounds, carbon, and trace metals. Also, it almost burns completely atnormal operating/operation conditions.It is hoped that the latest agreement between the State of Kuwait and theState of Qatar will have a positive impact towards finding a real andeconomically feasible solution for this problem. The agreement willenable the Ministry of Electricity and Water and the Kuwait PetroleumCorporation to arrange long term plans and to perform the necessarytechnical and administrative arrangements to guarantee the supply ofnatural gas so it can be used as fuel in the local power stations.

Waters discharged to sea

Power stations and major industrial companies in Kuwait, such asPetrochemical Industries Company, EQUATE Petrochemical Company,and other oil companies adopt, follow and apply sound technical systems,strict methods, and tough procedures/precautions in order to treatindustrial water before being discharged back to the sea i.e. both coolingand process waters. This enables the companies to control waterspecifications, before discharging it back to the sea, and to implementcontinuous monitoring systems.Therefore, the possibility of pollution incidents, related to the dischargedwater, can only occur because of operational errors or technical defects intreatment equipment. And although that such risk is minimal, it is alsoimportant to take all necessary measures to avoid the occurrences of anyerrors. In addition, it is required to have the ability to combat and dealwith these remote possibilities in order to minimize potential impacts.

Industrial wastes


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One of the main reasons for the growing problem of industrial wastes,especially liquid and solid wastes, is related to the different types ofmethods adopted and used by the different industries that produce suchwastes. Some companies use strict measures and precautions; whereasother companies ignore the problem and will not adopt and implementany precautions. Others may not realize the importance of dealing withthese industrial wastes and prefer to refer to government agencies forsupport.On the other hand, the unsynchronized systems of waste managementwithin most of the industrial sector establishments are either not being incompliance with regulations and standards or the absence of a uniformwaste management policy. This situation aggravated the problem,especially among the small industrial establishments that are wide spreadand are hard to coordinate with. Also, some industries have a productioncost concern for treating industrial wastes through recycling, reuse,treatment, or disposal. This led some companies to dispose of such wastesthrough unsound methods that harm the local environment and itsdifferent components instead of protecting it. At the end, the communitywill bear the high costs of such practices and in different aspects.In addition, failing to handle liquid wastes can result in the contaminationof ground waters, whether or not these wastes are dissolvable or not inwater. If this happens, then it would be necessary to treat the groundwater to decontaminate it, which is a very difficult, costly, and lessguaranteed than preventing the occurrence in the first place. There is agreat need to provide proper technical capability to analyze pollutants andto identify their concentrations in order to determine proper treatmentmethods.

Harmful emissions and leachate standards

The lack of uniform standards, on the national level, in relation to themaximum allowable limits for gaseous emissions and liquids leachatethat can pollute the components of the local environment, is one of themain causes that weaken the capabilities to control the sources ofpotential pollutants emissions. These standards need also to be conformedto other standards used in developed countries. In addition, it is importantto be able to adopt any required change and adjustment, in thesestandards, or in the methods of application.Currently, there are standards being prepared by the Environment PublicAuthority, but it requires further approval and will then be distributed toall industrial sectors for comments. Consequently, necessary measurescan be prepared to monitor the implementation of these standards withinspecified time framework. The standards will be imposed on various


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industrial sectors and the staff of the different companies needs to betrained on how to apply them.

6-4-4 Establishments structures/units

The incomplete internal structure/units of industrial establishments inrelation to environmental protection, in small and medium size industries,can be related to several reasons. These are:

The lack of knowledge in some industrial establishments about theimportance of such structures/units.

The additional cost burden associated with forming environmentalprotection structures/units by industrial establishments, especiallythose owned by the private sector. And although it is a fact that theseenvironmental protection structures/units are non-productive,however, they tend to increase the cost of production. However, thesestructures/units can save tremendous uncalculated or unexpected costs.

The need of scientifically, technically trained and qualified manpowerto manage these structures/units and to implement their programs.

On the other hand, the interference in responsibilities between theEnvironmental Public Authority and some government establishments,such as the Public Authority for Industry, in issues related toenvironmental protection, combating pollution, and preparing necessaryplans slows down the development of an integrated national institutionalsystem. This system should be responsible for issues related toenvironmental protection and combating pollution, based on optimalutilization of locally available resources including human capabilities.This interference, could also lead to conflicts between some policies andmeasures, which will obstruct the implementation of managementsystems and waste the expected benefits, resources, and availablecapabilities.

6-4-5 Legislative policies

The diversity and abundance of industrial activities and establishments,within the industrial sector, are considered the main reasons for theweakness in integrating legislative policies, in governmentestablishments, in issues related to environmental protection, industrialdevelopment, and power generation. It is not meant the generalframeworks of these legislations, which are highly integrated, but ratherthe integration of the detailed articles of these policies and theirimplementation measures, especially the inter-sectoral ones. On the otherhand, the absence of proper incentive systems, for the implementation oflegislations, makes these legislations an additional burden on theconcerned sectors. This encourages companies, in this sector, to abandon


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their responsibilities toward them. Therefore, it is necessary to seriouslyconsider how to handle this issue.

6-5 The required methods and measures to solve the problems of theindustry and energy sector

6-5-1 The balance between industrial development and environmentalprotection

It is very important to make a balance between industrial developmentand environmental protection through the following:

Incorporating environmental dimension in development plans, for theindustry and energy sector, and in their process operations,maintenance, products marketing, and other related services. Previousplans should also be reviewed and revised to include environmentaldimensions.

Determining mechanisms to enhance the integration between theindustry and energy sectors and environment protection sector. Also,activating the coordination between them on the lower, middle, andhigher management levels. This could be achieved by using manyactivities and measures such as:

Regular scheduled meetings.

Joint scientific activities.

Mutual participation, of both parties, in preparing strategic plans formajor projects.

The participation of the industry and energy sector in the local andinternational conferences and seminars related to environmentalprotection.

Organizing common training courses and workshops.

Creating a coordination unit between these sectors or an advisorycommittee from these sectors representatives.

Requiring the preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)studies during the planning of establishing new industries. EIA forindustrial activities is one of the main requirements for a balancedindustrial and economical development that consider environmentalaspects of industrial activities before and during the implementation ofindustries. Therefore, it is important on the national and sectoral levelsthat industries conduct EIA for their development projects. The abilityto spread such practice, in accordance with clear organizationalfoundations, is one of the main challenges for the "National Strategyto Protect the Environment".


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The need to implement environmental management systems, pollutionprevention programs, and environmental auditing programs as well asobtaining the ISO 14000 certification, stem as important measures tobe adopted by the industry and energy sector.

Considering environmental dimensions and aspects during urbanplanning of residential areas. Necessary measures should be taken todistant residential areas from industrial areas in order to protect peoplefrom the potential dangers of industrial activities.

Expanding environmental awareness and media programs to cover allgroups of the society.

Developing industrial activities that provide environmental services.

Enhancing sustainable development mechanisms (Fig. 6-11).

Fig 6-11 Enhancing sustainable development mechanisms.

IndustrialDevelopment

EconomicDevelopment

ContinuousConservation ofEnvironmentalComponents

EnvironmentalAwareness


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6-5-2 Procedures related to the technology field

A long term national institutional plan should be prepared to transfertechnology and scientific research. Such plan should be dealing withvarious subjects related to environmental protection. In addition, itshould be compatible with the requirements of industrial development.The plan should identify programs and projects, with their goals andtime framework that need to be implemented as well as the requiredmanpower and financial resources. The plan needs also to be reviewedregularly.

Working with research institutions toward implementing selectedprojects related to environmental problems and protection that arefacing and required by the local industry, respectively. TheEnvironmental Public Authority should act as a bridge to encouragethe establishment of institutional relationship between industry andscientific institutions in order to execute such projects.

Providing financial support to implement scientific and researchprojects related to environmental protection in coordination with thevarious scientific institutions in the country.

Building capabilities, supporting higher education and trainingprograms in order to assist in qualifying manpower working in theindustry and energy sectors as well as in the field of environmentalprotection. This will give the man power the proper technicalcapabilities to deal with environmental protection.

Ensuring the flow and accessibility of available technical data andinformation between the industry and energy sector as well asestablishments that deal with environmental protection and scientificresearch.

Enhancing cooperation and relationship between the environment,industry and energy, and scientific sectors and institutions. This can beachieved through the following means:

Regular and scheduled meetings.

Umbrella agreements.

Visits.

Joint seminars, discussion groups, and conferences.

Joint technical committees.

Training programs.

Scientific and technical papers and articles.


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Schematic representation of plug flow type of the activated sludgeprocess

Fig 6-12 Schematic representation of plug flow type of the activatedsludge process.

The participation of industry representative, if needed, in meetingrelated to reviewing scientific and research projects as well asconsidering their recommendations.

Working with reputed external international organizations in projectsthat have an added value to the environmental sector.

Benefiting from the local and international scientific-financialassistances to finance scientific and research programmes related toenvironmental protection.

Encouraging and rewarding distinguished employees in the industryand energy and environment sectors for their contributions in the fieldof environmental protection.

Easing the procedures for the preparation and approval of scientificprojects related to environmental protection without sacrificingscientific standards and quality of work.

The need to create a long term “Science and Technology” Strategywhich should have three main components. These are the following:

The ability to obtain the "Black Box Technology" from abroad andthen modified it in order to be utilized in a sound way.

Influent

Aeration Basin Clarifier

Effluent

Waste SludgeReturn Sludge


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The ability to obtain technical and technological capabilities and totune them in a sound way. However, it is only afterward that it can beindicated that such technologies are suitable to be imported andimplemented in accordance with local environmental conditions andpatterns.

The ability to present local inventions in terms of new products,advanced process and control methods and improving specificationsfor existing products.

Preparing the implementation of executable and training programs toassist the industrial sector in studying production structures andmethods that are currently being used in order to develop or replacethem with new methods that use sound and suitable technologies forthe environment.

6-5-3 Procedures for the industrial wastes field

There is a great importance to take quick and strict measures, within ajoint work system, between the environment protection sector and theindustry and energy industry sector, aiming to limit industrial wastes andthe adverse impacts on the environment. These measures include thefollowing:

Preparing a uniform policy for waste management

The industry and energy sector include many industrial activities thatcover a wide range of industrial processes and establishments thatproduce various products used in all aspects of human activities.Therefore, mismanagement of these activities or the misuse of their finalproducts may cause several environmental problems that should becombated. The random and unregulated disposal of wastes, which are notin harmony with these different industrial activities, may causes severeharm to the environment and pose a challenge that should be dealt with ina sound manner. This issue of concerns adds an additional financial andeconomic burden on the country and at the national level.

Therefore, there is a great need to prepare a central national policy at thestate level. This policy should consider imposing mandatory systems forall parties in relation to the mechanisms and methods that deals withhandling wastes, in any form. In addition, methods of disposing ofhazardous wastes produced by the industrial sector includingadministrative, treatment and recycling in a sound way. This also requiresthat the main and official agency responsible for environmentalprotection in the State of Kuwait i.e. the Environment Public Authority(EPA) to implement this policy. This is due to the fact that the EPA as acentral environmental agency is supported by laws and regulations and


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judicial apprehension, which enables it to implement its regulations andmeasures on all establishments that generate harmful wastes. The EPAcan act as a central agency for waste management, therefore, it shouldimplement this policy and to be supported by proper laws that areenforceable and by legislations that are issued by the high officialauthorities in the State of Kuwait.The EPA should also be provided with all relevant information, in adirect and transparent way and without delay, about the types, sizes,quantities, sources, and locations of industrial wastes. This should bebased on documents from the various industrial facilities in Kuwait. Suchinformation is the main building block to set a central plan and policy thatcan deal with the disposal of industrial waste. The adoption of clearmechanisms and directions need to reflect priorities in dealing withindustrial wastes and in accordance with sound principles. Theseprinciples can identify and explain to the concerned parties, in all relevantindustrial companies, the importance of adopting and implementing suchpolicy. This will eventually require the establishment of effectiveinformation network that links various industries with the central agencyfor waste management.This agency should have technical and technological capabilities thatenable it to select the most suitable technologies and scientific methods toimplement it objectives. These methods should yield the best results inmanaging wastes, according to scientific method that consider theperformance and efficiency of the different technology system used aswell as their economic cost and the possibility of using it locally, if suchtechnologies conforms with local environment conditions.Other duties of the central agency for waste management can include thestudy and determination of the synergistic effects of industrial wastes.These are usually not published and need to be accurate and studied indetailed in order to examine its dimensions and proper methods to dealwith wastes through consecutive, discrimination, sorting, or unsorting. Itis also important to specify a time framework for the implementation ofuniform policies for waste management. Also, training manpower thatcan implements these policies is considered very crucial.

Implementing measures related to sorting of industrial wastes

It is important to implement specific rules, legislations and financialmeasures on all industrial activities or on sectors that are benefiting fromindustrial products so they are forced to apply certain methods andmechanisms. This is very important in order to sort and segregate variousindustrial wastes, according to standards set for this purpose, and in a wayto ease efforts of disposing of and recycling it in a safe and sustainablemanner.


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The importance of the presence of uniform standards, among varioussectors, to sort industrial wastes can now be realized. This requires thecreation of written and detailed articles for these standards in order toavoid any variance that could occur during implementation due tomisunderstanding.

Creating proper culture

It is important to take a series of measures and to organize activities tocreate the proper culture within the industry and energy sector to dealwith industrial waste. These measures will educate workers in variousindustries in relation to how to apply a control and reduction policy forindustrial wastes. This need to be considered as one of the importantcorporate values that is needed to be adopted and implemented for anyworking company or existing plant. This can be achieved through:

Joint seminars, study groups, and conferences.

Tailored made or special training programs.

Joint technical committees.

Directed media programs.

Umbrella agreements between the EPA and industrial establishments.

Applying the standard of maximum limits for gaseous emissionsand liquids leachate.

This measure requires that the EPA creates uniform standards formaximum allowable limits for gaseous emissions and liquid leachate thatcould result from industrial or power generation processes. Otherstandards, used in other countries or approved and accredited by relevantinternational agencies, could also be used as a guide. It is also importantthat these standards emphasize on the important of exposure rates ofpollutants, including minimum and maximum concentrations.Currently, the EPA is preparing these standards. Therefore, there is aneed to speed up the process of approving them in order to distributethem to the concerned parties. This will lay the foundation for theimplementation of these standards, and in accordance with a specifiedtime framework. This requires preparing different industries for thatpurpose. And to properly implement these standards, they should bemandatory for all relevant establishments. The EPA should act as a“Reference Agency” to investigate possible violations. It can seek theassistance of all available legal or scientific expertise in the differentestablishments and authorities.


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Treatment of chimneys’ stacks

As most transforming industries and industrial facilities, related to powergeneration, use petroleum derivatives as fuel, then, it is a standard to usestacks to exhaust out emissions of the combusted fuel or to collectgaseous wastes produced by various industrial processes, especiallychemical processes. Therefore, the stacks are considered as one of themain sources of air pollution. Hence, it is necessary to speed up theissuance of relevant legislations that needed to be imposed on industrialinstallations and facilities that emit pollutants from such sources.These legislations should force industrial establishments to use moderntechnologies that are capable of handling stacks’ emissions before theirrelease into the air in order to minimize the gaseous or residual pollutantsin the emissions. It is also essential to take necessary steps to improve theperformance of power stations in order to minimize emission rates causedby the burning of fossil fuel. This could be achieved by various meanssuch as increasing the efficiency of burners and boilers as well as usingsuppressing materials that prevent the emission of harmful gases to theenvironment.

Monitoring system for waters discharged into the sea

It is necessary to issue rules and legislations to establish advanced andpermanent systems to monitor the quality of discharged water back intothe sea generated from industrial installations or power stations, in orderto ensure their conformance with approved specifications and standards.This should be imposed on all industrial installations that use and treatcooling or process waters that will be discharged back into the sea. Suchmonitoring system should be centralized and connected with returnedwater treatment systems in the various industrial companies. It alsoshould be connected with the various departments of the EPA includingthe "Central Agency for Environmental Emergencies".The monitoring systems should be provided with manpower andequipment to enable it to perform its task. Data should also be collectedand passed on to the responsible department within the EPA and onregular bases. It is also important to adopt a “Zero Water Discharge” Policy. Such policy indicate that the industrial process, and in any givenindustrial installation, should not discharge and water quantities that areexceeding the permissible limits, or less, into the sea. This requires theuse of advanced and modern technologies or the addition of recycling andtreatment units such as large evaporation ponds. However, in the event ofcontinuous water discharges into the sea, the specifications of such waterneed to be very strict. This might lead to a new additional investmentcosts.


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The use of clean fuel in power stations

As mentioned earlier, one of the main sources of air pollution in thecountry is from emissions from power stations due to the use of fuel oilthat have high pollutant contents. It is, therefore, necessary to reach anagreement between the Ministry of Electricity and Water and KuwaitPetroleum Corporation regarding the use of cleaner fossil fuels that willcreate less pollution problems e.g. natural gas. If an agreement is notreached, it is then crucial to consider using some technologies that arecapable of filtering the emissions before leaving the stacks of the powerstations.

Encouraging the establishment of recycling industries

There is a need to establish such types of industries in the State ofKuwait, especially if they are economically feasible so investment can bepoured toward this direction. In addition, there is a need to support suchindustries, and as an incentive, to improve their economics andoperations. On the other hand, industries that produce solid products,which are degradable after a certain period of time, should also beencouraged. This needs the adoption of various scientific researchactivities related to the development of such products.

6-5-4 Measures related to the structures of establishments

These measures include the following:

The development of structures related to environmentalprotection within industrial establishments: The EPA shouldintensify its communications with industrial establishments in order toencourage them to develop their own administrative structures forprotecting the environment. This is very important to activate pollutionprevention and treatment measures. It is also necessary to find suitablemechanisms to reward establishments that work very hard to completetheir establishments' structures within the context of the overallenvironmental protection policy of the country.

For this purpose, training and awareness programmes can beestablished as well as seeking the assistance of experts to create therequired institutional structures within the industrial establishments.Perhaps the most important structure is the "Organizing Units" withinthe administrative structure of these industrial establishments that aredirectly needed to deal with environmental protection. These unitsrequire proper resources to be directed to them and then to coordinatetheir activities with the EPA, as well as other institutions. Thiscoordination is very important for the monitoring, detection,combating, and the implementation of programmes related and


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relevant to environmental protection. The main tasks of these units canbe the following:

Coordinating with the EPA in relation to the implementation of theapproved policies and measures related to environmental protection,as well as working as a liaison office between the EPA and ministriesor industrial establishments.

Up-dating and following up with new news about environmentalpolicies of the country.

Monitoring industrial processes, to be performed by the ministry orinstitutions, in order to ensure their compliance with environmentalprotection policies and measures.

Collecting information, results, and data.

Preparation and reviewing environmental emergency plans. Theseplans need to be prepared in order to combat any potential emergency,which could result in adverse impacts on public safety andenvironment.

Preparation, implementation, and follow up of training and awarenessprogrammes for workers in the ministry or establishments that dealswith environmental protection. In addition, they should also follow upon the implementation of preventive measures and properenvironmental operating systems of industrial facilities within theministry or establishments in order to raise the level of environmentalawareness between workers.

However, despite of the fact that the EPA was established to bethe central agency in the country that is responsible forenvironmental protection, the environment protection system inKuwait still needs further integration between the mainestablishments working in this sector. This includesenvironmental protection units, within the organization structure,that are working in the field of environmental protection, publicsafety, and industrial security. This weakness in integration willhave negative effects on the integration of internal laws andregulations that are being used within these establishments aswell as their compatibility with laws and legislations issued bythe EPA.

Limiting the interference in responsibilities and authorities

It is extremely important that the EPA take the necessary measures, at thecountry’s level, to cope with the interference in responsibilities and authorities among institutions and establishments that implement


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environmental protection programmes and projects. The authority shouldalso supervise and manage environmental issues within the industrial andenergy sector. It is also feasible to form joint committees betweenestablishments working to implement environment protection policiesand measures. These establishments include the EPA, the PAI, the MEWand Kuwaiti Industries Union, the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce andIndustry, and other industrial establishments. This will lead to theminimization or reduction in the interference between theseestablishments and to the preparation of coordination mechanismsbetween them.

Enhancing the capabilities of the EPA

The implementation of the programmes stated in the "National Strategyfor the Protection of the Environment" requires that the EPA developsand improves the capabilities of its own resources i.e. human, financial,and equipment. This step is necessary to implement and prepare therequired laws and legislations and to ensure their proper implementation.In addition, to do follow up, for this, with various industrialestablishments and in a highly efficient manner, with the ability toprovide technical, logistical, and administrative assistance for theindustrial sectors, if needed, and to deal with emergencies.

6-5-5 Legislative measures

The measures include the following:

Speeding the process of issuing the special environmentalprotection law: This is a corner stone for the integration ofenvironmental protection system in a sustainable manner that sets themain frames for other detailed laws and legislations that deal withdifferent phenomena. This law should include policies and procedures.In addition, relevant establishments, including the industrial sector,should participate in preparing such law.

Integrating policies and laws: It is crucial for the EPA, which is thecentral environment protection agency in Kuwait, to ensure theintegration of environment protection laws and policies in institutions,industrial companies, and power generation stations. Measures shouldbe taken to ensure reaching optimal situation for the integration oflaws and policies. This requires intensifying communications withthese institutions and companies at various levels as well as spreadingthe required awareness about the importance of this integration. It isalso necessary to issue general legislations, at the country’s level, thatforces all institutions to coordinate with the EPA to reach optimalintegration of laws and policies.


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Issuing legislations: It is very important to issue the necessarylegislations related to measures and procedures that should beimplemented to achieve environmental protection and to combatpollution. This represents a corner stone for the success of nationalenvironmental protection policies. It should be noted that despite theimportance of setting policies, the success in their implementationrequires setting detailed procedures that transform policies intoachievable and specific tasks. This means that laws and legislationsshould be detailed, as regulations that can be implemented by the lawthrough the EPA, which should be given the judicial apprehension inorder to prosecute the violating institutions.

Unifying environmental specifications and standards: It isnecessary for the EPA to adopt a national project to unifyenvironmental specifications and standards and then implement themon all sectors in the country. The EPA should play the role of a centralcoordinating agency for preparing these specifications within anachievable timetable that enables the cooperation and interactionbetween the various concerned establishments.

Unifying the "Term of Reference" of all environmentallegislations: There is a great need to unify the legislation related toenvironmental protection. The EPA should be selected as a referencebody for this purpose. Therefore, studies should be conducted todetermine the main framework of the process of unifyingenvironmental legislations.

The transparency in providing information: The freedom to obtaininformation, related to the impacts of industrial processes on the localenvironment, is considered as one of the main elements for the successof proper implementation of environment protection policies at thenational level. To achieve this, necessary legislations and frame works,needs to be established in order to ensure providing relevantinformation and data at the right time, form, transparency and in itsauthenticity. It is also necessary to identify the procedures of obtainingenvironmental impacts information as well linking all responsibleestablishments with efficient information network.

Quality certificates programs: With global trade, obtaining qualitycertificates, ISO 9000, for industries is crucial to enhance thecompetitive position of their products in the local and internationalmarkets. This also require from the different companies to obtainquality certificates related to environmental protection, safety and ISO14000.


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This should be implemented gradually through proper timetable. Thisenables the EPA to coordinate with the PAI and the MEW in issuingnecessary legislations and laws to force companies to obtain thesecertificates without obstructing industrial activities in order to achievea balance between industrial development and environmentalconservation.

Incentive systems: A study should be carried-out in relation to thepossibility of including, within environmental protection legislativepolicies, comprehensive and diverse incentives for the different sectorsresponsible for the implementation of environmental protectionlegislations. These incentives can include administrative, institutional,financial, tax, or preferred measured incentives.

Financial cost: It is a known fact that imposing new environmentprotection policies and procedures on existing or new industriesrequires additional economic investments. It creates burdens thatmight reduce economic benefits of projects, especially those owned bythe private sector. Therefore, a study should be conducted to determinethe best methods to be used to reduce such economic burdens onindustries without violating environmental policies and regulations.These studies should be conducted in collaboration with all relevantsectors in the State of Kuwait.

6-5 References and sources of Information

Abdul Dayem, Mohammad (1998) Science, Technology, andDevelopment: Significant Contemporary Issues. Kuwait Foundationfor the Advancement of Sciences. Note: Translated Books Series.

Al-Ajmi, Mahdi (1996). Human Factors and Their Impact on NaturalEnvironmental Conditions in the State of Kuwait. Kuwait Foundationfor the Advancement of Sciences. University Thesis Series.

Al-Awadi, Badriya (1996). Environmental Laws in the GulfCooperation Council Countries. Specialized Books Series.

Al-Farsi AbdulRazzak (1995). Wasting Energy: The Development andProblem of Energy in the Arab World. Center of Arab Unity Studies.Beirut, Lebanon.

Ali Al-Naqi, Khadija (1999). Facing the Future’s EnvironmentalChallenges through Teaching Education for Sustainable Development.Environmental Issues Series Publications. The Kuwaiti EnvironmentProtection Society and Kuwait Foundation for Advancement ofSciences.


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Al-Sharrah, Yaqoob (1986). Environmental Education. UniversityTheses Series.

Annual Industrial Report, (2000). Public Authority for Industry. ThirdEdition. State of Kuwait.

Annual Statistics Book, (2001). Electrical Energy. Ministry ofElectricity and Water. State of Kuwait.

Annual Statistics Book, (2001). Ministry of Electricity and Water.State of Kuwait.

Asfari Ahmad (1996). Treatment of Industrial Effluent Waters.Specialized Books Series.

Askar, Kamal (1984). Industrial Investment Environment in the Stateof Kuwait. Specialized Books Series.

Gulf Organization for Industrial Consultations, (2001). Proceedings ofthe "Industrial Environment Management" Seminar. Public Authorityfor Industry and the National Environmental Services Company,Kuwait.

Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, (2000). Natural Resourcesand Characteristics of the State of Kuwait.

Kuwaiti Industries Union (1999). Proceedings of the First Conferencesfor Kuwaiti Industries: “ Industry and the Challenges of the TwentyFirst Century”, Kuwait.

Mandour, Ahmad and Ramadan, (1990). Economics of Natural andHuman Resources. Al-Dar Al-Jameya, Beirut, Lebanon.

Ministry of Commerce and Industry, (1996). Kuwait Industrial Guide.Department of Research and Statistics, PAI, Kuwait.

Ministry of Planning, (1999). Annual Statistical Collection (36th

Edition), State of Kuwait.

Organization of the Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (1982).Proceedings of "Environmental Protection against from Oil IndustryPollution". State of Kuwait.

Organization of the Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries, (1986).Proceedings of the "Technical Meeting of Industrial Safety Experts inthe Arabic Oil Industry". State of Kuwait.

Public Authority for Industry, (1999). Annual Information Briefing forCompanies and Plants in Industrial Areas. State of Kuwait.

United Nations Environmental Programme (2000). GlobalEnvironmental Expectations, UNEP.


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Note: Other sources include the following:

Various publications from the Environment Public Authority, thePublic Authority for Industry, and the Ministry of Electricity andWater.

Direct communications with many specialists in the field of industrialenvironment protection.


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Sector Seven

Wild Life, Flora and Fauna


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Members of the Wild Life, Flora and Fauna Sector Team

Abdul-Mohsen Al-Qallaf Deputy Manager, Landscaping andGreening Department, PublicAuthority for Agriculture andFisheries Resources (PAAFR).Chairman of the team.

Ms. Muna Nasser Faraj Manager, Living ResourcesDepartment, Environment PublicAuthority (EPA). Repertoire of theteam.

Mr. Yarub Al-Yehia Living Resources Department,EPA.

Mr. Khalaf Abdul-Hameed Al-Shatti

Head of Department of Studies andLandscape Design, PAAFR.

Mr. Mohammd HaythamMinqara

Technical Advisor, EnvironmentalAffairs Section, PAAFR.

Preparation

Dr. Sameera Sayed Omar Kuwait Institute For ScientificResearch (KISR).

Supervision, review, editing, completion of the the scientific materialand reo-organizing it:



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7-1 Introduction:

The natural environment of the State of Kuwait is mainly of two types i.e.marine and desert. Although Kuwait is a small country with limited landand marine areas, there are different kinds of wild and marine organismsdue to the variation in the nature of soil, meteorology, topography andecological systems.

Before the oil era, the citizens of Kuwait have long depended on naturalresources. In the marine environment, they depended on fishing, shrimpfishing and pearl harvesting. As for land resources, they depended onplants for medicine extraction, grazing and hunting of wild animals; inaddition, being essential living resources they have social and economicimportance.

After the discovery of oil, which is a natural non-renewable resource, asocial and economic leap has occurred in Kuwait. This was accompaniedby environmental and industrial development, population growth, urbanand agricultural land expansion, which resulted in increasing the overexploitation of land renewable resources.

Due to the limited number of species living in Kuwait environment andits sensitivity, they were adversely and severely affected by humanactivities. Environmental problems have also increased, especially afterthe Iraqi’s Invasion and the Gulf War when the oil well were torched andothers were gushing oil leading to the formation of large oil spills in thedesert and the sea. The disaster had a degrading effect on theenvironment.

Natural resources are very important resources at the local, regional,national and international levels. Any change and alteration in theenvironment, from human activities, is usually accompanied withunbearable loss in natural resources. Rehabilitation of the environment ispossible, not only by importing advanced technologies but also throughproper management, enforcement of laws, and controlling differentconsumption patterns. Accordingly, it is important to formulate a nationalstrategy to protect wild life and directing the long-term plans towardssustainable resources management for future generations.

According to these aims, the State of Kuwait prepared its "NationalBiodiversity Strategy" in order to set a plan for the rehabilitation ofdamaged environments and to protect endangered species. It also aims toput the basis and concepts for regulating the sustainable utilization of theenvironment and its resources.


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7-2 Available resources for wild life and animal sectors

7-2-1 Non-governmental organizations and governmental bodies

There are various authorities and organizations that are involveddirectly or indirectly with regulating the utilization of naturalresources. They include:

The Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources(PAAFR): It is considered as the main body responsible for resourcemanagement and its protection from degradation. It therefore,responsible for protecting fish, animal and plant resources andaccordingly it introduces the related legislations and laws. Theauthority is also concerned with the protection of the desertenvironments by establishing protected areas.

The Environment Public Authority (EPA): It is the main bodyresponsible for setting and implementing public policies forenvironmental protection and the formulation of sustainabledevelopment strategies. The EPA, therefore, shares the responsibilitieswith the PAAFR in the conservation of the environment. The EPAproposes legislation through the "Permanent National BiodiversityCommittee" to ensure adequate and rational utilization and treatmentof different species.

The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR): The differentresearch departments such as the "Food Resources" and"Environmental and Earth Sciences" in KISR, conducts researchstudies or projects that support the national economy, which has adirect relationship with natural resources and importance indeveloping the sector. These researches mainly deal with technologyimprovement, rehabilitation of degraded lands, increase agriculturalproduction and the development of fish resources to reach subjectiveself-sufficiency in certain important resources.

Kuwait University (KU): It contributes to natural resourcesimprovement, research publications and scientific research throughcollaboration of its academic personnel and students in the variousscientific and technical faculties.

Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS): Itcontributes directly in developing environmental awareness regardingwildlife through the "Scientific Centre" which was established in1999. In addition, the foundation funds projects and research related tothe development of this sector and the protection of resources.

Kuwait Municipality (KM): It contributes effectively in resourcesdevelopment and protection especially after establishing the


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"Environmental Affairs Department" whose three main domains ofinfluence are environmental urbanization, wild and coastalenvironments, public health and environmental cleanliness.

Also, there are non-governmental organizations that have environmentalactivities, which are related to marine organisms’ protection and prevention of environmental pollution. These organizations are theKuwaiti Environmental Protection Society, Agricultural EngineersSociety, Farmers Unions and the Science Club.

7-2-2 Organizational, human, technical, legislative, awarenesscapacities available for serving the wild life sector

The educational sector set the cornerstone for sciences that are related towild life development. Hundreds of students graduate yearly fromdifferent majors that are related to biodiversity conservation such asbotany, zoology, geography, geology and other sciences. Other relatedqualified employees that work in the governmental sector hold degreesthat range from diplomas in agricultural to doctorate in rangemanagement sciences, land and wildlife, marine sciences, and specializedagriculture fields.

Although there is an availability in national capacities and resources in"Kuwait Zoo" and fisheries resources, there is still a lack in the number oftechnician in the "Range and Forestation Department" at PAAFR. As forKuwait Institute for Scientific Research, there is sufficient numbers ofresearchers and workers and in different fields related to ecological,desert, marine and agricultural studies. On the other hand, the EPA hasseveral specialists in the domain of zoology and botany working inenvironmental protection and conservation. As for the Department ofEnvironmental Affairs at Kuwait Municipality, it has a limited number ofspecialists. In general, due to the unavailability of a centralorganization/structure concerned with the management of protected areas,there are many national cadres and specialist that can be found anddistributed in different governmental sectors. All these sectors havesufficient human and financial resources to works on monitoring ofenvironmental crises, research, education and awareness.

The Ministry of Information and the press work on delivering informationto the public through different media channels. Other channels coverdifferent news related to biodiversity. These include magazines such as“Science and Technology” published by KISR, “Science Magazine” by Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, “The Environment Magazine” by the Kuwaiti Environmental Protection Society and “Al-Majara Magazine” published by the Science Club and others.


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The Department of Agriculture Guidance at the PAAFR has theresponsibility in distributing information to the public. It has its ownradio and television programmes. The Department of EnvironmentalAwareness at the EPA broadcasts its awareness programmes throughdifferent media channels. As for the KISR, the program “Science and Technology” is also broadcasted on the radio and discusses results ofrecent projects conducted by the institute and aiming to aware the public.

7-2-3 Legislations, laws and regulations enacted by the governmentalsector for the protection of wildlife

Several legislations where enacted by governmental bodies and related tothe wildlife sector. These include:

Grazing laws

The Law Decree No. 41 for the year 1988, regarding the control ofgrazing and allocation of areas where grazing is only permitted and therole of the PAAFR in implementing the law.

The Law Decree No. 242 for the year 1989, regarding the legalprocedures that need to be taken when violating decree No. 41 for theyear 1988.

The Law Decree No. 242 for the year 1989, regarding the conditionsand procedures required for awarding grazing consents and theirdurations.

The Degree Law No. 9 for the year 1987, regarding the prohibition ofall acts that deteriorate public cleanliness and vegetation as stated inthe second article of the decree that prohibit damaging plants, flowers,trees in public areas. It also including the prohibition of uprooting ofall plants in all public areas.

Cleanliness and public utilities

The Law Decree No. 18 for the year 1978, regarding personal safetyrules, the protection of public utilities and public resources. Thisdecree penalizes all who destroys or damages public utilities.

The Law Decree No. 56 for the year 1980, regarding the Bylaw ofSafety Rules for Individual and Public Property, Utilities and PublicResources. It aims at protecting the infrastructures and naturalresources.

A law decree in relation to the Bylaw of Public Parks. It specifies theresponsibilities of Kuwait Municipality in managing public parks i.e.cleaning and protection of the parks with exception to plantation andirrigation. This is considered the responsibility of the PAAFR.


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Agricultural quarantine laws

The Law Decree No. 112 for the year 1976, in regard to agriculturalquarantine, which includes regulations regarding plant import in anyof its parts.

The Decree Law No. 10 for the year 1964, regarding preventiveprocedures from infectious animal diseases and procedures taken uponthe detection of any symptoms of infectious disease on animals.

The Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries ResourcesDecision No. 10 for the year 1985, concerning veterinary quarantine.

Ministerial Decision No. 6/1997, regarding the conditions to befollowed by the scientific authorities willing to import specialsubstances that contradicts with the regulations of quarantine.

Ministerial Decision 7/1977 regarding, regarding the procedures ofhandling imported substances and plants through land transborders.

Ministerial Decision 8/1977, regarding procedures of entering plants,substances and produce with incoming arrivals.

Ministerial Decision 9/1977, regarding the methods of handling withcouriers or parcels that do not comply with the restrictions stated bythe Agricultural Quarantine Law and denied access by the concernedauthorities.

Ministerial Decision 10/1977, concerning the charges of disinfectingimported substances.

Resources protection laws

The draft law of "Protected Areas" was proposed by the "PermanentCommittee on National Biodiversity". It aims at regulating theutilization of protected areas, allocating prioritised lands for protectionand setting conditions and penalties. The law classifies protected areasinto natural closed areas, organized natural areas, natural parks, andscientific areas. In addition, the law sets conditions on the utilizationof protected areas and includes the following:

Islands such as Warba, Bubiyan, Southern Failaka, Ouha, Umm An-Namil, Kubbar, Qarouh and Umm Al-Maradem.

All coral reefs that fall in Kuwait’s regional waters.

Desert and coastal areas including Umm Al-Naqa, Umm Gdair, Al-Khuwaisat, Kadma, Mugeera, Nuwaiseeb, Sulaibhikat, Wadi Al-Batin,Al-Khiran, Huwailmiya, Judeiliat, Umm Al-Haiman, Sulaibiya andEastern Jahra. The law prohibits introducing alien animal or plantspecies to natural protected areas. It also prohibits any act that


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obstructs the efforts made to conserve natural habitats. The lawentrusted the EPA to determine the seasons of activities in eachprotected area and has the responsibility to constantly monitor andobserve wildlife with the assistance of other authorities. The law alsoproposes initiating a guardianship to protect each protected area andreport any breach or violation of related laws.

Draft law proposed by the "Permanent Committee On NationalBiodiversity" in relation to hunting:

A draft Law regarding the regulation of wildlife hunting. This law willprovides and grant the EPA the ability to coordinate with othergovernmental authorities and the jurisdictions to regulate wildlifehunting to ensure its protection.

Administrative decisions:

Decision No. 18 for the year 1998 of the EPA, concerning theestablishment of the "Permanent Committee on NationalBiodiversity".

Decisions:

A draft law regarding the trade in wildlife endangered species. Thelaw is being prepared by the Permanent National BiodiversityCommittee.

International agreements:

International agreements such as the agreements on oil pollution of1969 and the related Protocol of 1976 which was ratified on 24/1/81according to Law No. 12/1981 and came into effect on 1/7/198.

Kuwait Agreement for the Protection of the Marine Environment for1987 and the International Agreement for the Prevention of Pollutionfrom Ships for 1973, which was ratified on 24/1/1981 according to lawNo. 9/1981 which came into effect on 29/9/198.

UN Agreement for Combating Desertification in Arid and Semi AridZones Especially in Africa. This agreement was signed by Kuwait on22/9/1995 and was ratified according to the Decree No. 134 for 1997and issued on 22/7/1997. The Decree became effective for Kuwait on25/9/1997.

Biodiversity Agreement, which adopted by Kuwait on 1997 andsigned on 9/6/1992. It was ratified in 1995.

Available capacities for implementing legislations and regulations

To ensure the implementation of legislations, several committees wereformulated. These committees included representatives from different


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concerned governmental bodies. The Ministry of Interior has providedassistance to the authorities concerned with regulating land-use, naturalresources, and protected areas. These include the PAAFR, the EPAAuthority, KISR and KM. The Ministry of Defence also has a role infencing the National Park of Kuwait and protecting prohibited areas thatfall under its jurisdiction. Whereas, Kuwait Oil Company with theassistance of the Ministry of Interior protects all the oil installations andlands that fall under its jurisdiction.

7-2-4 Achievements in wildlife protection

All efforts made by governmental authorities and those who areconcerned with conservation of wildlife were successful. These attemptsresulted in designating four locations to be assigned as protected lands inKuwait. These include the National Park at Jal Al-Zur, Al-Jahra Pond,Sulaibhikat Bay (Al-Doha) and Sulaibiya (Kabd). The protected areas inKuwait reached 3,900 m², which represents approximately 22% of thetotal area of Kuwait. The EPA is continuing its efforts in ratifying the lawrelated to protected areas prepared by the "Permanent Committee onNational Biodiversity". This law will be very effective in maintainingbiodiversity in Kuwait. Also, the EPA with the assistance of otherauthorities prepared the National Strategy for the Conservation ofBiodiversity. It aims to maintain biodiversity in their natural habitats andrehabilitating environments and agricultural lands.

The "National Biodiversity Strategy" is considered as the cornerstone ofall efforts made by the adhering parties to bind with commitments statedin the "Convention on Biodiversity". Efforts also aim to includebiodiversity conservation within the programmes and plans of all sectorssuch as the social, political, financial and other sectors. Therefore, themain function of the strategy is to propose a set of specificrecommendations for the national efforts in issues concerning theprotection and maintenance of biodiversity and the utilization of itselements sustainably.

The recommendations need to conclude adopting mechanisms andmethods to assist in implementing the strategy programmes and plans.These include determination of responsible authorities, financial funding,national capacities, legislations and regulations and other mechanisms.The EPA also adopted the means required for the participation ofgovernmental and non-governmental sectors in implementing thestrategy. This will ensure the participation of all sectors to reach the goalsof sustainable development and proper exploitation of resources. At thelevel of completion, preparation of the biodiversity strategy, the EPAwith the support legislative and governmental bodies to demonstrate the


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importance of the strategy to the public and to prepare for improvementof plans and programmes in the different sectors according to a set timeframework. The implementation of programmes will also be monitoredand evaluated to measure the degree of success and progress.

7-2-5 Available resources for protection and development

Although Kuwait is not rich in biodiversity, there are still several marineand desert organisms of remarkable importance. About 374 of plantspecies identified; most of which are seasonal and used for grazing. Morethan 350 of bird species were also had been identified, of which 18 arenative habitants and 40 species of reptiles. As for mammals there are 28species, of which 5 are considered as endangered such as the Fennec Fox,Common Red Fox, Honey Badger, Wild Cat and the Grey Mongoose. Asfor the marine environment it includes 250 types of species ofinvertebrates, 200 types of zooplanktons and phytoplankton’s and more than 240 types of fish, of which 95 live in coral reefs. The marineenvironment also holds 105 types of algae.

Mammals

There are 10 types of common mammalians that live in the desert, mostof which are rodents such as rats and hedgehogs. The Common Red Foxis considered as one of the rare animals. In addition, the EuphratesJerboa, Caracal Lynx, Desert Wolf, the Honey Badger also lives in theKuwaiti desert. The Wild Cat, which encounters between the EuphratesRiver and the Arabian Peninsula, is also one of the distinctive mammalsof the Kuwait desert. In the past, the Arabian Deer and hares were livingand distributed through the desert. At that time, hunting of such animalswas a renowned leisure pursuit. Most mammals are now endangered dueto the deterioration of their habitat and the vegetation cover byovergrazing except for the rodents.

Therefore, protected areas are considered the only shelter for suchmammals and the mean to protect them from extinction. Mammals suchas the Common Red Fox, Fennec Fox and Badger need to be protected. Inaddition, protected areas can be used for the resettlement of extinctmammals such as the Arabian Deer and hares. On the other hand, thewhite whales as well as the sea cows, dolphins, and marine turtles can beall encountered in Kuwait and can be considered as rare and endangeredmammals due to hunting and environmental damages of their habitat.

Birds:

More than 350 species of birds in Kuwait were identified, most of whichare migrants especially during the winter and spring seasons. The weatherin Kuwait is considered as one of the suitable and important


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environments for migrant birds, to which some has adapted and resettledand accordingly spent more time in the coastal areas. The Al-DohaProtected Areas is also considered important because of its mudflats,within Sulaibhikat Bay. Also, Al- Jahra Protected Area is considered asone of the important humid areas suitable for marine birds, whereas bothSulaibiya and Talha, in the Desert Park, are of a desert climate and moresuitable for birds migrating from the north to the south. As for KubbarIsland, it has an important role in the reproduction of many birds.

The birds of the mudflats include the Black-Crowned Heron, Cattle Egret,Glossy Ibis, Shelduck, European Wigeons, Grey Plover, and Spotted redShank. In addition, many other migrating birds during the winter andspring seasons. As for the passage of migrant birds, during the winterseason, that stops over the mudflats include the Great Cormorant,Western Reef Heron, Grey Heron, Avocet, Crab Plover, Great SandPlover, Red Shank, Green Shank, Sandwich Tern, Black Headed Gull andHerring Gull. However, the birds that prefer desert habitats include theBlack Kite, Marsh Harrier, Steppe Buzzard, Kestrel, Caspian Plover,Turtles Dove, Swift, Bee Eater, Hoopoe, Roller, Crested Lark, Shallow,Mouse Martin, Grey Wagtail, White Wagtail, Red Start, Red-BlackedShrike, Masked Shrike and many other birds.

As for the permanent settled birds in Kuwait, there are about 18 speciesthat include the owl, dove, "Bulbul" and House Sparrows. Several birdshave become extinct due to the lack of laws or legislations that prohibittheir hunting, which is usually carried-out by using pistols and hawks.Other types of birds are hunted and sold in the local market such ashawks and other birds of prey. As for Al-Jahra Ponds, it was drained forconstruction operations to direct water stream to the sea. This resulted inseveral birds' species fleeing to other areas. Therefore, the EPA tookactions to ensure that the pond remains filled with pumping water fromthe wells in surrounding areas. This pond has an important role inattracting and sheltering birds especially after draining the marshlands inIraq.

Reptiles

From the 40 identified types of reptiles in Kuwait environment, the"Dhub" is considered as the most popular and common reptile in Kuwait.Other reptiles include snakes and lizards living in the desert. However,marine turtle are considered as the most endangered reptile in Kuwait dueto irrational hunting. It needs to be protected including protecting theirnesting sites i.e. the islands.


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Vegetation

The plants in Kuwait are classified into 6 major types. These include theRhanterium, Haloxylon, Cyperetum, Panicetum, Zygophylletum,Haloohyletum (Siedlitzia rosmarinus and Tamarix aucheriana).Ecosystems have also been classified into 4 major groups. These include:Barchan sand dunes ecosystem where Zygophylletum, Haloohyletum(Siedlitzia rosmarinus and Tamarix aucheriana) are dominant vegetation.The second type is the coastal plain and lowland ecosystem, whichincludes Haloohyletum (Siedlitzia rosmarinus and Tamarix aucheriana).The third type is the Desert plain ecosystem, which includes plants suchas Rhanterium, Haloxylon, Cyperetum, and Panicetum. As for the fourthtype (Escarpments, Ridges and hilly ecosystems) mostly the Haloxylongrows.

There are two major sectors for plant production in Kuwait: range lands(1.7 million hectares) occupying 75% of the total area of Kuwait andirrigated agricultural lands (602 thousand hectares), which includeplanting crops and trees. Available data indicated that wild flora inKuwait have increased due to the adaptation of some alien species toKuwait environment. In 1982, there were 285 types of wild flora, 187 ofwhich are Annual, 94 perennial plants, in addition to 4 biennial plants andone perennial tree. Whereas in 1994, the wild flora number was 374 typesbelonging to 55 species. As for the annual plants they decreased to 256types and perennial plants decreased to 83. Trees numbered 34 types inaddition to one native tree.

Agricultural production

Realizing the importance of agricultural development and the need toreach self-sufficiency in certain type crops using scientific techniques,and planned strategy, the government started encouraging agriculturalactivities and allocating agricultural lands for investors in Abdili area andSulaibiya. The government also, provided farmers with equipment, freeservices and subsidies. In addition, the Public Authority for Agricultureand Fisheries Resources provided guidance and supportive research on toovercome obstacles facing farmers.

These efforts showed simple improvement to the agricultural sector. Datashows that implanted lands occupy 4,700 hectares including the preservesand the farms (Public Authority for Agricultural and Fish Resources,1989, Annual Statistical Report). This represents 0.3% of the total area.However, Agriculture constitutes a limited percentage of the total GrossNational Product, adding to that the inadequate methods used inagricultural s and procedures that lead to he inflation of agriculture


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Fig 7-1 The distribution of the vegetation covers in the State ofKuwait.


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Plate 7-1 Examples of desert vegetations of the State of Kuwait.


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caused many environmental problems including sand encroachment, soilerosion and salinization.

Microbes

The soil contains microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, decomposingorganisms, which add organic matter to the soil to be consumed by plants.Several types of bacteria and algae exist in Kuwait that can be distractedand utilized. On the other hand, Fungi play an important role indecomposing organic matter in the soil and consume some types ofearthworms such as Nematodes and Protozoa, forming a naturalbiological cycle and minimize their rapid growth.

Fungi also play an important role in improving the soil characteristics bystabilization. Cyanophyta is found in bottom soil layers and creates atopsoil layer in the desert. Other microorganisms convert atmosphericnitrogen into ammonia through an important process called NitrogenFixation. Such microorganisms only require carbohydrates and mineralsfor their growth and energy intake. Examples include Rhizopium, whichis found on root nodules, others such as Azotobacter are aerobic bacteria,where as Clostridium is anaerobic type of bacteria.

In addition to bacteria, blue green algae contribute in nitrogen fixationprocess. These organisms are also capable of photosynthesis and oxygenproduction during nitrogen fixation.

Kuwait soil contains large amounts of microorganisms that are cable ofoil decomposition resulting from oil pollution. The activity and growth ofsuch microorganisms depends on the concentration of oil in the soil.Therefore, they are very useful in the Bioremediation process.

Therefore, soil is a rich medium for microorganisms, where they becomedynamic. Sustaining and protecting the soil, preventing its erosion anddestabilization can also protect the microorganisms and makes it possibleto study them and make use of the beneficial ones.

Fishery resources

Fish resources in the regional waters of Kuwait are considered as one ofthe most important potentially renewable resources. Unlike other tropicalareas, Kuwait waters are characterized by little fish diversity. Thepercentage of any type does not exceed 15% of the total fish count.

In Kuwait there are 15 types of commercial finfish. The most importantare: grouper, silvery pomfret, river shad, crimson snapper, silvery grunt,mullet, yellow finned black porgy, silvery croaker, red finned pig facebreem and large scaled mullet. The pomfret, mullet, grouper and redsnapper are the most popular types. Silvery pomfret is mainly


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concentrated in northern areas whereas the grouper and the crimsonsnapper are mainly found in the middle and southern parts of Kuwaitwaters.

There are two types of shrimps found in the regional waters of Kuwait.These are economically important, and they are called Penaeussemisulcatus and Metapenaeus affinis shrimps. The first type is about 60-80% of the total reserve, and the nursing grounds are coastal shallowwaters. Studies made by KISR indicated that this type of shrimps isisolated from all other types found in the neighbouring countries and ismainly found in the middle and southern regions. The reserve of thesecond type of shrimps is mainly in the northern parts of the Gulf and itsnursing ground is in Kuwait Bay reaching Bubiyan and Warba Islands. Itis thought that this type of shrimp is common between countries locatedon the northern parts of the Arabian Gulf.

Coral reefs

About 35 types of coral reefs were identified. All were suffering fromdegradation caused by anchoring boats and resulting in the destruction ofcoral reefs. Several important coral reef locations were identified. Theseinclude: Al Beda’a, Funaitese, Oraifjan, Al-Jlaia’a, the MarineBases,Bnaider, Salama, Al-Zur, Bnaiya, Had Hmara, Um Al-Aish, Madeira,West Qarouh Island, and Northern West of Um Al-Maradem Island.These coral reefs are important habitats for several fish types and marineorganisms.

Natural reserves

Reserves that are established by law include the following:

The National Park of Kuwait: It is located in the North western partof Kuwait Bay between latitudes 29o.40´-29.30´ and longitudes 47o.40´- 47o.50´ approximately.

The Park is characterized by its location near Jal-Al-Zur escarpmentlying near the coast reaching Um Al-Rimam depression. The parkincludes three types of species: Cyperetum, Panicetum, andRhanterium and Zygophylletum. The Park also contains several wildanimals such as mammals, birds, reptiles and a several types ofinsects.

The Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources wasassigned to initiate and manage the conservation areas under Article15 of the Law Decree No. 9 for 1988. The Authority started fencingthe site in 1990 and took several actions for its protection. Itcompleted the Northern part of the fence in July 1990 but all work


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halted during the Iraqi Invasion. The site was completely ruined andthe all forms of wildlife expired.

In 1992, the Ministry of Defence the aid of experts from differentcountries succeeded in clearing the site from mines, weapons andmunitions. The Ministry of Defence started reconstructing the outerfence, protecting and expanding the site to reach 330 km² in area. Yet,the Ministry is still facing many difficulties in protecting, managementand the restoring the site.

Sulaibhikat Bay Natural Reserve "Al-Doha Reserve": TheMunicipal Decision No. LSH/28/9/88 dated 2/5/88 was issued toestablish Al-Doha Reserve which is located on the Sulaibhikat Baycoast on latitude 29o.21´ north and longitude 47o.50´ East. The area ofthe reserve is about 4.5 km² and it is a natural habitat for migratingmarine birds. This reserve also includes several types of coastalvegetation such as Zygophylletum, Halocnemon strobilaceum andCornnnulaca leucacanth. The reserve is supervised by the EPA withthe assistance of the PAAFR.

Al-Jahra Bird Pond Reserve: This reserve is located within theforestation area in eastern Al-Jahra City between latitude 29o.21´North and longitude 47o.41´ East. This salt marsh is approximately2.5km² in area and consists of water pond that attracts severalmigrating birds in different seasons. Some of the planted trees in thearea include Hippocerepis bicontorta as well as some annual coastalvegetation. Both the EPA and PAAFR are responsible for theprotection of the site.

Al-Sulaibiya Reserve, Kabd: Al-Sulaibiya Reserve is considered asone of the major reserves in Kuwait. It is located on an area of 20 km²and it is allocated for studies and ecological researches. The Reserve issupervised by KISR since 1975. Sulaibiya Reserve falls in the Southwestern Area of Kuwait between latitude 29o.08´ North and longitude47o.42´ East. The reserve is protected by the Ministry of Interior, andtherefore, it still contains several types of plant life. The mostimportant types are Rhanterium, Cyperetum and Panicetum. There aremore than 800 wild floras, some reptiles and mammals such as snakes,foxes, "Dhab and Jerboa" i.e. Gerbil, and several types of migratingbirds.

Reserves for ecological studies

Several areas in Kuwait were fenced for studying wild vegetation. Theyinclude Um Al-Qurain, Al-Shegaya, Al-Rawdatain, Al-Mutla’a, Al-Manaqeesh, Al-Muqwa’a and Al-Abdaliya. All these locations fall under


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Fig 7-2 The location of the protected areas in the State of Kuwait.Source: Natural Resources of the State of Kuwait, (200), KISR.


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the jurisdiction of the PAAFR. The reserves are used for land reclamationand land grazing studies. Al-Shegaya site was used from 1998-1999 toevaluate the possibility of reclaiming grazing lands in this area wheremost fenced areas suffer deterioration of vegetation cover caused byovergrazing.

Um Al-Qurain Reserve: This reserve was established in 1989 by thePublic Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources. It is locatedon the side of Al-Safar Motorway near Bnaider Centre with an area of1 million m².

Al-Shegaya Reserve: It is located in the North western part siding Al-Salmi Motorway. Its area is 1 million m² and was initiated by thePublic Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources in 1989.

Al-Rawdatain Reserve: This old reserve was established in 1974. Itis located in Al-Rawdatain area, which is well known by the existenceof fresh groundwater. Due to the lack of protection in that sitevegetation such as Haloxylon salicornicum, Halocnemon strobilaceumand Nitraria retusa have deteriorated.

Al-Mutla’a Reserve: It is located in the Northern parts of Kuwaitwith a small area of less than 1 km². The reserve contains limited typesof plants since the vegetation cover in general is also limited.

Al-Manaqeesh and Al-Muqwa’a Reserves: These Reserves aresimilar to the other reserves. It includes vegetations such as Cyperusconglomerates, Plantago boissieri and Halocnemon strobilaceum. Itsarea is not more than 1 km².

Al-Abdili Reserve: The types Rhanterium epapposum, ceperusconglomerates and Horwoodia dicksoniae are distributed throughoutthe area including much other common annual vegetation. TheReserve has a total area of 1 km².

Reserves/parks proposed by the "Permanent Committee onBiodiversity":

Kuwait Islands are considered important nesting places for coastalbirds and marine turtles’ reproduction. Most of the islands are surrounded by coral reefs. At present no governmental authority istaking the responsibility of protecting the islands. However, some ofthe islands are used by the Ministry of Interior for their strategiclocations.

Bubiyan and Warba Islands: Bubiyan is the largest Kuwaiti islandfalling between latitudes 29o.58´-29.35´ North and longitudes 48o.23´-47o.02´ East with a rectangular shape of a length of 40 km. Its southern


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coastline extends to the northeast –southwest. The island ischaracterized by uninhibited shorelines away from human activities,hence maintaining several bird and marine species. No thoroughstudies have been conducted about the island since it is difficult toreach and due to its location near restricted areas. Several The currentdirection of the government is to utilize and develop the island throughthe private sectors. The bridge connecting Bubiyan with Subbiyacoastline was reconstructed in 1999, to have an easy access to theisland. Warba Island is located in the north and is considered as animportant island since it includes wetlands and marshes. Therefore, theisland is the location for fish and shrimp nursing sites as well as theexistence of mangrove. The Permanent National BiodiversityCommittee suggests protecting the Northern regions of Bubiyan to thenorthern boundaries of Warba Island.

Kubbar Island: It is located on latitude 29o.04´ and longitudes48o.30´. It is a small island in the Arabian Gulf with an area of nearly2 km². It is rich with perennial plants such as Seidlitzia rosmarinus andshelters several birds especially in the period extending from May toOctober. In addition to several coral reefs that surround the island. Thegovernment is still studying the protection of the island under severalconditions. Some guiding signs were put on the island for peoplevisiting the island o their boats during the summer season for leisure.The coral reefs surrounding the island play an important role inmaintaining species and marine resources.

Qarouh Island: Qarouh Island is located in the southern area betweenlatitudes 28o.45´ North and longitudes 48o.46Éast. It is uninhabitedand has as area of 250 hectares. The island contains several kinds ofcoastal birds and small animals. Marine turtles reproduce on theisland.

Um Al-Maradem Island: The island is a slightly larger than Qarouh(300 hectares) and is located between latitudes 28o.41´ North andlongitudes 48o.39Éast. It is similarly characterized like Karwa withmarine birds and small animals.

Failaka Island: Failaka Island is located between latitudes 29o.27Ńorth and longitudes 48o.16Éast and is one of largest Islands inKuwait (18 km²) after Bubiyan and Warba Island. It was inhibitedwith citizens until the Iraqi invasion, which limited the utilization ofthe island. Failaka is characterized by the existence of somearchaeological sites and a number of important rare vegetation. Thereis also an attempt to restore and rehabilitate the island to reoccupy theisland.


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Um Naqa: Um Naqa is located in the North eastern part of Kuwaitand can be reached through Al-Subbiya. Livestock and camels aredistributed on the island because of its rich and diverse vegetation. Themost common types are Haloxylon salicornicum, Rhanterium,Cyperetum and some perrineal plants.

Al-Khiran: Al-Khiran is located in the South eastern parts of theArabian Gulf coastline. This area is saline wetland and includes twogulfs that are locally called Khour Al-Mufteh (Open) and Khour Al-Amai (closed). The area is at an elevation of 5 m from the sea leveland includes several types of plants. It is rich in wild animals andflora. The site is a tourist attraction due to the beauty of its coastline.The importance of protecting this area has been emphasized by manyconcerned parties as it contains rare plants and salt tolerant vegetation.The Khours are also important nursing grounds for certain types offish and shrimps.

Wadi Al-Batin: This area extends from Al-Shegaya in the southwestof Al-Abraq and is characterized by the extension of Wadi Al-Batindepression, which is considered as one of the deepest depressions inKuwait. Wadi Al-Batin contains rare wild plants and animals. Inaddition, to protecting other locations it was proposed other desertareas such as should be include such as Um-Gdair, Al-Khuwaisat,Kadma, Al-Mugeera, Sulaibhikat, Al-Huwailmiya, Al-Judeiliat, UmAl-Haiman, Al-Nuwaiseeb. Coral reefs in the following locationsshould be also be protected: Al-Beda’a, Funaitese, Oraifjan, Al-Jlaia'a,the marine bases, Bnaider, Salama, Al-Zur, Had Hmara, Um Al-Aish,Madeira, west Qarouh Island, North west of Um Al-Maradem Island.

Other locations: Access to some areas in Kuwait is restricted due toits military nature or economic sensitivity (oil sites). These areas aresafeguarded by the government and include; Al-Rawdatain on theKuwaiti- Iraqi borders (protected by UNIKOM), Southern parts ofBurgan, Kuwait International Airport and other military locations.

The role of the authorities responsible for the protection of reserves

The construction and protection of parks is undertaken by the PublicAuthority of Agriculture and Fisheries Resources and the EnvironmentPublic Authority. The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research isresponsible for ecological studies and documentation of information,while the coordination between the different sectors is usually undertakenby the Permanent National Biodiversity Committee.

The Permanent National Biodiversity Committee was established toconsider international treaties and conventions such as the Convention onBiodiversity and the Convention on Wetlands. The above committee also


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supervises the preparation of the National Wildlife Strategy, which aimsat the protection of biodiversity in its natural habitat, reclaimed andcultivated lands. In addition, the Committee aims to conservation ofspecies to ensure sustainability for the benefit of the future generations.

Other governmental authorities also contribute in the safeguarding ofrestricted areas. These include the Department of Vital Developments inthe Ministry of Interior and the Department of Military Developments inthe Ministry of Defence. The Ministry of Interior protects all vital oillocations, whereas the UNIKOM protects the Kuwait-Iraqi borders.Accordingly, livestock grazing is prohibited and thus wildlife andvegetation cover is protected. Non-Governmental Organizations such asthe Kuwaiti Environmental Protection Society and Kuwait Scientific Clubalso contribute to the protection of wildlife and the environment byorganizing awareness programs.

It should be mentioned that there hasn’t been any resettling of any kinds of animals in the natural habitat except for the Zoo. Kuwait Zoo issupervised by the Public Authority of Agriculture and FisheriesResources and private farms. On the other hand, Kuwait Municipality isresponsible for land use and land allocation. As for Kuwait University, itcontributes in the development and training of professionals in the fieldsof Botany, Zoology, Marine and Desert studies. Also, Kuwait DivingTeam makes great efforts in the cleaning of coastlines and the salvationof sunken ships. The Scientific Club, through its Governorates’Environment Committee took several steps to initiate a Natural ReserveTeam to increase the awareness of youths and encourage them to protectand sustain natural resources.

7-2-6 Current and future directions concerning wildlife

The Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources plays animportant role in the development of the agricultural sector, themanagement of reserves, pest control, pesticides use and the protection ofplanted trees and plants. The Authority also regulates the utilization andprotection of rangelands, the import and export of animals, the protectionof wild birds and animals, fishing, disease control and quarantine. TheAuthority has an inclusive system working on those issues. The authorityalso, provides consultancy and information to farmers and supports themthrough subsidies according to specific regulations in this regard. TheAuthority plants some wild flora such as Rhanterium to rehabilitate thedeteriorated lands. On the other hand, the procedures adopted by theAuthority regarding the conservation of habitats still requires moresupport from other authorities especially in the implementation andenforcement of environmental laws and regulation.


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In year 2000, the Permanent National Biodiversity Committee alsoproposed a law decree to regulate and prohibit hunting in specific seasonsto protect endangered species. The committee also prepared a law fortrading and selling wild animals to control mishandling of pets and wildanimals. Therefore, the government prohibits fishing of pomfret duringthe month of May and shrimps for three months starting from April.

As for Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), it providesscientific information regarding natural habitats and species. It also playsan important role in species conservation, rehabilitation of deterioratedhabitats especially in the Sulaibiya Reserve, the fenced sites forecological studies and the National Park of Kuwait. The Institute alsoestablished the Herbarium for preservation of wild plants. It containsseeds of collected by researchers to be planted using tissue plantation,which succeeded in planting Ochradenus baccatus, Rhanteriumepapposum, Lycium shawaii, Nitraria retusa and Iris sisyrinchium.

The institute also prepared the Site Master Plan for Kuwait BotanicalGarden and Eco-Park, which will be established by the Al-Waqf Fund forthe Protection of the Environment, the Public Authority for Agricultureand Fisheries Resources and Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Theaim of the project is to protect the different types of local plants andinducing its growth. It also aims to provide an opportunity for study andresearch in the field of Botany, documentation, increase the cultural andenvironmental awareness, enhance social activities in addition toexperimenting in the fields of insects and genetics to create new speciestolerant to salinity and arid zones.

The project also aims to provide opportunities for optimum utilization ofvegetation with economic revenue and to encourage cultivation of wildplant to be used in gardening. The Al-Waqf Fund for the Protection of theEnvironment also tries to obtain funds for the project. On the other hand,Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research also initiated the Bio-Remediation Park of initiating the treated soil park in Al-Ahmadi areawith the cooperation of the Energy Centre of Japanese Petroleum and theKuwait Oil Company. This project aims to indicate the preliminaryresults regarding the suitability of reclaimed oil polluted soil for tissueplanting. This Park, which is considered as the first of its kind in theMiddle East, consists of a research area and other areas for establishing aJapanese Garden, in addition to recreational activities. Research studiesinclude evaluation and comparisons of trees, bushes, topsoil, and grass,which were planted on reclaimed and agriculture soil. They also gaverecommendations for the future utilization of reclaimed soil inlandscaping.


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Other sectors make efforts in preparing awareness programs especiallyduring the spring season when camping, picnics and desert trips andduring the summer season, when the sea cruises and leisure are common.These sectors include are Environmental Protection Council, KuwaitInstitute for scientific Research and The Public Authority for Agricultureand Fisheries Resources. The Ministry of Information also contributes inpresenting educational programs in this regard. The Environment PublicAuthority in cooperation with KISR prepared a series of films aboutwildlife in Kuwait.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Education and Ministry of HigherEducation plan to prepare courses of related to environmental protectionand conservation for different education levels. Participation ofvolunteers in different related activities such as workshops, seminarsorganized by the Kuwaiti Environmental Protection Society and theScientific Club is also noted. Many youths also contribute in programs,organized by the Scientific Club, Kuwait Foundation for theAdvancement of Sciences and the Environment Public Authority forbeach, coastal and desert environments’ cleaning.

7-3 Major issues of concern that are threatening wildlife,overexploiting its resources and obstructing achieving sustainabledevelopment

Although that there are important accomplishments and achievements forprotecting wild life in Kuwait, however, there are some habitats inKuwait that are still suffering from degradation. The causes arementioned below and rated according to their importance, where 1 is themost important:

7-3-1 Deterioration of the vegetation cover (1)

The Rhanterium species, which were widely distributed in Kuwaitenvironment, have deteriorated due to overexploitation throughovergrazing and uprooting. Some species have disappeared and onlyexists in protected or restricted areas. Also, some types of truffles, whichwere widely spread in the Dibdiba also disappeared due to the overharvesting and as a result become rare.

During the seventies, Kuwait Institute for scientific Research (KISR)implemented some projects to grow truffles in labs. Kuwait Universityalso contributed by providing recommendations in this regard. However,more studies and researches are still required before growing truffles inthe natural habitat. Some European and Arab countries such as Morocco,Saudi Arabia export truffles to Kuwait.


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In addition to that, some rare plants became difficult to spot. This is dueto deterioration of its habitat such as Al-Khiran, Failaka Island, Jal Al-Zur and Um Al-Rimam depression. Many of these are important habitatsfor rare plants such as Iris sisyrinchium. Overgrazing is considered themain reason for the destruction of the vegetation cover, where the numberof livestock exceeds the capacity of the rangelands. Also, grazing goatsusually causes the destruction of the vegetation cover as it uproots plantsand inhibiting its growth. Plant destruction also increases desert areas,soil loss and land degradation.

Green bushes are also considered important in soil stabilization andpreventing their dispersal in the air causing health hazards. Organicmatters remaining from the dehydrated perennial plants during thesummer season also assist in stabilizing the soil, circulation of nutrientsand preserving soil humidity.

7-3-2 Environmental pollution (2)

The State of Kuwait suffers from pollution resulting from industries,sewage systems, improper solid waste disposal and many others. Allthese activities have negative impacts on the habitats of many livingorganisms. Therefore, it is important to manage waste by recycling, ordisposal using environmental friendly alternatives and techniques. Themost serious problem is wastewater discharge to the sea. This issueshould be tackled promptly and swift action should be taken to preventthe pollution of main source of drinking water and habitat of fishresource, which has an economic importance.

7-3-3 The extinction of some types of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles(2)

The Kuwait habitat has nestled several types of terrestrials and marineorganisms. The coastal environment and especially the mudflats areconsidered one of the important habitats for marine organisms such asmudskipper and for shrimp nursing ground. These habitats are undersevere pressures due to coastal developments and wastewater pollution.The Arabian deer also became extinct due to irrational hunting, as well assome birds such as the Houbara Bustard, which became rare. All theseanimals need to be resettled. On the other hand, nesting sites of turtleshave also deteriorated and caused the decrease of their numbersespecially in islands due to human activities.

7-3-4 Lack of environmental awareness among individuals anddecision makers in issues related to wildlife biodiversity (3)

The main reason of environmental degradation and the extinction ofcertain species is the lack of environmental awareness among individuals


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and decision makers. This is due to the deficiency in educationalprograms within the academic institutions concerning environmentalconservation. In addition, there is a lack of activities, which usually aimsto increase public awareness in protecting natural resources.

7-3-5 Incomplete development of natural reserves, rangelands andnational parks (3)

The natural reserves suffer from problems such as fence destruction,hunting within the protected areas and grazing. Also, the current reservemanagement is fragmented due to the multiplicity of sectors concernedwith wildlife protection. Lack of capacities in implementing protectionconditions is another problem. If present, they still lack the legal tools andjurisdiction. Also, lack of research and evaluation studies regardingreserves condition as well as the absence of constant monitoring andobservation of species usually result in lack of information regarding thecurrent status of the different species.

7-3-6 Over consumptive patterns that overexploits natural resourcesand pressurizes wildlife (2)

Increased urbanization and over growing population resulted inoverexploitation of the natural resources. Also, over consumption patternsled to the overexploitation of several resources especially those ofeconomic importance such as fish and shrimps. Many citizens go to thedesert and sea for recreational and leisure. Such activities causedenvironmental pressures and degradation to the different habitats thatmany organisms live in.

7-3-7 The negative Impacts of the Iraqi Invasion on flora and faunsWildlife (3)

The Iraqi troops destroyed more than 780 oil wells, which led to thespilling of oil on land and sea resulting in the worst intendedenvironmental disaster man have ever known. The disaster had seriouslong term negative impacts on both marine and desert environments. TheIraqi invasion also sank many ships carrying hazardous substances aswell as the movement of military artillery in the desert caused the damageof topsoil, which added to the desertification and land degradation.

7-3-8 Retreating from enforcing laws and legislations related to theprotection of natural resources of the country (1)

Most of the environmental laws relating to biodiversity are not strictlyimplemented because of the absence of a legal body that supervises theirimplementation. To implement laws and legislation a legal team thatsupervises controls and enforcement is required. The state support andpublic cooperation by respecting laws is also vital. Legislations should


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also be reviewed to be more effective and be able to change peoplebehaviour rather than penalizing them.

7-3-9 Lack of coordination mechanisms between governmental andNon-Governmental Organizations concerned with wildlife (3)

Habitat protection and conservation requires coordination between thedifferent concerned sectors in all domains especially in regulating landuse and enforcement of laws. Hence, there should be complete provisionof coordination between all sectors to protect the wildlife. For example,there should be an educational and awareness program prepared by thevarious sectors concerned with wildlife to alleviate the awareness levelwithin the society. In addition, the different roles of each organizationshould be determined as well as initiating committees related to the issuesof wildlife and providing financial support to accomplish their mission.

7-3-10 Lack of financial support for the protection of wildlife sectorand leniency in establishing the Desert Park (3)

The National Park of Kuwait suffered from destruction during the Iraqiinvasion, overgrazing and animal hunting. The vegetation cover in thePark requires rehabilitation and extinct wild animals require resettlementsuch as the Arabian deer.

To achieve these goals, financial support should be provided as well asdetermination of qualified personnel to establish the park and implementa long-term protection plan set by KISR with the cooperation of othergovernmental authorities.

7-4 Direct causes of overexploitation and deterioration of Wildliferesources and their habitats

There are several reasons leading to the overexploitation of wildliferesources and their habitats. The factors, which affect wildlife, wereidentified. Most of these factors are due to the irrational resourceconsumption. The impacts of projects were not assessed and wildlifehabitats were not considered at the different project phases. Thefollowing are the direct causes mentioned according to the types ofhabitats (e.g. land, marine and coastal).

7-4-1 Marine and coastal habitats

Over fishing of fish and shrimps and the use of unlicensed fishingmethods:

The actual commercial exploitation of fish resources started in 1965.Many private companies started trawling shrimps using industrial ships.The quantities were at its highest rates (700-900 kg/day). However, therates started decreasing gradually due to over fishing in the early


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seventies until it reached to 180-270 kg/day by the early eighties.Although fishing laws and legislations were set for certain types of fishand shrimps and determination of the fishing seasons, over fishingremains to be the main reason for the decrease in fish and shrimp catch.The use of commercial ships and nets led to the decrease in fish andshrimp abundance in Kuwaiti waters.

Pollution generated by industries, sewage discharge and thedrainage of the marshes:

Seawater quality has deteriorated due to the disposal of oil industry’s wastewater, sewage as well as the drainage of the marshes. All thesefactors increased the problem of the red tide, which reached its optimumlevel in 1999/ 2000. Harmful planktons increased to a level that causedthe kill of tons of fishes including types of commercial value andeconomic revenue.

Oil pollution resulting from oil tankers and accidental spills fromcollisions:

Accidents such as metal corrosion and pipe rupture can lead to oil spillinto seawater inhibiting the growth of planktons and killing many typesof marine organisms. Unintentional accidental are considered one of themajor reasons for marine pollution. These accidents can be avoided byproper monitoring of the pipe and tank conditions, in addition to thecontinuous maintenance of equipment and tools. Coast guards shouldsupervise passing and anchored tankers to ensure their compliance withmarine laws concerning the unloading of excessive shipments into theseawater.

Hazardous substances from sunken ships and dumping solidwastes in the Gulf.

Another type of pollution in the Gulf is the sunken vessels especiallyduring the Iraqi Invasion. Some ships contain toxic and hazardoussubstances and munitions that adversely affect the marine life. Someauthorities such as the Kuwaiti Diving Team lift the sunken ships andrebels to be disposed of in an environmental friendly manner. Those whoassist the Diving Team include: the Environment Public Authority, theCoast Guard, the Kuwait Petroleum Cooperation and Others.

Anchor Coasting on the Coral Reef

The random anchoring of leisure and fishing boats is one of the reasonsfor coral reef destruction.


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Marine cruises causing the destruction of habitats that areimportant for reproduction of birds and turtles.

Islands are leisure places for many people during the summer. Theseislands are characterized by its beautiful beaches and clam waters.Frequent visits to the islands have several impacts for different reasonssuch as the disposal of plastic bags and domestic wastes, the destructionof nests and eggs of some birds and marine turtles as well as thedestruction of coral reefs. In addition, military facilities were foundedsuch as marinas, roads and the placement of some animals without anyconsideration to their impacts on the environment.

7-4-2 Desert habitat

Quarrying resources utilization

The increasing development activities in Kuwait including urbanizationand industrial expansion as well as the reconstruction of many buildingsafter the Iraqi invasion required the availability of more buildingmaterials such as the sand, gravel and building tones. This led to theexploitation of more quarries such as Ras Al-Subbiya, Jal Al-Zurescarpments (North East) and Um Al-Madafei (North West) and aroundvarious oil wells. Although the government took some action to controlthe problem, several private companies still excavates sand and buildingmaterials from different locations. Quarrying, leads to sanddisplacement, erosion and degradation. The benefiting companies shouldbe obliged to rehabilitate the sites and consider the environment byrecovering the damaged vegetation cover.

The random driving of vehicles and four-wheel drives in thedesert.

This action led to the destruction of the vegetation cover especiallyduring the spring season when most people camp, hunt and drive in thedesert randomly. Four-wheel drive vehicles cause soil compacting anderosion of the topsoil necessary for the growth of vegetation. It would bevery difficult to restore it unless highly expensive mechanical methodsare used. Therefore, specific tracks should be allocated in the desert fordriving to minimize the environmental damage.

Urban expansion against wild lands that sustain flora and faunawildlife.

Coastal development especially in southern regions of Kuwait City hasled to the destruction of several habitats especially the mudflats thenursing grounds for shrimp and fish. Land urbanization has also led to thedestruction of desert habitats and loss of wild flora and fauna. Therefore,desertification and land deterioration was also increased by oil


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Plate 7-2 An examples of soil degradation as a result of campingactivities.


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Plate 7-3 A vegetation cover at a desert area.


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Plate 7-4 Images of ranges and grazing activities in Kuwait.


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exploration and military activities. The problem of sand encroachmentand sedimentation has also increased.

Overgrazing in fragile habitats leading to the extinction of somewild species.

Overgrazing of livestock in wild lands is one of the major causes ofextinction of some species of flora. Such animals compete with other wildherbivores. Due to the increase in numbers of livestock and easyaccessibility to water in such remote areas and as profitable businessgrazing has become more than a traditional living resource for Bidwins.Grazing is carried out all the year through without legal restrictions forthe number or size of herds owned. The Administration Affairs at thePublic Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources are responsiblefor implementing regulations in this regard. Although procedures forimposing the Law of Grazing stated the western areas of the country asthe only permitted areas for grazing, this alternative seems to beinsufficient for livestock raisers. Therefore, this law was defied andlivestock owners must be encouraged to use animal ranches in Kabd andAl-Wafra areas and discontinue the use of wild lands not allocated forgrazing.

Camping and promenading

During winter and spring seasons, many citizens find their way to thedesert for leisure. Although such places are ideal for relaxation and rest,people inappropriate practices led to loss of the vegetation cover. Bermconstruction around the camps and vehicles movement increased the lossof vegetation cover, land degradation and biodiversity deterioration.Therefore, camping activities should be regulated.

Wrong agricultural practices leading to the disturbance of naturalbalance.

The main reason for deterioration of Rhanterium epapposum species in Al-Wafra agricultural area and Haloxylon salicornicum Al-Abdili area is theutilization of such wild plants in air conditioning greenhouse agriculture.Irrational use of pesticides in controlling pests in Al-Sulaibiya, Al-Wafra,and Al-Abdili led to the destruction of nearby wild plants. Therefore,adopting adequate agricultural practices is a national responsibility for all.Farmers should be educated and encouraged to use safe agriculturalalternatives to control pests.

Land use practices in Solid Waste Disposal

Kuwait suffers from several environmental problems mainly related tothe disposal of solid wastes. Old methods of disposing waste (landfill) arestill being used, which requires massive areas and causes land


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contamination reducing the opportunities for future development plans.Kuwait Municipality studies future projects to create suitable solutionsfor this problem and minimize its negative impacts on the environment.

Lack of human, technical and legislative capacities in wildlifemanagement.

Capacities working in the field of wildlife protection are seldom, andtherefore, they need to be developed. Students should be encouraged tospecialize in related studies as well as improving employees' knowledgeand technical abilities in wildlife management and protection throughproper training.

Expansion of oil exploration activities and its effect on wild life.

Kuwait Oil Company is responsible for oil exploration in oil fields andconducts studies to determine its characteristics. Areas outside themetropolitan area are considered under the Company’s authority. Oil drilling processes results in the destruction of the vegetation cover in theoil fields. Therefore, Kuwait Oil Company was concerned with fencingthe sites to prohibit grazing of livestock in the oilfields. This resulted inthe recovery of vegetation in many areas such as Burgan and Al-Rawdatain. However, considerations should still be taken to ensure thatall operations are less damaging to the environment. The company alsoexecutes some agricultural activities and researches on sandencroachment and stabilization.

Total destruction of several forms of wildlife resulting from theIraqi invasion and oil- well fires.

The Iraqi invasion had several negative long-term effects on theenvironment. In addition to burning and torching of more than 780 oilwells, crude oil was spilled in the marine and desert environments. Airpollution from the fires, movement of artillery, the spreading ofmunitions, mines as well as the digging of military trenches all hadserious negative impacts on soil and lands. They also have long-termnegative effects on human health and other environmental damages. Sucheffects are still being studies by different governmental sectors.

Conflicts and overlapping of decisions regarding land allocationand use by the different authorities and the unsustainabledevelopment.

Kuwait Municipality is considered the responsible for land use planning.However, there are other governmental bodies have similarresponsibilities such as Kuwait Oil Company and Ministry of Defence. Inaddition, the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resourcesallocates land for forestation and agricultural projects.


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Most of wild lands in Kuwait are used for grazing livestock. At the sametime, decisions and interests in regard to land allocation and use, issuedby the different authorities usually overlap. Conflicts between thedifferent authorities over land use issues are continuously increasing dueto the increasing economic, social and security demands. This includes oilexploration, waste disposal, housing, natural reserves, forestation, leisurefacilities…etc. There is more industrial expansion to generate power and water desalination as well as oil products. The Ministry of Defence alsoutilizes land and marine resources for military operations leading toenvironmental pollution and the degradation of wild and marine life.

The Ministry of Public Works also constructs networks of highways andsewage systems in different areas without taking into consideration theeffects on the environment. The Ministry of Electricity also that erectsground and overhead power lines, which also have effects on the wildlife.

Lack of coordination between governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

Biodiversity protection is a responsibility of all stakeholders. Hence,mechanisms should be established to facilitate coordination between thedifferent resource utilizers and specifying the responsibilities of eachparty to control damage of the environment and wildlife. The currentgovernmental structure should take into consideration the biodiversityissues in all decisions and in the implementation of current and futuredevelopment projects.

Inventories of living organisms and their habitats are concise.

There is no specific authority responsible for conducting an inventory forthe living organisms and its habitats. Kuwait University plays animportant role in this domain but the current studies are notcomprehensive and include types of plants and animals. Researches ondifferent types of living organisms, their numbers, distribution, types ofhabitats and their reproduction mechanisms should also be included.

KISR conduced several contractual researches for different beneficiaryparties. Most projects have scientific and economic benefits. Otherimportance governmental bodies that contribute in the management ofbiodiversity include the Public Authority for Agriculture and FisheriesResources and the Environment Public Authority.

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) policy is inequitablyapplicable to development projects.

Impact Assessment policies for the various development projects is animportant tool that can be used to maintain environmental equilibriumand sustaining biodiversity. Retreating from adopting such policies,


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results in lack of comprehensive knowledge of environmental damagesresulting from developmental projects. Therefore, it is also important tomitigate the adverse impacts of such projects.

Softness in enforcement of legislations related to the protection ofnatural resources.

As mentioned before, there are several legislations and decisions issuedto protect the biodiversity such as grazing, cleanliness and protection ofpublic utilities. Yet, these regulations are not imposed as required due tothe absence of a trained governmental jurisdiction body. Also, othergovernmental institutions are not providing enough assistance for the fullcompliance with such regulations.

Such regulations are only imposed during specific seasons, when pressureon resources increase. For example, the Public Authority for Agricultureand Fisheries Resources implements grazing laws during summer whenlivestock raisers and owners are asked to transfer their herds to permittedlocations. However, during winter and spring seasons and when grazingis at its maximum levels, the regulation is not fully imposed.

Kuwait Municipality also imposes legislations during the summer andretreat from imposing such laws during the long camping season betweenOctober and April. This results in soil erosion and inhibits the recovery ofvegetation.

Absence of clear policies related to the protection of biodiversitywithin governmental and non-governmental organizationsinvolved in the wildlife sector.

There are no clear policies for biodiversity protection. The EnvironmentPublic Authority rarely directs other institutions to take strict actions toprotect species, control environmental pollution and take environmentalconsiderations in the various development projects. Each sector worksindividually in implementing development projects without referring tothe Environment Public Authority. Due to the absence of clear policiesfor biodiversity protection, neither governmental, non-governmentalbodies nor the public are eager to conform to regulations and work hardenough to control environmental degradation. Pollution resulting fromsewage systems and industries is considered the main reason for thedeterioration of fishery resources. Responsible governmental bodiesshould find quick solutions for these problems to control pollution andconserve marine life.


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Insufficient financial resources allocated for the protection ofwildlife.

Since it is not considered as a priority on the government agenda, projectsaiming at developing wildlife and protection are minimum. The Ministryof Finance does not provide sufficient financial support and usuallyrefuses to allocate funds for this sector. The Ministry of Interior doesn’t allocate funds for jurisdiction of legislation related to the protection ofreserves. All projects related to resettlement, observation, and monitoringof wildlife cannot obtain enough financial funding from the differentparties.

Over consumption patterns leading to over exploitation of fragilewildlife resources.

Any natural imbalance adversely affects species especially the sensitive.Over consumption such as over fishing or hunting and killing wildanimals leads to the extinction of the endangered species affecting itsliving patterns and part of the food chain. Hence, there should be anextreme caution in disturbing the natural balance and exposing organismsto the dangers of extinction.

Retreating from the ratification of international treaties andprotocols for biodiversity protection that was not certified byKuwait and the lack of enough support form internationalorganizations.

There are several international agreements that were not ratified byKuwait such as the Convention on International Trade in EndangeredSpecies of Wild Fauna and Flora, 1973 and the Convention on theConservation of Migratory species wild animals, 1979.

7-5 Methodologies and procedures required to resolve problemsfacing the wildlife sector and maintain its sustainability

Several procedures and methodologies should be adopted to achieve thegeneral objectives of the wildlife protection in the Strategy. These can beconcluded as following:

7-5-1 Institutional procedures

Biodiversity and the sustainable use of biological resources cannot bemaintained by natural conservation only. Ministries and institutionsdecisions have major role in the conservation. Hence, biodiversity shouldbe merged in the national decision-making and through programs andpolicies of the related sectors. This includes the health, commercial,economic and other sectors.


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KISR prepared strategies for the Public Authority for Agriculture andFisheries Resources. The first is the “Development of Plant and Animal Resources by the Agriculture Sector”. The second is the “Strategy fortheDevelopment of Fishery Resources”, and the “Strategy for Greening and Landscaping of the Environment”. Plans for protecting natural renewable resources, human resource utilization, agricultural education, technologytransfer and application were also prepared.

KISR also completed the “Soil Survey” project and associated activities, which provide basic information on the land utilization in thedevelopment of irrigated agriculture and classification of Kuwaiti soilsaccording to international standards. In year 2000, the EnvironmentPublic Authority with the cooperation of other authorities organized aninternational conference on biodiversity. Group of scientists andinterested people in biodiversity issues participated in the conference.KISR organized several international conferences such as “The International Conference on the Development of Arid Zones in the ArabGulf Countries”, which was held in Kuwait from 23-26 March 1996.

In order to improve the merging and coordination processes, thefollowing procedures are proposed:

Studying the method by which the governmental organizations andlegislations handles biological resources management. Also, setting anational mechanism to monitor and coordinate policies andgovernmental actions, which may directly or indirectly affect thebiodiversity. Therefore, merging the authorities responsible for thesectors of resources and environmental, i.e. the Environment PublicAuthority and the Public Authority for Agriculture and FisheriesResources. The establishment of the Ministry of Environment andAgriculture, is therefore, recommended. Through this merge humanresource utilization and coordination will be optimum.

Increasing the governmental awareness levels in regard to theimportance of biodiversity and the way their decision affects thissector. This can be done through the following:

Publishing related information and increasing workers’ awareness in biodiversity issues.

Training of technicians and decision makers from different institutionsand increasing their awareness on the development, conservation andutilization of biological resources. Also, making optimum utilizationof the available capacities to benefit from their experience.

Support of the Permanent National Biodiversity Committee, whichwas established by the Environment Public Authority and includes


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representatives from governmental and non-governmental bodies.Providing financial support for the projects proposed by the committeeto ensure their effective implementation and its participation in local,regional and international conferences and periodical meeting.

Revising the national strategies related to the development of theagriculture sector in the domain of animal, plant and fish resources. Inthis regard, KISR, the Environment Public Authority and the PublicAuthority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources prepared nationalstrategies and plans for the development of resources and theagriculture sector. This includes the “National Plan for Greening”, the “Strategy for the Development of Animal Resources” in addition to the “National Strategy for Biodiversity”. All these strategies have attainable objectives aiming at the conservation of renewable naturalresources and its development.

It is now necessary to implement these strategies and set certainmechanisms for financial and human resource management to ensureits effective implementation as planned.

Continue protecting rangelands from deterioration. Governmentalbodies should consider the importance of rangelands for the differentspecies and as ecological systems. Also, those bodies should developthe land use programmes of rangelands to be based more adequate andrational taking into consideration the development of rangelandswildlife, vegetation cover, and animal production.

Developing and training of human resources and providing financialsupport to monitor and protect nursing grounds of marine organismsand to benefit from studies related to fishery resources.

Several important sites and coral reefs were located for protection bythe Permanent National Biodiversity Committee. The areas include allislands and surrounding coral reefs that fall in regional waters.Concerned authorities such as the Public Authority for Agriculture andFisheries Resources should work on protecting these areas with thecooperation of the Coast Guard, Ministry of Interior.

Establishing a coordination mechanism between governmental andnon-governmental organizations concerned in the protection of plantand animal wild life. This mechanism is to deal with emergencysituations and prevent persistent problems. These are all done throughestablishing an Emergency Response Team within institutions. Thisteam should have the ability to take fast actions to protect wildlifewhen endangered.


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Establishing a centre for wild animal rehabilitation and resettlementunder the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resourceswith the coordination of KISR. The centre role is to rehabilitatedistressed animals and resettle them in reserves or in its own habitatwhere they were found. The centre can receive all types of wildanimals where they can be treated and sheltered. The public can alsobe educated on the means of protecting wild animals through theprogrammes and documentaries provided by the centre.

Encouraging the participation of the private sector in funding projectsthat aims at increasing environmental awareness, public education andprotection of the different wild species. For example, the private sectorcan be encouraged to participate in establishing the Botanic garden ofKuwait and The Desert Museum of Living Wild Animals, which isproposed to be established within the National Park of Kuwait.

Regulating land and island utilization for agriculture grazing andleisure purposes. This can be done through allocating areas for suchactivities and determining restricted sites. In addition, it is important toadhere to the Third Master Plan of Kuwait prepared by KuwaitMunicipality and ensure that land use legislations are complied with.

It is also recommended to study the possibility of dividing Kuwait intotwo parts in terms of land use and activities. The northern part is forenvironmental protection where regulated leisure and hunting arepermitted. The southern areas are used for irrigated agriculture, fodderproduction and raising livestock round the year except for restrictedareas under the control of Kuwait Oil Company and Ministry ofDefence.

Controlling environmental pollution and setting regulations tominimize the negative impacts on natural resources. This can donethrough:

Controlling oil pollution originated from oil tankers and industries.

Controlling contaminants resulting from sanitary wastewaternetworks.

Controlling solid waste and implementing a waste recycling law.

Supervise development projects and considering environmental issues.

Implementing the conditions stated in the of Environmental Impactsstudies of development projects.

Removal of sunken ships and rehabilitation of affected marinehabitats.

Mine and artillery clearance, as they are still found in the desert.


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Set regulations and conditions for quarrying and exploitation to ensurethe rehabilitation of the sites.

Set regulations and conditions to prohibit the use of anchors by fishingand leisure boats to minimize the negative impacts on the coral reefs.Instead, a marina can be constructed in some areas for anchoringboats.

Prepare monitoring and observation systems. Authorities participatingin such activities should also be specified as well as the locations ofthe observatories, from which wild and marine animals will beconstantly observed. Observation can take place periodically round theyear. The Geographic Information System (GIS) can also be used todocument information and monitor the conditions. This assignmentcan be conducted by KISR, which has technical and human resourcesfor the task. An information network on wildlife monitoring can beestablished, where several individuals and institutions can participateto provide required information.

Supporting preventive veterinary programs and quarantine to avoidthe incoming of non-native diseases. This is done by providingsufficient financial and administrative support to the concernedauthorities i.e. the Public Authority of Agriculture and FisheriesResources. Information on diseases and agricultural pests should beprovided. Moreover, it is important to ensure that no infected speciespass through to the country. Farmers should be encouraged to usebiological methods to control pests. It is also vital to train and developthe national capacities to take the responsibility of protecting naturalreserves.

The camel riders boarder guards are known in Kuwait as "Al-Hajjanah" and the there is a special department at the Ministry ofInterior in charge of protecting important facilities of the state. It alsocan be trained to implement grazing, the protection of protected areasand cleanliness laws. It is possible to coordinate with regionalinstitutions in order to train local teams in the domain of resettlementof wild animals.

Development and training of the governmental body responsible forthe protection of vital locations.

Encouraging non-governmental organizations and non-profitorganizations to adopt biodiversity issues and develop publicparticipation. Coordination is done in cooperation with the KuwaitiEnvironmental Protection Society and Women Cultural and SocialSociety in order to encourage families to participate in protecting theenvironment. This can be done through education programmes about


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the importance of maintaining biodiversity and directing their childrennot to catch fish trapped in the fishing traps and harm wild animals ingeneral.

It is also possible to prepare educational programmes to educatestudents and encouraging youth in participating in volunteer work forthe protection of habitats and species through the Ministry ofEducation and Higher Education.

Establishing the National Park of Kuwait and preparing master plan tobe used according to the specified objectives. Governmentalorganization should enhance the efforts aiming at the establishment ofthe Park and educating the citizens about the importance of reserveprotection and its role in biodiversity conservation. Governmentalorganizations should also maintain land use management especiallyfor recreational activities during fair seasons. Also, it should providefinancial support for reserve management and rehabilitation andstrengthening regulations for the protection of biodiversity.

Regional coordination for information and experience exchange. Thereare several qualified human resources in many Arab countriesespecially in the Gulf area that were not fully exploited. Theseresources can be useful in wildlife development and rehabilitation incountries as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Qatar.

7-5-2 Legislative procedures

Reviewing environmental, agricultural and other laws related tobiodiversity and updating them to be consistent with the generaldirection towards the conservation of biodiversity and its sustainableutilization. This can be conducted by the jurisdiction bodies withinconcerned authorities by providing adequate mechanisms and financialsupport. For example, laws related to grazing should be reviewed to bemore comprehensive and explanatory especially regarding theprocedures and actions to be taken during grazing. This includes timeof grazing, number of livestock heads permitted to graze during theallowable seasons. Other attainable regulations should also be madeincluding decisions related to camping, promenading in desert andmarine areas as well as regulations regarding fishing nets, fishingseasons and other important issues.

Endorsement of forwarded laws for biodiversity protection; Rapidapproval of proposed regulations: the Permanent National BiodiversityCommittee has forwarded the Hunting Law, Reserves Law and Tradein Endangered Wild Species Law. It is necessary that these laws areimmediately approved by the concerned bodies to allow protecting the


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reserves, regulating trade in endangered wild species and theseprocedures include:

Preparing legislations and bylaws related to establishment andmanagement of protected areas (reserves): Natural reserves contributein protecting the environment from degradation and interference thataffect its components and development. To ensure long-termprotection, it is necessary to initiate a comprehensive regulatorysystem to protect and conserve such reserves. For this reason, thePermanent National Biodiversity Committee prepared the ReservesLaw for State of Kuwait. The Law was forwarded to the concernedauthorities to be endorsed and ratified through the parliament. TheEnvironmental Public Authority should follow up the process ofadoption.

Issuing legislations to regulate the hunting activities, seasons ofhunting, and determination of species to be protected. In Kuwait, thereare no regulations regarding the prohibition of hunting or regulatinghunting activities. Therefore, many wild animals are irrationally killedor hunted.

The National Biodiversity Committee forwarded a law for regulatinghunting activities and control hunting of animals and birds andprohibiting of hunting in specified locations. Therefore, it is suggestedthat the law is immediately approved and implemented.

Setting regulations and conditions on the types of fishing nets andmethods and determination of fishing seasons and locations.

Issuing decisions concerning spring camps, specifying the permittedareas for camping, conditions for camp construction and permittedseasons.

Issuing legislations regulate the export and import of wild animals andplants: In addition to the previously specified laws, the PermanentNational Biodiversity Committee forwarded a law for trade inendangered species. The Law is considered as the cornerstone toprotect the endangered species and the dealing with violators ofinternational laws concerning this issue.

Controlling over consumption and over exploitation of species andecological systems in different environmental habitats: Due to the overconsumption of fish, shrimps, migrating birds and rangelands, strictlaws should be applied to control over consumption and overexploitation. Control is achieved by providing jurisdiction authorityfor employees within different institutes such as Kuwait Municipality,Environment Public Authority and the Public Authority for


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Agriculture and Fisheries Resources to take actions and implementenvironmental laws. Coordination should also be maintained with theMinistry of Interior to take action against and penalize violators.Establishing an environmental court can also be of a great benefit, aproposal forwarded by the EPA.

Developing technical, human and institutional capacities required toimplement legislations and bylaws to protect wildlife: It is theresponsibility of governmental authorities to take into considerationthe importance of and regulating island and land use and to issue thenecessary legislations to stop the overexploitation of living resources.Also it is their duty to implement the Grazing Law, Cleanliness andProtection of Public Utilities. This can be done through thedevelopment of technical and institutional capacities.

Instructing the National Biodiversity Committee to review andevaluate all existing legislations related to biodiversity and theprotection of wildlife and to follow-up the endorsement andratification of international agreements and conventions. Certainconventions and agreements are proposed constantly and therefore, itis important to review such agreements and prepare recommendationsto be presented to the concerned authorities in the State for approvaland endorsement. Therefore, the Committee should review the validlegislations and international agreements and conventions andforwards recommendations in this regard. The Committee should alsoreview the existing Grazing Law and prepare the conditions forcamping activities and other legislations.

7-5-3 Technical, educational and media procedures

Establishing a database and a national information network forbiodiversity in cooperation with concerned authorities. Since KISRhas scientific capabilities it is preferred that this network is done usingthe Geographic Information System available in the institute.

Specifying the endangered species in both the desert and marinehabitats also setting priorities, specifying the methods for its protectionand increasing its reproduction rate and rehabilitating.

Specifying wild ranges as a clear classification in land use planning.This is done by using the studies conducted by KISR, which can beused to specify rangelands, grazing seasons and number of livestockheads grazing during the different seasons. Land use should be alsoregulated to maintain the protection of rangelands from deterioration.

Supporting scientific researches in the domain of wildlife protection.There are many applied researches and studies that were conducted by


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KISR. The results and conclusions in this regard are useful. Theseresearches include evaluation of the current situation of some types ofwild species and the possibility of rehabilitating such species out sideits natural habitat and in contained environments such as the ScientificCentre. There are also studies on the possibility of initiating anartificial habitat for wild animals, and studies on growing plant speciesand collecting its seeds to be planted using tissue agricultureprocedures. Therefore, supporting researches and applied studiesrelated to biodiversity should continue.

Supporting researches in the improvement of native species.

Studying the impacts of urban activities on biodiversity. The Urbandevelopment expansion contributes in increasing the demands fornatural resources and land use. In addition, there is an increasingdemand for leisure activities and promenading in marine and landenvironments. There is also a need to know the level of demand onfood animal and fish resources in addition to knowing the effects ofurban and recreational activities on biodiversity. It is possible tobenefit from the different establishments such as the Tourist ProjectsCompany to determine the number of cruises organized by thecompany to the islands. Coordination with Kuwait Municipality is alsoimportant to determine the number of camps and camping individuals.Some site visits can be carried out to evaluate the level of overexploitation and the impacts of activities on biodiversity.

Conducting an organized evaluation for plant and animal wildlife tospecify the areas and habitats that requires protection. Several newareas in Kuwait were specified for protection by the Reserves Lawbecause of its natural important characteristics. Most of these areas arein the desert or near borders and some are on islands or as coral reefs.Field survey should be made to evaluate the ecological characteristicsfor these areas and specify the wild species living in priorities inprotection. The reserves can be classified according to its naturalcharacteristics, its environmental importance according to standardsset by the IUCN.

Establishing a national genetic bank for the collection of genes of rarespecies especially wild animals and plants. KISR Herbarium containsmore than 100 plant species seeds collected over 7 years. Theresearchers scientifically collect, clean, store and classify seeds topreserve seeds as long as possible. The Institute resettles wild plants inreclaimed environments. KISR also works on growing wild plants bytissue culturing. There are still no arrangements for reserving animalgenes and it would be possible to expand those activities in KISR.


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Prepare national programs to preserve and develop traditionalcultivation and pet care for their protection from alien species. Non-profit organizations participate in educating the public about farmingand pet care. This helps in increasing public awareness and developsresponsibility of animal protection and care.

Prepare and implement programmes for the rehabilitation of wildanimals and vegetation affected by the destruction of its habitat duringthe Iraqi Invasion. This includes resettlement, sheltering and feedingof distressed animals. The project can start by funding the resettlementof the Arabian deer in Al-Sulaibiya reserve. The project aims atestablishing the cornerstone in the resettlement of wildlife in naturalhabitats. National teams will be trained in this domain to assist infuture projects such as the resettlement of deers in The National Parkof Kuwait in coordination with regional institutes such as the NationalAuthority for the Protection of Wildlife Protection in Saudi Arabia.

Establishing the Botanic Garden and Eco-Park in the State of Kuwait.KISR forwarded the Master Plan for Botanic Garden and Eco-Park into Al-Waqf Fund for Environmental Conservation. The Garden will belocated at Al-Doha with an area of 1,700 m². This Garden aims at:

Preserving and growing different species of native plants.

Providing opportunities for education and research in botany anddocumentation and storing all information using new technologies.

Increase environmental and cultural awareness in the field of plantprotection and provide guiding information in this regard.

Development of social and recreational activities to enjoy theenvironment without damaging it.

Scientific experiments in genetics, insects and genetically modifyspecies to be more resistant.

Developing the opportunity to benefit from species of economicrevenue.

Encouraging wild plant culture to be used in gardening.

Financial and human resources should also be provided to establishthe Botanic Garden to attain the goals mentioned above.

Regulating population density of wild animal in unit of a given area.No accurate information is provided about the density of animals in aunit area. Ecological studies in sciences of wildlife managementshould be increased. This is because of the lack of specialists in thisfield in the research and academic sectors. One of the importantprojects being implemented in KISR is the study of density of animals


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in a unit area of lands exposed to contamination with oil in Burgan andAl-Rawdatain. Therefore, efforts should be increased in differentinstitutions to accomplish different studies on wild animals such asDhab, Wurral, hedgehog, mudskipper and other marine and desertanimals.

Developing educational programs in the Ministry of Education andestablishing basics for environmental knowledge concentrating onhow to conserve natural resources. This is done at all levels ofeducation in private and public schools.

Development of rangelands and desertification programmes at KuwaitUniversity and consolidating the program with specialists andacademic personnel so that the materials are taught more efficiently.

Making use of mass media such as newspapers, radios and T.V. topublish environmental awareness concerning wildlife and itsconservation. Presenting continuous special programs is preferred toarise the interest of the public and enjoyment in watching animalbehaviour.

Preparation of awareness programs for families and youth to illustratethe importance of wildlife in Kuwait and the means of conservation.Youth should be encouraged to participate in protection activities.Therefore, it was proposed that a Reserve protection Team within theScientific Club should be formed with representatives from differentgovernorates. These teams are taught and trained on the basics ofenvironmental protection. The team will start its work in 2001. Also,the Kuwait Diving Team works on protecting coral reefs and cleansthe marine environment. Such activities should be supported.

Participation in international and regional conferences as well s theperiodical meetings of the International Union for the Conservation ofNature and Natural resources (IUCN) to represent Kuwait in allactivities aiming at developing international and regional relations inthe domain of biodiversity.

7-6 References and sources of material

Arab Oil & Gas Directory, (1996) Published by Arab PetroleumResearch Centre, Kuwait.

Carbenter, K., Harisson P., Al-Safar A., and Al-Hazeem S. (1998) TheCorals and Coral Reefs Fishes of Kuwait. KISR, Kuwait.

Centre of Kuwaiti Research and Studies, (1995) Destruction of OilWells in Iraqi Documents: The Environmental and Economic


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Damages and the Kuwaiti Efforts in to Conserve Oil Resources.Centre of Kuwaiti Research and Studies, Kuwait.

Clinton, D. and Bletcher, C. (1983) The Natural History of Kuwait.The National Petroleum Company, Kuwait.

Fikry, K. and Omar, S. (1993) Environmental Management in Kuwait.A report submitted to National Assembly, KISR, Kuwait.

Food Resources Department, Soil Salinization Problems in Kuwait.KISR, Kuwait.

Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (1993) LandReclamation Projects in the State of Kuwait. A proposal submitted bythe Advisory Committee of the Project Department. KFAS, Kuwait.

Maysak R., Omar, S., Al-Salem, A., Al-Muzaini, S., Al-Rashed, M.Al-Shayji, Y., and Al-Matar S. (2000) Natural Resources andEnvironmental Characteristics of Kuwait. KISR, Kuwait.

Omar, S. (1996) Range Land Management in Kuwait. KISR, Kuwait.

Omar, S. (2000) Vegetation of Kuwait. Published by Kuwait Institutefor Scientific Research. Kuwait.

Omar, S. and Al-Shuaibi, F. (1986) Criteria for the Development andManagement of Kuwait’s First National Park/Nature Reserves. AG–51, Vol. III. Summary and Recommendations. KISR Report Number2164, Kuwait.

Omar, S., Taha, F., and Al-Shuaibi, F. (1991) The Suitability ofEstablishing a Natural Park/Nature Reserves in Kuwait Desert. In:Bishay, A. and Dregne, H. (Ed.) (1991) Desert Development. Part I:Desert Agriculture, Ecology, and Biology. pp. 545-556.

Taha, F, and Omar, S.(1982) The Selection and Criteria for theDevelopment of a National Parks/Nature Reserves in Kuwait. AG–40.Final Report Number 729. KISR, Kuwait.

The Annual Statistics Book, (1996) Ministry of Water and Electricity,Kuwait.


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Annex

Wild Life, Fauna and Flora Sector


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Table A-1 Corals of Kuwait.Species Family name

Stylophora pistillataMadracis kirbyi

Pocilloporidae

Acropora clathrataAcropora arabensis

Acroporidae

Porites compressaPorites luteaGoniopora lobata

Poritidae

Siderastrea savignyanaAnomastraea irregularisPsammocora superficialisPsammocora contiguaCoscinaraea columna

Siderastreidae

Pavona explanulataPavona decussata

Agariciidae

Culicia tenellaPolycyathus marigondoniParacyathus stokesi

Rhizangiidae

Acanthastrea echinataAcanthastrea maxima

Mussidae

Hydnophora exesa MerulinidaeFavia speciosaFavia pallidaFavites pentagonaPlatygyra daedaleaPlesiastrea versiporaLeptastrea transversaCyphastrea microphthalmaCyphastrea serailia

Faviidae

Heterocyathus aequicostatus CaryophylliidaeTurbinaria peltataTurbinaria reniformisHeteropsammia cochleaDendrophyllia gracilisTubastraea coccineaTubastraea tagusensis

Dendrophylliidae


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Table A-2 Reptiles of Kuwait likely to be encountered in a park area.Species Common name Remarks

Uromastyx microlepis Dhub Very CommonUromastyx loricatus Dhub RareAgama blanfordi Blue-throated Agamid OccasionalAgama Pallida Pallid Agama OccasionalPhrynocephalus maculatus Toad-headed Agama RareEremias brevirostris Short-nosed Desert Lizard CommonAcanthodactylus schmidti Fringe-toed Lizard Very CommonAcanthodactylus boskianus Bosc’s Sand Lizard OccasionalAcanthodactylus scutellatus Lizard ?Acanthodactylus opheodurus Lizard ?Bunopus tuberculatus Stone Gecko Very CommonStendactylus sleveniScincus skincus Skink OccasionalDeplometopoon zarudnyi Arabian Worm Lizard Very CommonVaranus griseus Wirral RareEryx Jayakari Sand Noa OccasionalLytorhyncus gaddi Lead-nosed Snake CommonMalpolon moilensis Arabian Rear-fanged Snake OccasionalPsammophis schokari Hissing Sand Snake OccasionalColuber ventromaculatus Rat Snake OccasionalCerastes cerastes Sand or Horned Viper RareUromastix microlepis Dhub Very CommonUromastix loricatus Dhub RareAcanthodactylus boskianus Bosc’s Sand Lizard OccasionalAcanthodactylus scutellatus Lizard ?Acanthodactylus opheodurus Lizard ?Bunopus tuberculatus Stone Gecko Very CommonStendactylus sleveniScincus skincus Skink OccasionalDiplomentopon zarudnyi Arabian Worm Lizard Very CommonVaranus griseus Wirral RareEryx jayakari Sand Boa OccasionalLytorhyncus gaddi Leaf-nosed Snake CommonMalpolon moilensis Arabian Rear-fanged Snake OccasionalPsammophis schokari Hissing Sand Snake OccasionalColuber ventromaculatus Rat Snake OccasionalCerastes cerastes Sand or horned Viper Rare


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Table A-3 Birds of the mudflats, ommon passage migrants during theautumn and spring seasons.

Species English NameNycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night HeronArdeola ralloides Squacco HeronBubuleus ibis Cattle EgretEgretta garzetta Little EgretArdea purpurea Purple HeronPlegadis falcinellus Glossy IbisTadorna tadorna ShelduckAnas Penelope European WigeonAnas crecca TealAnas clypeata Northern ShovelerPorzana porzana Spotted CrakeFulica atra European CootHaematopus ostralegus Old World OystercatcherHimantopus himantopus Black-winged StiltRecurvirostria avosetta AvocetCharadrius asiaticus Caspian PloverPluvialis squatarola Grey PloverCalidris alba SauderlingCalidris minuta Little StintCalidris ferruginea Curlew SandpiperCalidris alpina DunlinPhilomachus pugnax RuffGallinago gallinago Common SnipeLimosa limosa Bar-tailed GodwitLimosa lapponica Bar-tailed GodwitNumenius phaeopus WhimbrelNumenius arquata Eurasian CurlewTringa erythropus Spotted Red ShankTringa totanus RedshankTringa stagnatiliss Marsh SandpiperTringa nebularia GreenshankTringa ochruros Green SandpiperTringa glareola Wood SandpiperXenus cinereus Terek SandpiperActitis hypoleucos Common SandpiperArenaria interpress TurnstoneSterna sandivicensis Sandwich TernSterna hirundo Common TernSterna albifrons Little TernLarus ridibundus Black-headed GullLarus genei Slender-billed GullLarus fuscus Lesser Black-backed GullLarus argentatus Herring Gull


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Table A-4 Birds of the mudflat and common winter visitors.Species English Name

Charadrius hiaticula Ringed PloverCharadrius mongolus Lesser Sand PloverCharadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand PloverPluvialis squatarola Grey Plover

Calidris alpina DunlinGallinago gallinago Common Snipe

Numenius arquata Eurasian CurlewTringa totanus RedshankTringa nebularia GreenshankXenus cinereus Terek SandpiperArenaria interpress TurnstoneSterra sandvicensis Sandwich TernLarus ridibundus Black-headed GullLarus genei Slender-billed GullLarus fuscus Lesser Black-backed GullLarus argentatus Herring Gull


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Table A-5 Birds of the open desert, hills and gullies.Species English name

Milrus migrans Black KiteCircaetus gallicus Short-toed EagleCircus aeruginosus Marsh HarrierCircus cyaneus Hen HarrierCircus macrourus Pallid HarrierButeo buteo vulpinus Steppe BuzzardFalco tinnunculus KestrelGlareola pratincola PratincoleCharadrius asiaticus Caspian PloverPterocles alchata Pin-tailed Sand GrouseStreptopelia turtus Turtle DoveApus apus SwiftApus pallidus Pallid SwiftMerops superciliosus Blue-cecked Bee EaterMerops apiaster Bee EaterCoracias garrulous RollerUpupa epops HoopoeCalandrella rufescens Lesser Short-toed LarkGalerida cristata Crested LarkRiparia riparia Sand MartinHirundo rustica SwallowHirundo daurica Red-rumped SwallowDelichon urbica Mouse MartinAnthus campestris Tawny PipitMotacilla cinerea Grey WagtailMotacilla alba White WagtailIrania guthuralis Persian RobinPhoenicurus phoenicuruss RedstartSaxicola rubetra WhinchSaxicola torquata StonechatOenanthe siabellina Isabelline WheatearOcenanthe oenanthe Pied WheatearOena, deserti Desert WheatearOcenanthe xanthoprymna Red-tailed WheatearOenanthe lugens Mourning WheaterMonticora saxitalis Blue Rock ThrushSylvia nana Desert WarblerSylvia curruca Lesser White ThroatSylvia communis Lesser White ThroatPhylloscopus sindianus lorenzii Caucasian ChiffchaffPhylloscopus collybita ChiffchaffPhylloscopus trochilus Willow WarblerMuscicapa striata Spotted FlycatcherLanius isabellinus Isabelline ShrikeLanius collurio Red-backed ShrikeLanius minor Lesser Grey ShrikeLanius excubitor Great Grey ShrikeLanius senator Woodchat ShrikeLanius nubicus Masked Shrike


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Table A-6 Resident birds of Kuwait.Species English Name

Gallinula chloropus MoorhenDromas ardeola Canb PloverCursorius cursor Cream-coloured CourserSterma caspia Caspian TernSterma hirundo Common TernStreptopelia decaocto Collared DoveAthene noctua Little OwlAmmomanes deserti Desert LarkAlaeman alaudipes Hoope LarkEremophila bilopha Temminck’s Horned LarkCorvus ruficollis Brown-necked RavenPasser domesticus House Sparrow


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Table A-7 Rodents likely to be encountered in the desert.Species Common Remarks

Gerbillus cheesmani Chessman’s Gerbil CommonGerbillus dasyurus Wagner’s Gerbil CommonGerbillus nanus Baluchistan Gerbil OccasionalMeriones lybicus Libyan Jird CommonMeriones crassus Sundevall’s Jirdq CommonJaculus jaculus Lesser Jerboa CommonAlactaga euphratica Euphrates Jerboa RareMus musculus House Mouse OccasionalHemiechinus auritus Long-eared Hedgehog CommonParechinusaethiopicus

Ethiopean Hedgehog Rare

Vulpes vulpes Common Red Fox OccasionalCanis domesticus Feral Dog Occasional

Table A-8 Mammals likely to be encountered in the desert.Species Common RemarksGerbillus cheesmani Chessman’s Gerbil CommonGerbillus dasyurus Wagner’s Gerbil CommonGerbillus nanus Baluchistan Gerbil OccasionalMeriones lybicus Libyan Jird CommonMeriones crassus Sundevall’s Jirdq CommonJaculus jaculus Lesser Jerboa CommonAlactaga euphratica Euphrates Jerboa RareMus musculus House Mouse OccasionalHemiechinus auritus Long-eared Hedgehog CommonParechinusaethiopicus

Ethiopean Hedgehog Rare

Vulpes vulpes Common Red Fox OccasionalCanis domesticus Feral Dog Occasional


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Table A-9 List of flora families in the State of Kuwait.# Family name # Family name1 Aizoaceae 25 Juncaceae2 Amaranthaceae 26 Labiatae3 Amaryllidaceae 27 Leguminosae4 Angiosperms 28 Liliaceae5 Asclepiadaceae 29 Monocotyledoneae6 Boraginaceae 30 Orobanchaceae7 Caryophyllaceae 31 Papaveraceae8 Chenopodiaceae 32 Plantaginaceae9 Cistaceae 33 Plumbaginaceae

10 Compositae 34 Poaceae11 Crassulaceae 35 Polygonaceae12 Cruciferae 36 Portulacaceae13 cucurbitaceae 37 Pteridophyta14 cuscutaceae 38 Resedaceae15 cymodoceaceae 39 Rubiaceae16 cynomoriaceae 40 Rutaceae17 cyperaceae 41 Scrophulariaceae18 dicotyledons 42 Solanaceae19 dipsacaceae 43 Tamariaceae20 ephedraceae 44 Thymelaeaceae21 euphorbiaceae 45 Typhaceae22 fumariaceae 46 Umbelliferae23 geraniaceae 46 Valerianaceae24 hydrocharitaceae 47 Verbenaceae25 Ridaceae 48 Zygophyllaceae


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Sector Eight

Urban Environment and Heritage


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8-1 Introduction

Ever since it was founded three centuries ago, Kuwait City was knownfor its openness to the sea and for having a long seafront. At the sametime, close contact with the desert was maintained via a wall thatsurrounded Kuwait City from sea to sea, where contact with the desertwas obtained through gates each of which opens to different parts of theArabian Peninsula. The city districts were formed as functional areas,each with its own special traits and characteristics. The city was a typicalIslamic city with its main components being:

Governor’s headquarters and administration

The main mosque

Closely spaced residential suburbs

Adjacent markets

Walls and gates

And three functional districts where formed, which were:

The sea district including the sea front with its sea related activities.

The commercial district close to and facing the coast.

The residential district which was further inside, away from the coast.

Furthermore, three different lifestyles evolved in the city which were:

The urban lifestyle which appeared inside the city wall wherecommerce and sea related activities where the predominant activities.

The rural life style, which included the coastal villages such as Abu-Hulaifa, Al-Fintas, etc where people involved in agriculture and searelated activities.

The Bidwins or semi-Bidwins lifestyle where tents and hutsrepresented the basic residential units and people lived around the citywall, whether inside or outside, and desert related activities such astransport and animal production were the predominant activities.

This form of life lasted in Kuwait City since it was founded in 1694until the development of the First Master Plan, which extended the cityto beyond the city wall during the 1950’s.

One of the most important consequences to the discovery of oil was theevolvement of urban planning which became a vital motivation to theurban form of life. During this period, Kuwait City evolved into adifferent city than what it used to be before the discovery of oil, and theeffects of this period on the city appeared rapidly due to the followingelements:


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First: the monetary income was dissipated to the Kuwaiti families withthe land acquisition plan, which was in its basic form the governmentobtaining ownership of land inside the old Kuwait City wall andcompensating land owners by granting them land outside the city wall inaddition to presenting them with lucrative sums of money.

Second: the development of metropolitan plans, which addressed thecountry on broader terms as follow:

The First Master Plan in 1952, which extended the city to the far end ofthe Second Ring Road.

The Kuwait Municipality Metropolitan Plan in 1967, which extended thecity to the Fourth Ring Road and the edges of the Fifth Ring Road.

The Second Master Plan of 1970, which extended the city to the SixthRing Road and south along the coast.

The First Review of the Second Master Plan of 1977 up to the SeventhRing Road.

The Second Review of the Second Master Plan of 1983, which extendedfurther inside the city.

The Third Master Plan, which extends to 2015, which took the country tonew dimensions and horizons.

Third: The change in population structure and the dissipation of Kuwaitifamilies in the new city contrary to the previous civil system inside theold city wall.

In our discussion of the urban environment and the heritage sector as oneof the sectors in the environmental strategy for Kuwait, we will try toshed some light on the resources and components of this sector, whichinclude the residential units, residential areas, buildings, facilities,utilities, infrastructure, and the evolvement of metropolitan planning. Wewill also address the public authorities and corporations that work in thissector. After that, we will pinpoint the issues and problems thataccompanied the rapid development of the country. Then, we will try todetermine the causes of these issues and problems in order to enabledecision makers to recommend the proper solutions and apply thenecessary procedures to avoid the mistakes of the past and prevent similarmistakes in the future.

8-2: Resources of urban environment and heritage sector:

8-2-1 Residential units:

A residential unit is the basic element when studying the relationshipbetween buildings and the environment. In addition to being one of the


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basic needs for individuals providing them with safe environments to livein, a house is closely tied to the various social, economical, and humanvalues in a society. This fact stems from the fact that a residential unit inany society can be considered as a true reflection of the social andenvironmental conditions of that society. The various elements affecting aresidential unit interact simultaneously to determine the character of theresidential unit.

The main goal for studying residential units is to monitor the manychanges that houses has been exposed to during the second half of the lastcentury due to the economical and social changes that resulted from thediscovery of oil and the corresponding increase in individual and familyincomes. The evolution of the residential units in Kuwait was influencedby positive and negative factors. These factors will be addressed when wediscuss issues related to the resources of the building sector.

Residential buildings can be categorized according to the area in whichthey are located. In lightly populated suburbs, the “villa” is the predominant residential unit. These villas can be built by the public or theprivate sectors, with individuals and private companies and firmsrepresenting the private sector and the Public Establishment for HousingCare representing the public sector. Other residential units include multi-story residential buildings which is a building composed of manyresidential units. There are also the residential complexes, which aremade up of various multi-story buildings tied together architecturally andinvestment wise.

8-2-2 The Residential Area:

A residential area is composed of many residential units, where the spaceoccupied by each unit is governed by the area in which it is located andthe regulations of the Kuwait Municipality as shown in the Master Plans.

Great variations exist in Kuwait between the many residential areas.Some residential areas consist of ideal residential units only, whereasother residential areas consist of ideal residential units in addition toinvestment and commercial complexes having various modern and oldfashion architectural designs.

The most important elements of the residential area can be categorizedaccording to their functions as follows:

Permanent, private residence: this is the unit dedicated to house onefamily in lightly populated areas. These units are constructed byindividuals, the private sector, or the public sector through residentialcare programs. Units constructed by the public sector may havesimilar or different architectural designs.


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Investment complex: these buildings are developed to house multiplefamilies in a housing complex.

Commercial complex: buildings falling under this category arededicated for commercial shops and stores, personal services, andprivate offices providing housing services.

Temporary, private residence: these units are remarked by theirtemporary use during separate periods. Some of these units are usedfor recreational purposes such as beach houses, while others are usedfor production and investment purposes such as farms.

Labour housing: these units are intended to provide temporary orpermanent accommodation for workers according to the nature ofwork they do. These units must provide comfort for the tenants andshould contain the necessary services such as water, electricity,telephone lines, etc.

8-2-3 Facilities and Services:

The State of Kuwait has given great attention to providing the necessaryfacilities and services in residential areas to insure the comfort and wellbeing of individuals residing in such areas based on their needs. The Stateof Kuwait looks forward to further increase the amount of attention givento these facilities to cope with the projected increase in the population inthe next few years. Some of these public facilities that provide variousservices include:

Religious facilities: these include mosques, religious institutions, andcharities

Educational facilities: these are comprised mainly of schools,institutions, colleges, universities, and public libraries to fulfil the rightof individuals to learn.

Health care facilities: those include clinics, health centres, andhospitals that provide individuals with the proper health care.

Social facilities: which consist of youth centres, parental care centres,and child care centres that would emphasize the role played by womenand youth in an effort to rise a more conscious generation and to buildup the proper citizen who may benefit the country.

Public facilities: such facilities provide various services to individualsand include police centres, non-profit organizations and societies, co-operative societies, public corporations, and ministries.

Recreational facilities: these facilities allow individuals to performmany outdoor activities to entertain themselves and their families andinclude parks, sporting clubs, beaches, and public coastal areas.


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Commercial facilities: these facilities provide various goods andaccessories to individuals and include commercial complexes andmarkets.

8-2-4 Infrastructures:

Described under this item are the basic services that must be provided forresidential units, residential areas, and public facilities such as electricity,water, communication services, storm water disposal networks, andsewage disposal networks, pavements for interior and main roads.

The road and storm water networks:

The road network in Kuwait is a very well planned and highly efficient. Itwas designed and constructed in compliance with the universal standardsand specifications for road construction. This was done to insure that thegoals of establishing the network, namely the safe and efficient transportof individuals and goods, were met. Along with the road network, a stormwater disposal network was also constructed to remove excess water thatmay accumulate during rainstorms away from roads. These networksrequire periodical maintenance to insure efficiency and operation.

Sewage disposal network:

In addition to treatment and purification stations, this network includespumping stations, pipes extending to all residential and public buildings.These pipes link to the purification stations where sewage undergoestriple treatment and the resulting water after treatment is disposed of tothe sea. The government of Kuwait is pushing for new trends in dealingwith sewage that would prevent the disposal of any untreated water intothe sea and installing a quadruple treatment system in place of the tripletreatment system currently in use. Also among the new trends is to reusethe water resulting from the treatment for agricultural purposes andforestation for residential buildings or public buildings, which wouldhave the benefit of increasing plantation and green land.

8-2-5 The evolution of urban planning in Kuwait:

The development of building construction and urbanization in Kuwait canbe divided into two main stages:

The stage of the Arabic-Islamic city prior to the discovery of oil(before 1952).

The modern stage of construction and urbanization (from 1952-present).

During the first stage, the majority of the population lived inside KuwaitCity, which took an oval shape. Kuwait City was enclosed by a wall thatextended from sea to sea with several gates to allow for entrance and exit


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to and from the city. The architectural nature of this stage wascharacterized by buildings constructed closely tied to each other andnarrow roads in order to provide some shade for walkers and to avoiddirect exposure to the sun while commuting.

The residential unit during the first stage was built to cope with thenatural, social, and economical circumstances prevailing in the country atthe time. Residential units were made up of an open space surrounded bythe rooms and other components of the unit. Ventilation and cooling wasachieved through the use of the “Badgeer” to overcome the weatherconditions. The “ Badgeer” is a large hand-moving tool that acts as fan.The basic materials used to construct buildings were sea rocks, mud, andother materials such as stone and timber, which was used for roofs. Theold architecture, which was made up of the residential unit and theresidential area, was a true representation of an environmentalarchitecture.

The modern stage of urbanization and construction went through variousurban planning studies. The earliest of these studies was called the FirstMaster Plan in 1952, followed by the Metropolitan Plan of the KuwaitMunicipality in 1967. After that, the Second Master Plan was developedin 1970. In 1977, the First Review of the Second Master Plan was doneand then the Second Review of the Second Master Plan wasaccomplished in 1983. Finally, the Third Master Plan was prepared in1997.

Each of these studies played a vital role in the evolution of urbanizationin Kuwait. The final result of these studies was the current status ofKuwait City as a modern city where the entire necessary requirement fora modern, comfortable life is available.

8-2-6 Historical buildings and structures:

During the second half of the last century, Kuwait underwent anarchitectural revolution that introduced modern buildings andconstruction methods in Kuwait City. This architectural revolution,however, was not accompanied with appropriate care for the architecturalheritage of the old Kuwait City that tied the past with the present and thefuture. This lack of care and consideration for the architectural heritagewas magnified during the establishment of the new economical and socialstructure of the country. Various historical landmarks and buildings wereremoved such as the Kuwait City wall and the character of the old cityvanished as a result.

During the planning stages for the new city and prior to the execution ofthese plans, had the old city received proper attention, many architecturaland historical treasures could be found in Kuwait nowadays. The great


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value of these historical buildings stems from the spontaneity with whichthey were constructed to represent the natural interaction betweenarchitecture and the environment. Had these historical landmarks beenmaintained, we would have had a great architectural heritage to present tofuture generations to serve as a reminder for the accomplishments of thefounding fathers and to link their present with their past.

As a result of the lack of attention and care for the national heritage,which started during the 1950’s and reached its peak in the present, the majority of these historical landmarks were demolished and very few ofthem remain standing.

Evaluation of the current status for national heritage buildings inKuwait:

The evaluation of the national heritage buildings led to identifying 122buildings in Kuwait city as historical buildings. These buildings areclassified as follows:

Privately owned buildings.

Buildings owned by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs.

Buildings owned by the Ministry of Finance through theAdministration of Public Utilities and Services.

Historical buildings and landmarks owned by the Ministry ofInformation.

Buildings owned by the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education,Ministry of Health, Ministry of Electricity and Water.

These historical buildings have been documented and identifiedphotographically and the rightful owners of these buildings weredetermined. This was done via surveying each building separately. Thehistorical buildings were then classified and analyzed through the PublicPlanning and Development Program for Kuwait City and its suburbs.Many facts were discovered that are worth noting which are:

The field and documentary search found that 12 of the 122 buildingswere officially marked as historical buildings and thus must bemaintained as such. Furthermore, 24 of the 122 buildings werepublicly owned but were not marked as buildings that must bemaintained as historical buildings, despite the fact that these buildingsare still standing and are not in danger of being removed in any of theplans or future projects.

The rest of these historical buildings, which represent 72% of the 122buildings, were in danger of being removed as a result of the approved


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or proposed governmental execution plans or due to the unregulateddevelopment plans undertaken by the private sector.

8-2-7 Public corporations and authorities working in the constructionsector:

Kuwait Municipality:

The Kuwait Municipality is considered one of the oldest governmentalagencies that were established in the country. It was founded in 1930,which was the year of its first law. That law had among its goalsimproving the health and social standards of the country.

The Municipal Council is specializes in monitoring the application oflaws and regulations related to the public health, buildings, dispossessingownership, and land division. The Municipal Council also has among itsresponsibilities deciding whether to approve of construction projects andcity, village, and island improvement projects and designating the properlocation for these projects. Furthermore, the Municipal Council isconsulted for approval of the urban plans for the country. The Council ismade up of 16 members, 10 who are elected by the public and 6 membersare appointed. The Council selects one of its members to serve as theCouncil president.

The Kuwait Municipality is made up of various departments. Many ofthese departments are concerned with the construction industry such asthe Organization Department, Construction Department, the Departmentfor Development of Urban Projects, and the Environmental AffairsDepartment.

The Organization Department proposes the general and detailed urbanplans, and it also improves and modifies these plans as part of preparingthe Master and Metropolitan plans for the country. This department ismade up of one doctoral degree holder, three masters’ degree holders, 59 engineers, 3 engineering assistants, 27 technicians, 5 geographicalplanners, 33 drafting specialists, and 4 civil technicians.

The Construction Department specializes in issuing building licensesafter studying all the plans with regards to architecture, structures, andhealth. The department consists of 65 engineers, 4 technicians of differentfields.

The Department for Developing Urban Projects emphasizes the publictrend of motivating the private sector to participate in improvinggovernmental construction projects. This department is made up of 19engineers and 2 technicians. The Environment Affairs Department isconcerned with laying environmental policies related to theresponsibilities of the municipality, and coordinating with the various


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agencies working in that field. The Environmental Affairs Departmentalso reviews all the planning projects and architectural designs and thevarious architectural improvement plans to insure their compliance withthe environmental standards and limitations before granting approval forthese plans and projects. The Environmental Affairs Department consistsof one masters’ degree holder, 19 engineers, 14 technicians, and 3 bachelor degree holders specializing in science.

In 1967, Kuwait City, represented by the Kuwait Municipality, joined theArabic City Organization. Kuwait City was one of the founding membersof this organization, which selected Kuwait as its headquarters.

The Public Establishment for Housing Care:

The Public Establishment for Housing Care, which was known as thePublic Authority for Housing during the period from 1974-1993, is thegovernmental agency responsible for providing housing for citizens. Itsresponsibility starts when the land dedicated for construction by theKuwait Municipality is handed over to the corporation. The corporationthen undertakes the tasks of organizing and planning the land dedicatedfor building houses, and then the appropriate designs for the proposedhousing units are prepared along with the infrastructure and publicfacility plans. The corporation then supervises the execution of thehousing units and distributes the houses or realty to the qualified citizens.The construction of these housing units used to be undertaken by theMinistry of Public Works prior to the establishment of the PublicAuthority for Housing in 1974.

One of the departments with relevance to this sector is the PlanningDepartment, which has among its responsibilities preparing plans andprograms for developing projects and supervising these projects throughout the stages of execution. In addition, this department holds the task ofpreparing architectural plans for residential areas and public plans forprojects relevant to the corporation in addition to coordinating with thevarious ministries and other governmental agencies with regards to publicfacilities and services. The staff of this department is made up of 29engineers and drafting specialists. Another department with highrelevance to this sector is the Organizing Department, which isresponsible for establishing the basic requirements for design inaccordance with the highest international standards and specifications.The Organizing Department also prepares architectural, structural,electrical, and mechanical plans required for buildings. The crew of thisdepartment is made up of 65 engineers and drafting specialists.


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Ministries administering public services:

The Ministry of Public Works is responsible for constructing all thefacilities that provide services for the public such as hospitals, schools, inaddition to its responsibility for constructing roads and other elements ofthe infrastructure network. The Ministry of Electricity and Water and theMinistry of Communications shoulder the responsibility of providingwater, electricity, and telephone lines for the public.

Ministry of Planning:

The Administration of Urban Planning of the Ministry of Planningcoordinates with the Kuwait Municipality and other governmentalagencies to develop five-year plans that show the relationship betweenpopulation growth and urban development. The developing projectssector of the Ministry of Planning is responsible for approving the variousprojects and conducting studies about the projects or selecting theconsulting firm that can conduct the necessary studies. This sector alsorepresents the Secretary for the Higher Committee for Master Planning.

The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research:

The various scientific and research departments of the Kuwait Institutefor Scientific Research present valuable recommendations about the mostappropriate methods to produce environment friendly buildings. One ofthe examples of the contributions of the Kuwait Institute for ScientificResearch is the work that was jointly achieved by the institute and theMinistry of Electricity and Water to set forth regulations for preservationof energy through the use of insulating materials in buildings.

The National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters:

This council is liable to maintain, preserve, and protect the nationalheritage. As such, the council would be responsible to preserve thearchitectural heritage and archeological discoveries. In doing so, thecouncil attempts to preserve what is left of the old buildings and toaccentuate the architectural features of these buildings.

The public and private sectors:

The various governmental agencies and ministries, along with companieswhere the government owns more than 51% of the shares such as theRecreational Projects Company and the Kuwait Foundation for theAdvancement of Sciences, contribute to the architectural progress in thecountry. Many examples of such contributions exist such as the progressmade in recreational and entertaining construction achieved by theTourist Projects Company and the construction of the Scientific Centerfunded by Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences.


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The private sector contributes to the progress of the construction fieldthrough the involvement of individuals in constructing private houses andinvestment residential units. Private companies also participate inconstructing investment projects.

New Cities Authority:

The New Cities Authority was established in accordance with DecreeNo.2 of 1999 to develop plans and recreational programs for theestablishment and execution of new cities via entrepreneurs. Theauthority is also responsible for supervising the execution of all thenecessary projects and hospitals along with the execution of any otherservice facilities that are required for these new cities. All the projectsmust be achieved by the local and international private sectors with thegovernment not sharing the responsibility for any of the costs forestablishing these new cities. The Cabinet of Ministers determines thelocation for each city along with its suburbs and boundaries. Landallocated for the establishment of these new cities is handed over to theauthority free of any obstructions that may cause problems duringconstruction.

The Cabinet of Ministers responsible for appointing members of theboard of directors for the New Cities Authority and it also appoints thegeneral manager of the authority. The board of directors is responsible forlaying the general policy for the authority and supervising the executionof that policy. The board of directors is also called upon to approve themetropolitan plans for the new cities and to establish the necessaryprograms to execute these cities and approve of the projects required bythese cities. In addition, the board of directors has the authority todetermine the principles regulating the private sector’s participation in the execution of projects in the new cities. The board of directors invites thevarious companies and corporations, whether local or international, topresent their bids for the establishment of the new cities.

The Environment Public Authority:

The Planning and Environmental Impact Assessment Departmentevaluates the environmental impacts of the various development projectsundertaken by the public, private, and joint sectors by conducting thenecessary studies before execution of such projects begins. Constructionof residential and other types of buildings is included among the projectsfor which the environmental impact must be studied and analyzed. Theenvironmental impacts studies are conducted by engineering consultingfirms, while the Department of Development Projects within the Planningand Environmental Impact Department evaluates these studies to set forththe proper regulations and conditions.


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When conducting the environmental studies, the location of facilities withgaseous emissions and the prevailing direction of wind are taken intoconsideration along with the possibility of pollutants affecting residentialareas. This is done in coordination with the Air Pollution MonitoringDepartment of the Environment Public Authority. Furthermore, thePlanning and Environmental Impact Assessment Department works withthe Department of Waste Control of the Industrial EnvironmentDepartment of the Authority to allocate the proper sites for the disposal ofwaste during the execution of proposed residential projects. The PublicAuthority for the Environment also coordinates its work with variousgovernmental agencies such as the Kuwait Municipality, the PublicAuthority for Industries, Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Public Works,Ministry of Electricity and Water, and the Public Establishment forHousing Care in studying the suitability of proposed sites for establishingresidential projects and new cities.

8-2-8 Legislations concerning the urban environment and heritage:

The environmental legislations and laws relevant to this field containmany administrative and regulative legislations aiming to organize theworks of the execution sector and to establish new administrations,authorities, and corporations. In addition, these legislations also includeregulations and decrees to apply the proper limitations on faulty practicesand actions, in an effort to protect and preserve the components of theinfrastructure and therefore to protect the urban environment. Theselegislations also include many laws that aim to protect and maintainhistorical buildings, sites of heritage, and archeological sites.

Some of the most important legislations and laws are shown below.

Legislations and regulations of the Kuwait Municipality:

Law No. 15 of 1972 about the Kuwait Municipality

Decision No. 30 of 1985 regarding regulating construction works

Law Decree No. 9 of 1987 regarding the prevention of some of theharmful acts that affect the general cleanliness and plantations

Law Decree No. 18 of 1978 regarding safety regulations and theprotection of public facilities and the public resources.

Law Decree No. 56 of 1980 to modify some of the terms of lawnumber 18 of 1978 regarding safety regulations and the protection ofpublic facilities and public resources.

Administrative Decision No. 2/90/2001 to form a work team tomonitor and update the data of the third Master Plan project forKuwait.


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Administrative Decision No. 20 of 1993 to organize the Department ofEnvironmental Affairs.

Administrative Decision No. 18 of 1993 to organize the ConstructionProjects Development Department.

Administrative Decision No. 17 of 1991 regarding the classification ofthe committee for licensing buildings of special nature.

Administrative Decision No. 13 of 1991 and decision number 21 of1992 to form a committee for licensing buildings of special nature.

Administrative Decision No. 18 of 1991 to form the front committee-Kuwait Municipality.

Decision of the president of the Kuwait Municipality No. 30 of 1999to form the Technical Committee for Construction Affairs.

Administrative Decision No. 333 of 1988 Kuwait Municipality aboutthe rehabilitation and visual enhancement of buildings.

The proposed system to merging and splitting realty located in areasdedicated for private residences (lightly populated areas) containingthe decision of the Municipality Committee No. (MB\F\17\131\95)issued on the 6th of November 1995.

Ministerial Decision No. 10 of 1992 to form a subcommittee forpublic facilities and services.

The Cabinet of Ministers Decision No. 886 of 1996 to reorganize thecommittee of public facilities and services (the Main Committee).

Laws related to the Public Establishment for Housing Care:

The State of Kuwait has given great attention to the issue of housingsince the beginning of the 1950’s. The Importance of the housing issue led to the establishment of the Public Authority for Housing inaccordance with Law No. 15 of 1974. The authority has attained manyachievements with the completion of large housing projects within theframework of comprehensive construction plans, which has provided safehouses for a large number of Kuwaiti families. One of the majordevelopments regarding residential care was issuing law number 47 of1993 and Law No. 12 of 1995, which adopted the establishment of thePublic Establishment for Housing Care with an independent budget. Thecorporation was given all the authority needed to help provide suitableresidences for citizens in short periods of time.

The legislations and regulations regarding the Environment PublicAuthority.

Law No. 21 of 1995 to establish the Environment Public Authority.


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Law No. 16 of 1996 to modify some of the terms of Law No. 21 of1995 to establish the Environment Public Authority.

Decision No. 9\90 concerning organizing the required EnvironmentalImpact assessment Studies for construction and industrial projects.

A proposal for a new decision to modify Decision No. 9\90 to conductstudies of the environmental impact of development projects whichwas published in the official newspaper and which will be active as ofOctober 1st, 2002.

Other public authorities and corporations:

A decree concerning the Ministry of Public Works: in accordance withthe Amiri Decree No. 2 of 1962 concerning reorganizing the ministriesand all other decrees related to it and modifying it and the decree offorming the government issued on the 16th of February 1978.

Decree No. 22 of 1994 regarding the National Council for Culture,Arts, and Literatures and transforming authority over some units fromthe Ministry of Information to the National Council of Culture, Arts,and Literatures.

Amiri Decree No. 11 of 1960 regarding archaeology law.

Law Decree No. 111 of 1976 modifying some of the terms of lawnumber 11 of 1960.

Law No. 9 of 1994 modifying some of the terms of the archaeologylaw.

Decree No. 2 of 1999 regarding the establishment of the New CitiesAuthority.

Decision by the Cabinet of Ministers approving the formulation of thehigher committee for the Master Plan and the large scale constructionprojects in accordance with Decree No. 169 of 1999 regarding formingthe government.

8-3 Issues related to the urban environment and heritage sector:

The State of Kuwait has undergone tremendous progress since thediscovery of oil in the 1940’s. However, this progress was not accompanied with the required studies. Job opportunities becameabundant in Kuwait while there was noticeable lack of expertise and laborforce. This led to the migration of many citizens of other countries, Arabsand non-Arabs, to Kuwait. This migration resulted in added pressures onthe available natural resources of the country. Consequently, variousissues unknown previously to the Kuwaiti Society were introduced. Someof the more notable of these issues are discussed below.


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8-3-1 The loss of the architectural character:

The discovery of oil in the Arabian Gulf resulted in a tremendousarchitectural break-through, where many imported architectural stylesappeared. These imported architectural styles did not have any ties to thedomestic environment and were not relevant in any way to thearchitectural character that predominated the period before the discoveryof oil. The unique architectural features of the old Kuwaiti housesvanished, and new houses unsuitable to the nature of the domesticenvironment replaced them.

Consequently, many of the buildings and residential complexes that wereconstructed after the discovery of oil were quickly demolished since theywere deemed unsuitable for the domestic environment of Kuwait.Another reason for demolishing these buildings was the poorrepresentation of these buildings to the modern architectural rise, whichwas apparent in many parts of the world. This stage also saw theintroduction of new forms of architecture for houses and other buildingsthat obtained some of their features from the Kuwaiti environment. Thisstage was named “thestage of reviving the Arabic house or Arabicarchitecture”. Some of the more famous buildings that were the product of this stage are:

The project of Al-Seef Palace (along the coast) which was reorganizedaccording to the Arabic-Gulf style.

The project of Bayan Palace had many apparent Arabic features.

The project of Sharq Market on the sea front.

The project of the Closed Market in Salmiya, which has not opened yetbut is proposed to be the largest market in the Middle East.

Complete residential projects according to the Arabic style can be seen inAl-Qurain Market.

Revival of the old mosques while maintaining their old styles.

The project of the closed Arabian suburb, which was applied in completeresidential projects as seen in Al-Andalus and Khaitan.

The projects of maintaining some of the old Dewans along the coast.

The Arabic suburb project… Magic Mall project along the coast of Abu-Hulaifa and the beach houses projects.

Despite all that, the architectural appearance still shows obvious lack ofcohesiveness in the character of houses in some of the new suburbssuch as Um Al-Haiman.


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There are some projects that were motivated by heritage such as thewooden ship Al-Hashemi 2 which was constructed on the beaches of theRadisson SAS hotel and which is considered the largest wooden ship inthe world. Another of these projects was constructed away from the sea,which is Al-Muhallab Mall in Hawalli. This mall took the form of a giantship, even though it was not built in close proximity to the sea. Had itbeen constructed in the appropriate location near the coast, it would haveadded another landmark related to the sea heritage in addition to thewooden ship Al-Hashemi 2.

In general, it can be said that an architectural identity is missing forbuildings in Kuwait due to the failure to connect with the architecturalheritage of the country and also due to the lack of cohesiveness betweenthe designs and colors of the urban environment.

8-3-2 Urban pollution:

Visual pollution:

The rapid progress of the building construction sector was accompaniedwith a visual pollution that resulted from the lack of architecturalcohesion. This visual pollution can be seen in many forms. Buildings andhousing units were unrelated in any form to the surrounding environmentwith regards to size, shape, height, openings, and the loss of the skyline.Another form of the visual pollution is the varying colors of buildingslocated in a single area, which led to the loss of cohesion betweenbuildings in residential areas. As a result, each element of the urbanenvironment became an independent unit unrelated to the surroundingenvironment, and that was the main reason of the lack of architecturalharmony.

Other factors contributing to the visual pollution are traffic congestion,lack of maintenance for recreational buildings, vandalizing manycomponents of recreational parks, the absence of light colors that interactwith the environment in a manner that pleases viewers, the lack of waterfountains in parks and other open spaces, and the lack of walking trackswith proper plantations. All that created a negative impression amongviewers, and imposed a feeling of irritation and nervousness among thepublic in general.

Noise pollution:

Sound pollution or noise has many negative effects on the health ofcitizens and on the type of daily life of citizens since noise imposes afeeling of anxiety and irritation on the public in general. Various samplescan be found that exemplify this problem such as the presence of Kuwaitairport in close proximity to residential areas, or the presence of car repair


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shops in residential areas such as the case in Jleeb Al-Shiyookh. Otherexamples of this kind of pollution are the closeness of many residentialareas to highways such as the case with Al-Fayha suburb whichoverlooks King Faisal’s Highway, where houses and their residents suffer from the noise, vibrations, and polluted air stemming from trafficcongestion on that highway.

Air pollution in the urban environment:

There are many examples where residential areas are directly exposed topolluted air. Many residential areas are located near stations for burningfuel, and these areas suffer from the gases that result from burning fuelsince these gases have negative effects on the health of human beings.Other suburbs such as Al-Ardiya suffer from the rise of Hydrogen Sulfidegas from the purification plants, since this gas is known for its offensiveodour and its negative effects on the health of individuals in addition toits effects on air conditioning units in adjacent buildings. This gas alsocauses the corrosion of exposed pipes in adjacent areas.

Soil pollution:

Liquid waste can leak from the collection tanks or corroded pipes to reachthe soil and pollute it. This pollution is apparent in the Sabhan IndustrialArea, Um Al-Haiman residential area, Southern Surra area, Subbiyafarms, the beach houses, and spring camping areas. In addition, oil lakesand the leakage of oil from oil pipes have contributed to polluting thesoil.

Pollution and interference resulting from communication towers:

The Public Authority for the Environment has laid conditions andregulations for companies working in the communications field to obeyedby the conditions included in the GSM system regarding the capacity ofradiation emissions, closest distance to any building, the height of aerials,compliance with international standards, informing all people working inoperation and maintenance of transmission and reception stations to thedangers of being exposed to non-ionized radiation, performing periodicaltesting for all workers in that field, and enclosing all advertisements withthe proper warning of the dangers of using mobile telephones and thedangers of being exposed to non-ionized radiation. However, the currentstatus of this industry must be investigated to determine the extent ofpollution and interference and their reflections on the public health. Manygovernmental agencies and ministries should participate in thisinvestigation including the Ministry of Communications, the Ministry ofHealth, and the Environment Public Authority in addition to seeking theknowledge and expertise of the International Society for Electrical andElectronics Engineers and the American Institute for Testing which have


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combined to set the international standards and specifications for thatfield.

8-3-3 Inadequate application of the urban plan and the weakness inarchitectural planning:

Various aspects of applying the architectural planning needed additionalcare and enactment especially during construction of some of the projectssuch as the recreational and coastal projects; the projects concerning theestablishment of new cities; the projects of constructing new residentialareas; and the projects of constructing vital facilities such as seaports,airports, universities, hospitals, hand labor areas, commercial areas, andindustrial areas. There was also a noticeable lack of care for theenvironmental, social, economic aspects of executing some projects.Furthermore, the environmental impact studies regarding some projectswere not afforded the proper attention to avoid the negative effects ofthese projects and to protect the environment and the developing projectsto insure a sustainable development.

Some of the more important issues that illustrate the weak role played bythe architectural planning with regards to environmental aspects are:

Licensing residential and other buildings down/up wind to activities ofhazardous emissions:

The predominant direction of wind was not given thorough considerationwhen selecting locations for some industrial facilities having pollutantemissions, and that has left many residential buildings exposed to thesehazardous emissions.

For example, Al-Doha residential area and Al-Sulaibikhat are bothaffected by the emissions and gases that rise from the plants for electricgeneration and water desalination, which are located north of thesesuburbs. This has led to the exposure of residents of these suburbs tomany health hazards. In addition, the presence of oil refineries, whichemit large amounts of pollutants and hazardous gases in close proximityto northerly-located residential areas such as Al-Fahaheel, Um Al-Haiman, and Al-Ahmadi, exposes residents of these suburbs to manypollutants dispersed by wind.

Urban expansion over the natural environment:

The poorly planned expansion of construction has invaded the naturalenvironment including the coastal areas, natural reserves, and agriculturalareas. As a result, many of the areas of agricultural nature lost theiridentity, which could be seen in Al-Jahra, Al-Fintas, Abu-Hulaifa, Al-Mangaf, and Al-Wafra.


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The offenses on the coastal environment:

The Kuwait Municipality has improved the coastal area facing the oldKuwait City in an improvement project made up of various stages. Fourstages have been completed and work on the fifth stage is underwayalong a strip of the sea front extending 7 kilometers. Despite these effortsby the municipality, there are still many assaults on the coastal strip.Many of these assaults are pointed out in the coastal and marineenvironment sectors. Many of these assaults continue to take place in theform of establishing residential buildings directly looking over the sea bytaking over land adjacent to the sea. This has prevented citizens frombeing able to access the beaches extending from Al-Beda’a Roundabout to the Saudi borders except very small areas that were designated aspublic beaches.

Commercial seaports and harbors suffer from the disposal of waste in thesea and on the coastal areas by ships and boats. These seaports also lackthe necessary facilities to deal with oils and waste.

Neglecting the natural topography:

Many cities and suburbs were established without studying the naturaltopography, which had affected building foundations, the environment,and human health. In the Kaifan residential area, many concretefoundations of houses were laid to obstruct the natural path of runningwater existing in this area. This has led to obstructing the running ofwater to the sea, which resulted in raising the water table. Consequently,many problems appeared that had economical, environmental, and evenhuman damages. Some of these problems appeared in Al-Dhahar wheremany building collapsed due to the presence of natural geological holes atoil reservoirs. Another area affected by these problems was Al-Jahra,where many buildings and facilities constructed in the natural path ofrunning water were damaged.

The increasing number of waste landfill sites and irrationalmanagement:

Waste landfill spread randomly in Kuwait, and they are not being dealtwith according to the sanitary landfill method. The number of these wastedisposal sites has reached 18; some of which has been closed and somecontinue to operate. Since the sanitary landfill method is not applied,many gases rise from these sites affecting the surrounding environment.

One of the most obvious cases in that regards took place in Al-Qurain,where gases have continued to rise years after closing the site and afterresidential areas were built around it. The residents of these areascomplained about the suffering they endure due to the rise of these gases.


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The Environment Public Authority took the responsibility of repairing thesite and extracting the gases via a network of pipes and reusing thesegases in generating necessary energy to serve the public park that wasestablished at the site.

Another case was the waste landfill site in the Sabhan industrial area nextto the Medical Warehouse Department building and some factories. Thesite releases offensive odors to the surrounding areas. This site, alongwith the other sites, needs to be treated thoroughly to prevent them fromturning into gases and fires that would lead to the depreciation of the realestate value which may lead to developing surrounding areas.

The following table shows waste landfills of the Kuwait Municipality andthe sites that are still in operation and those that were shut down.

Table 8-1 Locations of the landfill sitesNo. Site Name Site Status Waste Type Est. Site area based on

aerial photographs

1 Jleeb Al-Shiyookh Site (80-91)

Closed Household waste 3.6 Km2

2 Al-Miseela (Middle ArmyArea) (86-91)

Closed Household waste

3 Al-Sulaibiya (1984-present) In operation Household waste 2.35 Km2

4 Mina Abdulla (91-present) In operation Household andConstruction Waste.

2.35 Km2

5 South of Seventh Ring Road(92-present)

In operation Household Waste. 3.0 Km2

6 North of Seventh Ring Road In operation Household Waste. 5.34 Km2

7 Al-Jahra In operation Household Waste. 21.7 Km2

8 Al-Qurain Closed

9 South of Sabhan (84-86) Closed Household andConstruction Waste.

10 Al-Wafra site (very old) Closed Household

11 Al-Oqeela (old and closed) Closed Construction Waste.

12 Mina Al-Zur (not in use yet) Not used yet Household Waste. Proposed site, not usedyet, undefined,unfenced.

13 Amghara (very old) Closed Household.

14 East Sulaibiya Closed Construction waste.

15 Kabd Some waste is dumped

16 Al-Shuaiba site (83-91) Closed and is in thevicinity of a gas station

17 Failaka Site Closed due to theinvasion

18 Al-Shuaiba industrial site Closed, not used yet Construction waste Site not licensed byKuwait Municipality


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Insufficient parking spaces in some residential areas:

Many residential areas and public buildings such as colleges, universities,institutes, schools, nurseries, private schools, hotels, and hospital werenot provided with sufficient parking spaces for vehicles. This led to awrongful.

Attempts to solve this problem by constructing metal carports along thesidewalks, where these sidewalks served as parking spaces.

Improper planning of some industrial and crafting sites:

Many of the industrial and labor sites in Shuwaikh, Al-Ray, Sharq, Al-Ahmadi, and Al-Fahaheel were not afforded the due attention theydeserve during the planning stages regarding the Environmental ImpactAssessment Studies and categorization of industries or crafts according totheir contributions in polluting the environment, which could becategorized as slightly, moderately, or highly pollutant of theenvironment.

In the Shuwaikh Industrial Area for instance, used oils are disposed of tothe sewage disposal network. Furthermore, polluting professions andactivities such as car washing and greasing stations and restaurants werenot separated from each other and were allowed to coexist side by side. Inaddition, many highly volatile materials or combustible materials werestored in the vicinity of shops accommodating fire aiding activities suchas steelwork and machining shops. Many neighboring residential areassuch as Al-Khaldiya, Al-Omariya, and Al-Yarmouk are affected by thepollution resulting from the activities taking place in this area. Many fireshave taken place in Al-Shuwaikh industrial area, which were notcontrolled easily and have destroyed many shops and storage spaceslocated in that area.

There are many aspects to the problems in Al-Shuwaikh Industrial Area.One of which is the license itself, which lacks the required conditions forsafety, protection, and fire fighting. Another aspect is the use a particularsite for purposes other than the purpose that it was licensed for such asusing showrooms as storage sites. Yet another aspect is the deteriorationand wear of buildings and metal structures or the faulty construction ofthese shops and buildings. Moreover, the poor supervision of theactivities taking place in this area is another aspect to the problemsoccurring in that area. Some of the proposed solutions would be toreorganize Al-Shuwaikh industrial area; re-evaluate the conditions andcriteria for granting licenses; acquire approval from all agencies dealingwith the issue of safety and well being such as the Kuwait Municipality,the Environment Public Authority, and the Public Fire BrigadeDepartment; apply the studies conducted regarding the environmental


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impact of the various activities; determine the proper usage of the variouslocations; and establish a highly active system for supervision andpunishment of violators.

In Al-Sulaibiya industrial area, another problem appears in the form ofrising smoke, sand, and dust from construction materials factories, stonecrushing factories producing aggregate and concrete plants. Al-Sulaibiyaresidential area has been affected by all these pollutants.

Oil collection stations are randomly located without proper planning,which may create a problem in the future if these areas are chosen forfuture residential expansion.

Oil refineries have been built in Al-Shuaiba industrial area next to Al-Shuaiba residential area. This has had many negative effects on residentsof that area which led to moving the residential area entirely, whichconfirms the lack of compliance with the principle of sustainabledevelopment.

Since it is anticipated that oil refineries will be expanded and/or newrefineries will be established, it is to be expected that many existingresidential areas will be affected or some residential areas will be evenmore susceptible to pollution such as Al-Fahaheel and Um Al-Haiman.

8-3-4 The presence of harmful and polluting utilities and services:

Many car repair shops in residential areas dispose used oils directly tosewage disposal network. These shops also cause discomfort to the publicthrough the noise created by such shops. An obvious example of this canbe seen in Jleeb Al-Shiyookh area.

Moreover, enormous amount of energy gets wasted due to irrationalpractices such as excessive lighting. This can be seen in the University,sporting clubs, and some residential areas.

8-3-5 The increasing pressure on available resources of theenvironment:

The discovery of oil, and the accompanying increase in job opportunities,has led to a rise in population, which resulted in increasing the pressureon the natural and vital resources such as water, electricity and sand andgravel quarries. The pressure on these resources has risen due to the trendof overspending and the exaggeration of luxurious construction, whichhas led to the presence of building components unrelated to the Kuwaitienvironment.

8-3-6 The influence of natural phenomena on the urban environment:

Many naturally occurring phenomena were not given properconsideration and were not studied thoroughly when preparing urban


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plans. Thunder storms also known as “Sarayat”; floods; sand storms; andearthquakes have great influence on the urban environment.

The “Sarayat” seasonal rain causes a rise in the water level much higher than can be accommodated by the storm water network. This causesmany damages, and some times human casualties result from thesephenomena.

Sand storms may damage residential units, public buildings, and roads,and in many instances traffic accidents were caused by these storms.

Earthquakes have not been given the due consideration in buildingdesigns with ground floors resting on columns or using elevated columns,which can not resist strong earthquakes if one strikes Kuwait.

8-3-7 Insufficient maintenance of heritage, historical, andarcheological buildings:

The heritage, historical, and archeological sites were not afforded the careand attention they deserve. The old Kuwait City was discarded includingits old wall, and also many valuable historical buildings that should havebeen protected, rehabilitated, and maintained were lost.

The lack of awareness of the importance of these sites and their relevanceto the history of Kuwait prior to the discovery of oil and the strong desireto merge in modernization have contributed to the eradication of manybuildings and landmarks. These buildings could have served asoutstanding landmarks of Kuwait to be visited by younger generations tohelp them understand their past and link the past with the presence andfuture.

8-3-8 The absence of a housing strategy:

The failure to create a clear policy to distribute the population on thevarious suburbs and cities, new and existing, or the improper applicationof such policy, in the event one existed, led to the creation of manyenvironmental, economic, and other problems in addition to the socialaffects.

The increased pressure on resources and infrastructures available in theregion (which in many cases is limited in size) and the increased pressureon the available facilities in the region led to sustainable trafficcongestion. This traffic congestion resulted in air pollution from vehicleexhaust systems and also resulted in an increase in noise and shortage inparking spaces, which is the case in Al-Salmiya, Hawalli, and Al-Jabriya.

8-3-9 Lack of Environmental Awareness:

The environmental awareness among the public remains to be weak ornonexistent in many cases especially with regards to interacting with city


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elements, residential areas, and public facilities. This can be attributed tomany factors such as the great variation among the many segments of thesociety, the lack of cohesion among these segments of society, the lowlevel of education in some segments of society, and the various languagesused by these segments, which makes it difficult to address all thesesegments using a single language. This has resulted in many improperbehaviors that affect the general appearance of the city. Many examplesof these behaviors exist in the form of vandalizing some of the publicfacilities that were provided to serve the public such as walkers restingareas, chairs of bus stations and parks, light poles, signs, trash cans,memorial monuments, and greeneries. Other forms of these behaviors arelittering of streets, recreational parks and beaches. Unacceptable ways ofinteracting with vehicles is yet another example of these behaviors, whichhas led to many traffic accidents.

Despite all these behaviors that ruin the general image of the city, anobvious weakness remains to exist regarding monitoring these actions,enforcing laws addressing these matters, and applying the properpunishment. This weakness led many to believe that these behaviors arepart of daily life in the city and must be accepted and coped with. All thisconfirms the need for emphasizing environmental awareness andeducation programs to all segments of the society.

8-3-10 Expanding Projects of Enhancing and Improving theEnvironment:

The existing parks and recreational places require more care,maintenance, and protection. Constructing new parks and recreationalareas must be expanded to make use of the open spaces available andtransform them into greeneries or parks. This will not only improve thegeneral appearance of the city and help entertain the public, but it willalso reduce the effects of sandstorms by working as natural purificationstations in addition to contributing to weather improvement and reducingthe heat. Water is available to execute these projects, since only 30 to40% of water produced by sewage treatment is currently being used foragricultural and irrigation purposes while the rest gets disposed into thesea. A point worthy of mentioning in that regard would be the need tostop the removal of some of the parks in order to use them for otherpurposes which was the case with the Green Belt Park next to Al-Dasmahresidential area.

There are many proposed projects for aesthetic agriculture and a projectto enhance the treatment method of sewage by using the quadrupletreatment method, which would provide more water for aestheticagriculture. Plans for aesthetic agriculture projects must be prepared in


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advance to make use of the treated water that gets wasted or the waterwhich will result from the new treatment method.

8-3-11 Compliance with Environmental Legislations and Laws:

Many governmental and non-governmental corporations should work toenhance their compliance with the legislations and laws related to theprotection of the environment. The environmental impact principle mustbe applied and the laws regarding building facades must be followed. Theenvironmental conditions related to urban planning need more elaborationand determination. Kuwait remains to lack the appropriate laws thatwould fine or prosecute those who mistreat the environment and polluteit. Furthermore, the criteria for the percentage of pollutants and emissionsgenerating from industrial areas and their danger to the surroundingresidential areas need to be approved and applied without undue delay.

Many governmental and non-governmental corporations must enhancetheir compliance with laws and legislations concerning the protection ofthe coastal environment such as building slipways for beach houseswithout obtaining the required license. There is also a need to protect thenatural and agricultural environments since they have been deterioratedby the unplanned building expansion such as that in Al-Wafra area andsome forestation areas.

Moreover, the Environment Public Authority Decision No. 9 of 1990regarding conducting Environmental Impact Studies for all constructionprojects must be complied with thoroughly, since that would limit someof the negative effects that result from undertaking these projects andwould enhance the principle of sustainable development.

Some decisions such as decision number (MN/F/17/131/9/95) datedNovember 6th, 1995 regarding splitting many realty lands in someresidential areas have imposed added pressure on the infrastructures ofthese areas since they were originally designed to house and serve alimited population.

8-3-12 The Freedom to Access Information:

The difficulty of obtaining information, despite the abundance of thisinformation, is a large obstacle facing researchers and study conductors.Various studies and reports have been prepared and must be appraised bysome of the public corporations to avoid having multiple reportsaddressing the same problem and to insure the proper coordinationbetween the various corporations. These reports and studies are kept fromthe specializing agencies, whether public or private, who endure greathardships when attempting to retrieve these studies. In addition, much ofthe data and statistics published in official reports lack precision due to


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the lack of required means for accurate data collection or due to the poorsupervision and monitoring which gets reflected on the precision of thesestudies.

8-3-13 Financial and Economical Issues:

The relative weakness in raising necessary funds to conductenvironmental impact studies for all construction projects.

Poor dedication of funds to preserve the urban heritage and thearchitectural identity of the country through preserving buildings andareas of historical significance, whether public or private. This hascaused loosing some of these buildings that represented an era of thehistory of the country and its past.

Insufficient funds to finance balanced and comprehensive architecturalplanning research, studies concerning the architectural character of thecountry, and environmental impact studies of constructing newsuburbs and cities.

Insufficient funds for the execution of greening the country andtransforming it into a green oasis. When such funds are provided, 60 to70% of treated water can be used in the expansion of greening Kuwait.At the same time, this will protect the gulf from the harmful effects ofwaste disposed in the gulf and serve to enhance the coastal and marineenvironment.

8-4 Causes of problems and issues of concern in the Urbanization andUrban Environment Sector:

After displaying the issues related to the construction sector and the urbanenvironment and discussing the various aspect of this problem, we willdiscuss the reasons that led to the presence of these problems in thefollowing subsections.

8-4-1 Reasons for the lack of cohesion in buildings and the loss ofarchitectural identity:

The absence of obligatory laws and studies that determine thearchitectural identity has led to the loss of architectural cohesion,which is currently observed in many locations.

Inadequate planning and designs related to the architectural heritage ofthe country.

Failure to comply with the Islamic architectural identity.


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8-4-2 Reasons for urban Pollution:

Urban Pollution includes visual pollution, noise, soil pollution, airpollution, and pollution resulting from communication towers. Thereasons for each of these types of pollution will be stated below.

Visual pollution:

Use of imported styles in the design and construction of buildings

Extensive use of glazing in buildings

Building owners not complying with the laws of the Kuwait Municipalityregarding building facades

Lack of consideration of the existing status in the area when designingnew facilities

Triumph of individual taste on the general taste and the aestheticappearance of the city

Noise (sound pollution):

The inefficacy of the separation belts around noise generating areas.

Insufficient use of trees as a noise-reducing source.

Lenient application of the work law.

Failure to employ new technology to prevent the spread of noise.

Permitting many commercial activities to exist in residential areas.

Air pollution in the urban environment:

Lenient application of the law on vehicles violating environmentalrequirements.

The poor control on emissions coming out of purification stations, oilfacilities, and heavy industries.

Burning medical gases and waste.

The nature of fuel used for burning in furnaces of industrial facilities andpower generation stations.

Soil Pollution in city suburbs:

Improper design of the sewage disposal network and the notableweakness observed in maintenance, periodical protection, monitoring,and supervision.

Unsuitable methods used to dispose of sewage and the poor execution ofthe existing methods.


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Soil pollution due to the wrong methods of dealing with hazardous anddangerous waste and burying this waste in areas of proposedresidential expansion.

The large number of waste landfill sites and not complying with theprinciples of sanitary landfill.

Increased cases of oil leaks due to deterioration of pipes or pipe blasting.

Oil lakes.

8-4-3 Reasons for the inadequate application of the Urban Plan and thepoor architectural planning:

The poor architectural planning issue includes many aspects as theobstacles associated with the establishment of new cities, incursion ofconstruction, neglecting the natural terrain, constructing residentialbuilding on or around waste landfill sites, and the assaults on the coastalenvironment. Poor architectural planning can be attributed to thefollowing reasons:

Failure to account for the environmental impacts of constructinghouses and residential suburbs during the planning stage.

Insufficient conduction of environmental impact studies for somecoastal facilities.

The poor inclusion of the social and economic aspects in the urbanand architectural designs.

Mediocre long term strategic planning

Weakness of the chronological programs that determine periods ofexecution of the urban plans for new cities.

Failure to allow the New Cities Authority, which was establishedaccording to decree number 2 of 1999, to assume the role it, wasestablished for.

Failure to avoid some of the negative aspects of the existingresidential areas when constructing new cities and suburbs.

The closeness of some of the residential areas to heavy industryfacilities that generate harmful odours and gases and failure to givedue consideration to the prevailing direction of wind.

Failure to solve problems of waste disposal and failure to select theproper locations for waste landfill sites in urban plans.

Failure to reveal some of the new urban plans to the public fordiscussions by parties benefiting and suffering from these plans. Thesediscussions may lead to pinpointing some of the mistakes that can be


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avoided during the planning stages and before granting final approvalto the plans. A prime example of this case can be seen in the proposedplans for the new city of Subbiya, where the residential area is locatedon the windward side of the industrial area in that city. This willdefinitely allow the wind to carry pollutants emitting from theindustrial area to the residents of this city. This can be avoided if theindustrial area is moved from its current north western location of thecity to the eastern side of the city or parallel to the harbouroverlooking the coast, which would allow it to serve two purposes:

The first is to protect the residents from pollutant emissions

The second is the resulting ease with which goods and products can betransported through the sea.

The same principle can be applied to the proposed plans fordeveloping the Island of Failaka and making them open for discussionby the public and other related parties before granting final approval.

Reasons for the insufficient car parking spaces in residential areas:

Scarcity of space available in front of and to the side of residentialunits due to reducing the size of realty (splitting realty) and thecorresponding desire to build the largest allowable portion of therealty.

The poor planning of some of the residential areas regarding parkingspaces which forced residents to build metal car ports on sidewalksand use them as parking spaces.

Reasons for the poor planning of sites for some of the industrialfacilities:

Some of the industrial and hand labour dominated areas did notreceive proper planning and the consequent proper execution thatinsures the safe operation of these sites without being susceptible tofires and environmental disasters that would pollute the surroundingareas.

Deterioration of old facilities and the corrosion of metal pipes in someof the industrial and hand labour dominated areas.

The poor organization of activities in these areas led to overlappinguses, which in turn increased pressure on the surroundingenvironment.

Failure to comply with the designated uses of each facility.

Improper supervision of the execution of conditions and grantingpermits.


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Reasons for licensing buildings and residential suburbs on thewindward side of facilities with dangerous emissions:

The absence of Environmental Impact Studies prior to licensing.

Wrong selection of sites for residential construction and lack ofcoordination between involved parties such as the case in Um Al-Haiman sites, which are located within the insulated belt of Al-Shuaiba industrial area.

The leniency in operating filters in some industrial facilities of denseemissions and failure to maintain them periodically which weakenedthe vitality of these filters.

8-4-4 Reasons for the presence of harming facilities and services:

The poor selection of locations for some industrial and hand labourshops.

The lenient application of laws related to waste disposal.

Lack of public awareness regarding energy conservation.

8-4-5 Reasons for increased pressure on available resources:

The urban society’s over consumption of water and electricity resources due to their low prices (2 Fils per kilowatt of electricity, and178 Fils per cubic meter of water).

Population density in some residential areas exceeds the plannednumbers. This occurred due to the inability of the residents of theseareas to spend on their large houses causing them to rent their housesto multiple families in an effort to increase their income.

Failure to use the available water resources properly.

The realty splitting system in residential areas causes increasedpressure on resources available to these areas since realty splittingresults in higher number of residents that exceeds the accommodationability of the area.

Inadequate search for alternative resources of energy.

Exaggeration and boastfulness in constructing buildings, bothqualitatively and quantitatively, and also the exaggeration of ceilingheights of rooms in buildings.

8-4-6 Reasons behind the influence of natural phenomena on theurban environment:

The storm water network was not designed in a manner that enables itto accommodate the seasonal rain, which led to many floods thatcaused financial damages in the urban environment.


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Absence of the suitable methods to limit sand encroachment on openroads.

The storm water network works according to the principle of naturalflow towards the sea. And since the land elevations approximates seaelevation during the high tide, seawater can flow in the network duringhigh tides causing floods in many parts of the city, especially duringrainy thunderstorms known as “Sarayat”.

The absence of earthquake standards and codes in designing buildingsand facilities.

8-4-7 Reasons for lack of maintenance of heritage, historical, andarcheological buildings:

Absence of a general policy to protect and maintain historicalbuildings, whether public or private.

Weak application of legislations protecting and preserving historicalbuildings.

Lack of clarity of the specific responsibilities given to the variousparties caring for historical sites and buildings.

Failure of the media to accentuate historical buildings.

Absence of a general policy to organize historical and archaeologicaltourism.

Incompetent building rehabilitation plans which results in eradicatingthe identity of historical landmarks.

8-4-8 The reasons necessitating a residential strategy:

The population growth of Kuwait exceeded projections made byplanners, which led to the spread of residential areas beyond the limitsof urban plans.

Leniency in applying private residence rental system.

Failure to provide the necessary services and facilities for someresidential areas and the deficient infrastructure.

Proximity of residential areas to industrial facilities or entrance ways(airports, harbours,..etc).

Kuwait still lacks a clear vision regarding the needed skills,qualifications, and labour on the domestic and imported levels and themanners of training and housing the needed workforce. This requiresthe presence of a clear housing strategy that relies on the economicaland social development plans. This strategy would produce a clearplan concerning land use and the corresponding city and residential


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area distribution that would accommodate the numbers adopted by theresidential strategy.

8-4-9 Reasons for lack of environmental awareness:

Absence of a general program for environmental education andawareness countrywide and not drafting those who work in theenvironment sector to perform constant awareness campaigns.

Inadequate awareness to the importance of preserving water andelectricity and reducing noise.

Lack of awareness among citizens and leniency in applying thestandards and specifications of constructing the residential unit.

Absence of a general policy to improve the public taste and promotethe improved taste.

Lack of awareness in dealing with waste.

8-4-10 Reasons for leniency in expanding environment beautificationprojects:

Inadequate maintenance operations required in agricultural andirrigation services.

Failure to plant or pave some of the open historical sites and sidewalksin some areas.

Failure to utilize 60 - 70% of water resulting from sewage treatmentfor landscaping in the country rather than dumping it into the sea.

8-4-11 Reasons for the inadequate compliance with laws andlegislations concerning the environment:

The inadequate application of regulations, decisions, and laws andfailure to enact them properly.

Inadequate compliance of facility owners in applying KuwaitMunicipality laws regarding designs, facades, and other buildingaffairs.

Leniency in applying laws, regulations, and decisions regulating theproper methods for waste disposal.

Failure to enact the legislation that protects and preserves historicalbuildings.

The uselessness of some regulations and laws due to their ineffectiveapplication.

Absence of an environmental court monitoring the application of lawsand punishing violators of these laws.


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Failure to provide prosecuting authority to a larger segment ofemployees of governmental corporations and agencies in order toenact laws and decisions.

8-4-12 Reasons for improper coordination between corporations:

Failure to grant the Governorates Council the proper role in thecountry.

The widespread phenomenon of administration drooping ingovernmental corporations

Lack of clarity of the specific responsibilities given to the variousparties caring for historical sites and buildings.

The inadequate role played by committees coordinating between thevarious public corporations having similar responsibilities.

8-4-13 Reasons for inadequate monetary and economic spending onurban development projects:

Improper planning of the country’s urban development projects, the absence of clear five-year plans and strategies for constructiondevelopment projects of all kinds, and the lack of coordinationbetween these projects regarding their locations and natures.

8-5 The proposed solutions and procedures to the issues andproblems of the urban environment sector:

8-5-1 Proposed solutions to counter the lack of cohesion of thearchitectural fabric of the country:

Encouraging researchers and specialists in this field to conduct studiesand research and create models related to the architectural nature ofthe country, with emphasis on addressing factors contributing to thedecline of the general taste. The Public Authority for the Environmentshould be given the assignment of involving all concerned agencies,corporations, and individuals in such research. Adequate fundingshould be provided for such researches and studies.

Forming a permanent committee representing the various sectorsworking in this field to define the Islamic architectural identity, takinginto consideration the entire social and climatic aspects in urban plansand architectural designs. The committee should seek the expertise ofresearchers and specialists in that field. The committee should begiven the authority to approve of licenses that are in harmony with thearchitectural identity.


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Providing all academic majors related to the fields of architecture andheritage in an effort to utilize them in defining the architecturalidentity.

Training technicians in all the sectors of the country in a manner thatenables them to avoid the problems resulting from the weakarchitectural designs and plans.

Raising the awareness among consulting firms of the need to give dueconsideration of the architectural identity and nature of the countrywhen laying out architectural designs and construction plans.

8-5-2 Proposed solutions to control urban pollution:

Setting standards and conditions regarding building types and coloursby concerned agencies and obliging facility owners to follow theinstructions issued in that regard with proper clarification of thedamages resulting from excessive use of glass and glazing in buildingsin an effort to reduce the pressure on electric energy and since theexcessive use of glass is not suitable for the prevailing climate.

Enacting the role of the Technical Committee of Building Affairs toinclude the missions of the Facades Committee and the Special NatureCommittee branching from the Construction Administration of theKuwait Municipality.

The concerned governmental agencies should give properconsideration to the current status in the area when designing newfacilities.

Noise pollution:

Conducting a comprehensive study to determine the types ofseparation belts suitable for the nature of the domestic environmentand climate around residential and noise generating industrial areas. Agreat emphasis must be placed on the separation belts, which inaddition to reducing noise serve the purpose of stabilizing soils andprovide shade. These separation belts will make great use of treatedwater that is disposed of into the sea.

Give due consideration to the results of prepared and approved studiesregarding the types of separation belts and including these results inthe urban plan of the country when establishing new cities.

Using modern technologies that may reduce the rapid spread of noiseespecially around existing residential areas. These residential areashave grown closer to highways after the expansion of these areas,which has made noise a worrisome issue for the residents of theseareas.


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Defining working hours for construction work that generate irritatingnoise, especially in residential areas, and obliging all concernedagencies to follow related instructions and guidelines.

Banning practices that lead to noise generation commercial activitiesin purely residential areas, and designating the proper locations forthese activities.

Air pollution:

The need for tight monitoring by the Technical InspectionAdministration of the Ministry of Interior of vehicles violatingenvironmental requirements and assigning the proper punishment foreach violation.

Encouraging the use of catalysts converters in transportation vehiclesto reduce air pollution.

Tightening supervision on electric generation and water desalinationplants and oil refineries in addition to asphalt and cement productionplants and forcing these plants to install, operate, and maintain filtersthat reduce the emission of dust and dangerous gases.

Withholding licenses from industrial facilities established in thevicinity of new cities and suburbs.

Studying and encouraging the use of new sources of energy as analternative to vehicle fuel.

Soil pollution:

The need to perform periodical maintenance on the sewage disposalnetwork to insure the proper operation of the network in addition tothe need for monitoring the network.

Since the area of farms and beach houses was not connected to thesewage disposal network, the use of new methods to purify sewage inthese areas and use the treated water for agricultural purposes must beencouraged.

The need to enact and apply the criteria for supervising industrial andhand labour facilities to insure that waste of these facilities that cancorrode and damage the pipes of the sewage disposal network andaffect the efficiency of purification stations is not disposed of into thesewage disposal network since that may pollute the surrounding soilthrough the leakage resulting from damaged pipes.

Improving the methods of dealing with waste and reducing wastethrough recycling and selecting the landfill sites properly.Furthermore, the principles of sanitary landfill must be applied to


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avoid repeating the problem that occurred in Al-Qurain. Currently, 18landfill sites exist were waste is randomly dumped, and these sites willform dangerous polluting centres on any urban expansion in theirvicinity, especially since land available for residential expansion isvery limited in Kuwait.

8-5-3 Proposed solutions to augment urban planning:

The need to prepare a clear strategy for housing based on theprinciples of social and economical studies and development plans,and the need to designate uses of land to insure the separation of newcities and residential areas from highly pollutant industrialdevelopment areas.

Greater enforcement of the various agencies to conduct environmentalimpact studies when constructing the different facilities and buildings.

Considering the environmental aspects when preparing urban plansand utilizing experts in the environmental impact field when studyingthe environmental scope of the urban plans and the urban projects.

Seeking the knowledge and expertise of the New Cities Authority inlaying long-term strategic plans having chronological programsdefining the precise time for executing the urban plans of new citiesbased on the population growth and the expected needs of residentialunits, and avoiding the errors committed in existing residential areasand finding proper solutions to treat these errors.

Finding a suitable, highly efficient mechanism and the proper locationto help ships in discarding waste to protect the marine environmentand other sea facilities such as commercial harbours from pollution.

Insuring proper planning for residential areas and selecting the properlocations for elevated buildings and facilities and their complementaryservices, and providing sufficient parking spaces for cars taking intoconsideration the growth of demand for these parking spaces.

Assessing the plans of some of the industrial areas and areasdominated by hand labour activities which may generate recurrentfires and pollution such as Al-Shuwaikh industrial area throughfinding suitable alternative locations or through reorganizing theseareas and assigning uses in a manner that would reduce its pollution ofthe environment.

Place the necessary conditions for uses and safety rules and insuringthe execution of these conditions.

Establishing strict rules for supervision, monitoring, and censure.


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Re-evaluating the urban plans for new industrial and hand labour areasregarding their consideration of environmental aspects to avoid theerrors present in existing industrial areas.

The need to find proper treatment for buildings and residential suburbslocated on the windward side of facilities of harmful emissions, andthat could be done on two stages:

First: treating the existing status, this became a reality, since it isimpossible to move industrial facilities or residential areas to adifferent location. The treatment will be through controlling pollutantemissions coming out of industrial facilities, and controlling the sourceof these emissions through filters and proper maintenance, andestablishing separation belts around residential buildings. Furthermore,there will be a need to train residents of the surrounding areas toevacuate when necessary.

Second: laying out a land use plan to include the entire area of Kuwait,where industrial, residential, and oil locations will be marked. Theplan should take into consideration separating pollutant facilities fromresidential areas and thoroughly studying the direction of wind toprevent it from carrying any prospected emissions to the public.

8-5-4 Proposed solutions to the presence of harming and pollutingfacilities and services:

Stressing the important role played by the various concerned agenciesin properly planning the sites of these facilities and services, withemphasis on establishing locations for hand labour services inresidential areas on the condition that they are not included in theresidential units.

8-5-5 Proposed solutions to reduce the pressure on electricity andwater:

Encouraging the private sector to establish large projects for treatmentof sewage using modern techniques in a way that would make itpossible to use the resulting water for irrigation and forestation whilepreventing the pollution of the marine environment and marinefacilities at the same time. This will also lead to reducing the pressureon available water resources as was done in the sewage purificationplant in Al-Sulaibiya.

Producing an educational program to raise the awareness amongcitizens of the proper way of dealing with water, and using moderntechnology, which can reduce water consumption.


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The need to ban realty splitting systems in existing residential areasdue to the increased amount of pressure this system imposes on theinfrastructure.

Enacting the proposal regarding the grouping system and the principleof ascending pricing of water and electricity.

Searching for alternative resources of energy.

8-5-6 Proposed solutions to limit the pressure imposed on resources andraw materials in construction:

Using architectural designs that contribute to reducing the pressure onthe resources of construction materials, especially the domesticmaterials.

The need to conduct studies and research to find new constructionmaterials that reduce the high cost of importing aggregate, includingconducting studies on construction waste and rebels to transform theminto materials suitable for constructions use. The use of recycledmaterials in construction should also be encouraged.

8-5-7 Proposed solutions to the influence of natural phenomena:

Updating the designs of strom water networks to avoid the errors ofthe past, and updating the network and preventing misuse of thenetwork, which takes the form of using it to dispose liquid waste intothe sea.

The need to limit sand encroachment from open spaces and roadsidesonto the roads, and thus into storm water networks and sewagedisposal networks, and that can be done through paving or planting.

The lack of proper periodical maintenance for storm water networks,since establishing these networks, is a major cause for floods inaddition to the inability of these networks to accommodate anddischarge of storm water. This makes it necessary to engineer acampaign for maintaining and thoroughly cleaning this networkfrequently to prevent the settlement of sand and soil in the network.This campaign will insure the proper functioning of the network tomeet the goals it was designed for. Furthermore, the network must bemanaged and supervised properly and constantly to insure theprevention of abuse of the network.

Producing reasonable engineering solutions such as paving sidewalksand open spaces to prevent sand intrusion into the network.

Installing valves that prevent seawater from intrusion into thenetwork.


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8-5-8 Proposed solutions to maintain historical resources:

Instructing the media and the press to bring more attention tohistorical areas and the need to preserve these areas since theyrepresent a portion of the country’s history.

Obliging all concerned agencies to cooperate to produce acomprehensive plan and a general policy to protect and maintainpublic and private historical facilities through creating well studied,scientifically sound rehabilitation plans. Furthermore, the expertise ofqualified personal working in this field must be utilized. In addition,materials resistant to wear and weathering must be used.

The need to form a committee representing all concernedgovernmental agencies to study all areas and resources of historicalvalue, administer heritage affairs, and develop proper solutions toovercome obstacles withholding maintenance operations andregistering private properties. Work must be coordinated between thecommittee and all concerned agencies. The committee shall beresponsible for all matters of historical nature. Efforts must be made toturn this committee into an independent authority in the future.

Encouraging tourism through maintaining historical buildings andfacilities, with the need to create a small sample of the historicalKuwait City (a small village) to attract tourists and stimulate theeconomy, and also to serve as an exhibition for younger generations toremind them of their ancient history.

Instructing schools to increase their tours to tourist areas, and directingtourist corporations to organize festivals and galleries in tourist areasand historical sites.

Encouraging the establishment of private non-profit societies engaging inall the affairs of the urban heritage.

8-5-9 Proposed solutions for dissipating the population:

There must be a well-studied plan and a clear policy to spread thepopulation and face the problems resulting from population growth inresidential areas and especially in new cities in addition to properlyselecting the locations for residential areas to keep them away from allthe different sources of pollution.

Providing all necessary services and entertainment facilities in allsuburbs to reduce the need of residents of these suburbs to make longtrips.

Establishing suitable residential areas to house marginal labour.


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8-5-10 Proposed solutions for lack of environmental awareness:

Preparing programs to inform the public and raise their environmentalawareness, where these programs must cover all environmental aspectsrelated to construction and the urban environment. This program mustaddress all segments of the society, citizens and residents. This programmust emphasize the following:

Conscious consumption of water and electricity.

The importance of reducing glare and noise pollution.

Preserving public facilities and protecting them.

Preserving plantations and encouraging general greening of thecountry.

Rehabilitating and maintaining historical buildings and preservingthem.

Raising the awareness of the public of the importance of usingunleaded fuel.

Stressing the importance of obliging with the architectural identity,with clarifying the architectural styles suitable for the country’s climate and social environment.

Educating the public of the proper methods to deal with the differentkinds of waste.

Increasing traffic awareness among the public, and seeking theexpertise of trained personal in that field.

Informing the public of the proper methods for applying standards andcriteria regarding constructing residential units on economically andenvironmentally sound basis through short courses and throughproducing radio and television programs.

The need to introduce environmental education and architecturalheritage courses into the curriculum of the Ministry of Education.

Enacting the role of existing non-profit societies, especially theKuwaiti Society for Protection of the Environment, in raising theawareness of the public through launching contests, participating infestivals, and other ways of raising the environmental awarenessamong the public.

Promoting the establishment of non-profit organizations tending toarchitectural and urban heritage and the environmental architecture.


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8-5-11 Proposed solutions for the expansion of environmental projects:

Directing more attention to establishing more public parks asbeautification projects due to the vital role of these parks in enhancingand purifying air in the region. Major emphasis must be laid on theperiodical maintenance of these parks.

Demonstrate greater interest in paving and planting open sand squares,flat land, and roadsides to limit the problem of sand encroachment andits damaging effects on buildings and facilities.

8-5-12 Enacting legislations:

Enacting laws, regulations, and decisions regarding the resources ofthe urban environment sector through publishing brochures that guidecitizens and inform them of the laws dealing with construction ofresidential units including design and façade laws, public facilityprotections laws, plantation protection laws, and any other relatedlaws.

Enforcing the law addressing the preservation and protection ofhistorical buildings.

Legislating laws regarding the requirement to oblige with the adoptedarchitectural identity of the country.

The need to enact laws dealing with the disposal of waste from ships,which is one of the major pollutants of the coastal facilities and marineenvironment.

The need to enact laws dealing with polluting the urban environment,including visual pollution, noise pollution, air pollution, and soilpollution. Violators of these laws must be punished swiftly. There isalso a need to establish an environmental court in an effort to supportthis trend.

Merging some of the regulations into a new law to increase theirvitality such as regulations on leasing private residences.

8-5-13 Insufficient monetary and economic funding for urbandevelopment:

Allocating funds for preparing architectural studies to include longterm expansions, taking into consideration the architectural identityand the social and historical aspects of Kuwait. In addition, projectspreserving the architectural heritage and beautification and plantationprojects must receive the necessary funding.

8-5-14 Proposed solutions to enhance the coordination between variouscorporations:


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The need to revive the role of the Governorates Councils.

Clear distribution of responsibilities among the various agenciesresponsible for the historical sites and facilities.

Forming committees to coordinate between concerned corporations,and revitalizing the role of these committees.

Establishing a database that contains all information related to thissector, and to facilitate access to the database to all concernedcorporations.


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Plate 8-1 Kuwait City, before the oil era.


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Plate 8-2 The old gates and the protective wall of Kuwait.


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Plate 8-3 Entering Kuwait City through one of the gates, before theoil era.


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Plate 8-4 A close shot of one of the old gates, note the constructionmaterial.


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Plate 8-5 Street lanes in Kuwait City, before the oil era.


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Plate 8-6 Delivering water by "Al-Kandari", before the oil era.


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Plate 8-7 Entrance of an old house.


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Plate 8-8 A walking lane in an alley, note the design and the restingarea.


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Plate 8-9 The design of houses in old Kuwait, before the oil era, wasinfluenced by Islamic and Arabic architecture.


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Plate 8-10 Demolishing the Third Wall. It was used, before the oilera, to protect Kuwait. The wall was demolished in the fifties.


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8-6 Sources of information:

Abdul-Baqi, O. (1999). The Mobile Phone and its Effects on Healthand the Environment. The article was published by "TheEnvironment" Magazine, Volumes (165, 166), and February andMarch 1999 issue. Kuwait.

Al-Duaij, O. (2000). Present Architecture in Kuwait. An articlepublished by the Engineers Magazine, Volume No.8, April-June,2000. Mr. Al-Duaij is the manager of the Environmental AffairsDepartment at Kuwait Municipality, Kuwait.

Annual Statistics Report, (?). Energy and Electricity, Ministry ofElectricity and Water, Kuwait.

Annual Statistics Report, (1999). Ministry of Electricity and Water,Kuwait.

Environment Public Authority, (?). Special Conditions for LaborHousing in Kuwait. EPA, Kuwait.

Environment Public Authority, (1999). An official letter by the EPANumber (EPA/274) dated January 24th, 1999 regarding the installationof transmission and reception stations of mobile phones in Kuwait.The project was supported by the National Company for MobileTelecommunications in state of Kuwait.

Environmental Protection Council, (1989). Booklet of the "IdealGovernorate Week", Hawalli Governorate. Building Facades andEnvironment Beautification. The booklet is prepared by theEnvironmental Awareness Committee. Kuwait. Note: the bookletcontain the Administrative Decision Number (233/88) in relation toRehabilitating and Beautifying Buildings, Kuwait Municipality.

Hesham, H. (1999). Visual Pollution. An article that was published byAl-Qabas Daily Newspaper, Volume No. 9466, October 25th, 1999.Kuwait.

Kuwait Municipality, (1988) Preserving Historical Buildings inKuwait. Part One of the studies: The Old Kuwait City, by theArchitectural Design Department, Kuwait.

Kuwait Municipality, (1988). Preserving Historical Buildings inKuwait City. A Summarized Report by the Architectural DesignDepartment, KM, Kuwait.

Kuwait Municipality, (1996). Report on Visual Pollution in the UrbanEnvironment, Part One: Analyzing and Evaluating the Current Status.Report by the Environmental Affairs Department, KuwaitMunicipality, Kuwait.


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Kuwait Municipality, (1997). The Third Urban Plan for Kuwait. Threeparts; Urban Plan for Kuwait City, Original National Strategic Planand Urban Plan for the Urban Area. State of Kuwait.

Ministry of Health, (2000). Ministerial Decision No. 257 of 1993regarding organizing the import, handling and use of devices thatemits non-ionized radiation. Note: The decision was published by theofficial "Kuwait Today" Gazette, year 39, Volume No. 122, pages 14-15. In addition, the general recommendations and guidelines relatedto protection criteria from radiation emitting from mobiletelecommunication stations, issued by the Radiation PreventionDepartment, Ministry of Health, October 19th, 2000. Kuwait.

Ministry of Planning, (2000). Basic Features of the Population and theWork Force in Kuwait. Report by the Planning and Monitoring Sector,Human Development Department, Published in the 30th, of June 2000.Kuwait.

Ministry of Water and Electricity, (1999). A Report on theConstruction Specifications in the State of Kuwait, “PropertiesandApplication of Insulating Materials for Buildings in Kuwait”. MEW, Kuwait.

National Museum of Kuwait, (1992) Kuwait, Civilization andHeritage. Published by the Museums and Archeology Department,Kuwait.

Our Arabic Environment, (1999). An article entitled "The ArabicSeminar on Tourism and the Environment: Encouraging DeclaringCivil Heritage Areas as Protected Areas". The article was published inthe "Our Arabic Environment" Magazine. Volume No.4, Part Four,October-December Issue.

Suleiman, M. (?). Architecture and National Cultures. An articlepublished by the Identity Magazine, Volume No. 20. Al-Diwan Al-Amiri, Kuwait.

World Health Organization, (1990). Health Indicators Report, UsingLiquid Waste in Agriculture and Growing Marine Organisms. AReport by a group of Scientists, Technical Reports Series, Number778.

Other resources include the following:

Communication Towers.

Data Concerning Tertiary Water Treatment and its use "WaterPollution".


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Different reports obtained through the internet. The EnvironmentPublic Authority.

Kuwait Municipality Memorandum regarding the technical responseto the Council of Ministers’ notes on private residence constructionsystem rendered by the Kuwait Municipality.

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, (1996).


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Sector Nine

Agriculture and Land-use in Kuwait


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Members of the Agriculture and Landscape SectorAbdul Mohsen Al-Qallaf Deputy General Manager for

Landscaping and Greening, ThePublic Authority for Agricultureand Fisheries Resources. Chairmanof the Team.

Mona Nasser Faraj Manager of Department of LivingResources, The Environment PublicAuthority. Repertoire of the team.

Ya’arab Al-Yahya Department of Living Resources,The Environment Public Authority.

Khalaf Abdulhameed Al-Shatti Manager of Department of Studiesand Designs of Landscaping, ThePublic Authority for Agricultureand Fisheries.

Mohammad Haitham Menqara Technical advisor forEnvironmental Affairs, the PublicAuthority for Agriculture andFisheries.

Prepared by:Dr. Rafat Mesak Department of Earth and

Environmental Sciences- KuwaitInstitute for Scientific Research.

Supervision, review, editing and completion of the scientific material andorganizing it:

Dr. Sufyan Al-Tal Senior consultant, United NationsDevelopment Programme (UNDP).


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9-1 Introduction

Agriculture is considered one of the basic human needs regardless of thenature of the land and climate condition. In Kuwait, despite thedifficulties in climate conditions, scarcity of water, and poor soilnutrients, there are some areas used for agricultural purposes such as Al-Wafra, Al-Abdili, and Al-Sulaibiya covering an area of 24,000 hectares.The agricultural soil in Kuwait is sandy in texture of not less than 85% incontent. There is also an impermeable layer incorporated in the soilcomposition called ““gatch””. This layer is found at a depth of more than 100cm in Al-Wafra. The thickness of this layer is higher in Al-Abdiliwhereas, in Al-Sulaibiya this layer is found at depths of approximately100 cm. In general, Al-Sulaibiya is considered the best agricultural areafor its soil type, water salinity, and drainage system.

Kuwait has encouraged its citizen, by issuing the Law No. 94 for 1983,to practice agricultural activities. Agriculture has been known in Kuwaitlong time ago. People used to plant wheat, barley, and alfalfa as well assome vegetables, though basic and primitive methods were used thatsuited their life conditions. Before 1953, farming were practiced in somesmall farms located at the coastal areas in Shuaiba, Fahaheel, Abu-Hulaifa, and Failaka Island. These farms used ground water foragriculture purposes. The salinity level of these waters increase as morewater is pumped out, which makes these waters not suitable for irrigation.

In 1953, the government started to give special attention for agricultureby creating an agriculture department within the Ministry of PublicWorks. The activities of this department were limited to landscapingroads and streets, public parks, and nursing plants. In the same year, thegovernment built a station for agricultural experimentation in Al-Rabiaarea. The aim of establishing this station was to initiate an agriculturescientific centre for conducting experiments and researches on crops andanimal resources. This has encouraged many Kuwaitis to practice moreagriculture activities including fishing, which was one of the mostimportant activities for Kuwaitis for years. More attention was given tothe establishment of public parks, forestation areas, and green belts inmany areas. Later, as more attention was given to the agriculture sector inthe country, more investors and farmers started to be involved in thevarious agricultural activities using advanced and organized methods.This has led to the establishment of the Public Authority for Agricultureand Fisheries (PAAFR) that became the responsible authority for thedevelopment and improvement of the agricultural sector, includinggreening and productive farming, as well as the animal resources. TheAuthority is also responsible for the development of natural rangelands,


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combating desertification, and establishing reserves and desert parks. Allthese activities will maintain food security in the country and preventresource deterioration. The authority also encourages and supervises landallocation, crop farming, poultry and cattle breeding, provides agricultureguidance and adequate assistance and subsidizes the local market as wellas other activities in the agriculture sector.

The National assembly (or parliament) has given the Board of Directorsof PAAFR indispensable authority to establish and implementprogrammes and development plans for fauna and flora resources andforward related laws and legislations including land allocation anddistribution and subsidies.

Responding to the direct and indirect support for the sector during thepast decades, the number and range of organized and advancedagriculture activities have also increased. Accordingly, investments offarmers, breeders, fishermen, and other specialized companies in thisbusiness also increased. Besides, many non-governmental organizationswere also established such as unions and cooperative societies in the fieldof agriculture and animal production. This led to the increase in theproduction of food products and more self-sufficiency and achievingremarkable accomplishments in landscaping and greening domain. Thisreflects the importance of this sector making it one of the importantsectors within the organizational structure of the state.

The agriculture and landscape sector includes a structure responsible forthe management and organization of the sector including embodied byPAFFR, other governmental organizations, and many NGOs (such asunions, cooperative, and agricultural societies). The sector is facilitatedby an infrastructure, including Lands in Al-Wafra, Abdili, and Sulaibiya,agricultural quarantines, landscapes, reserves, fenced sites, rangelands. Italso includes companies working in the field of fauna resources, poultry,and fisheries. The sector also includes research centers, which conductapplied researches and studies to support the development andimprovement of the sector.

In 1997, the total area suitable for agriculture reached 1,548,490thousands m2 whereas the area of unsuitable land was 16,279,510thousands m2. The distribution of lands suitable for agriculture was asfollows:

Lands that were suitable, but not cultivated: 121,829 thousands m2.

Tree planted and rangelands: 1,362,210 thousands m2.

Lands planted with crops and vegetables: 54,451 thousands m2 ofwhich 10%-15% is greenhouse cultivation.


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Some natural and human barriers are obstructing the development of theagriculture and landscape sector. Some of the natural barriers include theharsh climate conditions, scarcity of water resources, weak soil capacitiesand limited vegetation cover. The human factor includes theinexperienced workforce in this domain, insufficient technical manpower,poor range and farm management and drawbacks in laws and legislations.Therefore, long and short term planning is essentially needed toovercome these obstacles.

9-2 Comprehensive evaluation of the agricultural and landscapesector resources

9-2-1 Structures of institutions working in the agriculture sector

The Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources(PAAFR)

The Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries (PAAFR) is the mainofficial authority in the sector of agriculture and landscape. PAAFR wasestablished on 23/8/1988 by Law No. 94/1983 and Decree No. 9/88. It isadministered by the State Minister of Cabinet Affairs. Accordingly,PAAFR is entitled of supervising all agriculture properties and affairs inthe country.

PAAFR consists of the following sectors and departments:

Animal resources departments (animal health and production,fisheries resources and animal resource researches)

Services and agricultural areas (Agriculture Departments of both Al-Wafra and Al-Abdili)

Agriculture development departments (agricultural economics andstatistics, agriculture guidance and information, agricultural lands,external relations, and botanic researches).

Landscaping and greening includes departments of Implementationand Maintenance of Landscaping Projects, Zoos, Rangelands andForestation Areas, Studies and Designs of Projects and Follow up andDocumentation of Landscaping Projects).

Administrative and financial affairs (administrative affairs departments,financial affairs, subsidies and marketing, information system)

PAFFR is headed by the Director General deputed by five deputymanagers, each of whom manages one of the above-mentioned sectors.PAFFR is the official authority responsible for the development andimprovement of the agriculture sector, both cultivation and animal, inorder to achieve food security and prevent the deterioration of theexisting resources. The authority has the following tasks and duties:


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Supervising land and water utilization for agriculture and fisheriespurposes.

Increasing the cultivated lands in Kuwait through land reclamationand distribution.

Conducting studies and providing guidance in the fields of animal,plant and fisheries resources.

Providing services in the field of plant protecting and establishment ofagricultural quarantines.

Strengthening the relation between the authority, the scientificresearch centres and Kuwait University in scientific research domains.

Supervising the implementation of productive cultivation andlandscaping across the country with the collaboration of KuwaitMunicipality.

Supervising the development and improvement of rangelands

Establishment and administration of parks and working on combatingdesertification by coordinating with other concerned authoritiesaccording to Master Plans prepared by the Municipality.

Kuwait Institution for Scientific Research (KISR)

KISR represents the main scientific figure for conducting many scientificactivities, as indicated by the Law Decree No. 28/1981, including:

Conducting scientific researches and studies related with theadvancement of national industries as well as studies that facilitatesenvironmental conservation.

Encouraging Kuwaitis to conduct scientific research and develop theirresearch capabilities in the new generations.

Studying and exploring the natural, energy, water resources as well astheir proper utilization. Furthermore, it studies methods to improve themeans of agriculture and marine resource exploitation.

Providing research services and scientific and technical consultationsfor governmental and private institutions.

Pursuing and modifying new scientific and technologicaladvancements them to suit the local environment.

Establishing, strengthening relations and conducting joint researcheswith higher education institutions, scientific and technical centres inKuwait and all over the world.


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Participating in studies related to methods of diversing the nationaleconomy through industrial investments based on results of scientificand technological researches.

Contributing in attaining the goals of development in the Gulf and theArab region.

The institute implements its research programmes through five-yearplans to develop strategic researches programmes. These programmesinclude environment, food resources, water resources, petroleumresources, and technoeconomics. There are 150 specialists andresearchers, 181 staff, and 68 technicians working in the institute.

Kuwaiti Farmers Union

It is a non-profit organization established by Law No. 38/1964 anddeclared in 1974. It is forms a link between farmers and the PAAFR, theministries and authorities related to agriculture activities including theMinistry of Electricity and Water, Ministry of Public Works, and KuwaitMunicipality. The tasks of the Union include:

Protecting and supporting agriculture resources.

Protecting the interests of the members, advocate their rights and workto improve their conditions.

Working to establish commercial cooperatives.

Establishing genuine cooperation between farm owners, technicians,and specialists in concerned government authorities.

The outcome of the mutual efforts between the Union and PAAFR is theincrease in crop production and the development of agriculture sector inthe previous years.

9-2-2 Authorities and institutions responsible for environmental issuesand sustainable development

The Environment Public Authority (EPA)

The main role of this authority is to protect and manage the environmentto achieve sustainable development in Kuwait. This is done throughcollaboration with other governmental authorities and private sectorinstitutions. The authority should be competent to carry all activitiesstated in the Law No. 21/1995 and its amendment No. 16/1996, whichinclude “prepare and apply public policy for protection of the environment and prepare strategies and Action Plans to achievesustainable development including appropriate scientific, health criteriafor human beings and industrial and urban development and exploitationof natural resources to ensure the safety of all installations and working


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environment, the health of the workers and protection of the environmentand conservation of the environmental balance in general.”

The Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries (PAAFR)

The policies adopted by PAAFR in agriculture development fields, in theanimal resources development fields, and landscaping considerenvironmental aspects, directly and indirectly. The sectors concernedwith environmental aspects within PAAFR include:

The agricultural development sector.

Landscaping and greening sector.

Animal resources sector.

Services and agriculture areas sector.


The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in KISR isspecialized in studying and assessing the environmental aspects in themarine, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments. In addition, theDepartment of Food Resources studies some of the importantenvironmental issues such as greening, landscaping, rehabilitatingdeteriorating environments, and remediation of oil-polluted soils.

Kuwait Municipality

Some of its tasks include protecting and cleaning beaches takingnecessary measures to maintain stability of the desert environmentthrough the application of Law Decree concerned with activities harmfulto public cleanliness and plantation in addition to decisions regarding theprohibition of disposing wastes and litters in non-designated places. It isalso entitled to take actions against violations on state property in coastaland terrestrial areas. On the other hand, the Municipality adds to otherefforts towards achieving sustainable development as emphasized byAgenda 21 aiming at the conservation of the terrestrial environmentthrough the establishment of Kuwait National Park and forestation areas.

9-2-3 Existing human, technical, institutional, and legislative capacitiesto control, and conserve environmental issues

The Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries (PAFFR)

The authority contains a specialized staff in various agricultural fields.There are 14 PhD holders, 15 Master degree holders, 356 Bachelordegree holders, and 326 diploma and high school degree holders.

Regarding landscaping sector, which is responsible for environmentalaspects, there are 3 Master degree holders, 56 Bachelor degree holders,and 51 diplomas and high school degree holders. Whereas the agricultural


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development sector, which is responsible for sustainable developmentand conducts many activities to protect and maintain the environment,there are 4 PhD holders, 5 Master degree holders, 87 Bachelor degreeholders, and 73 diplomas high school degree holders. In the animalresources sector, there are 9 PhD holders, 2 Master degree holders, 52Bachelor degree holders, and 82 diploma and high school degree holders.Finally, there are 38 Bachelor degree holders and 19 diploma and highschool degree holders in the agricultural regions and services sector.

PAFFR implements the programmes related to environmental protectionand conservation through a number of specialized departments including:

Agricultural Quarantine Department: Examines the incomingagricultural packages coming by air, sea and land to ensure theirclearance from diseases and compliance with specifications. The totalnumber of packages examined reached 3,541,392 tons in 1997/1998,including vegetables, fruits, transplants, seeds, chemical fertilizers,organic fertilizers, flowers and artificial soil as the import of naturalsoil is prohibited.

Control of agriculture blights: The concerned departments controlsblight in house and schools gardens, government properties, andfarms. The total number of control and spraying operations in1997/1998 reached about 24,966.

Feedstock Laboratory: It analyzes feedstock samples to determine itsnutritional values by assessing the moisture, protein, fibers, fat,Aflatoxin, ash, and other contents. The total number of samplesexamined in 1997/1998 reached 1,421.

Soil and Water Researches Laboratory: Analyses samples fromsoil, water, fertilizers and nourishing solutions. The number ofsamples analyzed was about 4,100 in the year 97/1998.

The Department of Landscape Project Implementation andMaintenance (landscaping and greening sector): Responsible for themanagement and implementation of all landscaping projects.Achievements of this department will be illustrated later.

Animal Health Department: Contributes to the protection of manand environment through its vital role in eliminating epidemics.

Animal Production Department: protect the environment frompollution by the appropriate and continuous disposal of animal wasteand dead animals. It also succeeded in gathering animal productionfarms in specific allocated areas away from cities and residential areas.


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9-2-4 National environmental conservation legislations and procedurespursued by the agriculture sector

Legislations related to grazing and the protection of plants andprocedures for agriculture quarantine.

Issuing Law Decree No. 41/1988 regarding organizing livestockgrazing and identifying specific areas for grazing.

Issuing Law Decree 9/1987 regarding the prohibition of some harmfulactivities towards the general cleanliness, plants, trees, flowers, andfruits in streets, squares, and public parks. It also prohibits removingtrees and desert plants where ever found in the public lands.

Issuing Law Decree 112/1976 regarding agriculture isolation. The lawaddresses regulations related to flora import.

Issuing Law 10/1964 regarding the preventive measures againstcontagious animal diseases and the procedures that should be followedin case of such incidents.

The Decision issued by the Public Authority for Agriculture andFisheries Resources (10/1985) regarding the procedures of veterinaryquarantine.

Ensuring safety of imported transplants, shoots and seeds

The Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources worksto:

Preventing the entrance of transplants and shoots from other countrieswithout certificate of origin and health certificate verifying theirclearance from diseases.

Prohibition of transportation of transplants and shoots with their soilsto prevent transferring any pest wastes, weeds, or other undesirablematter.

Prohibition the entry of seeds of any botanic type from abroad until ananalysis to samples of these seeds is conducted. These includebiological, growth and purity analysis in addition to the routine tests toexamine their clearance from undesirable matter.

Monitoring pests and diseases

Intensifying campaigns on farms in agriculture areas to determine andcontrol dangerous cases that might create problems at the nationallevel such as Red Palm Weevil, which started to spread in Al-Wafraagricultural area. The authority conducted intensive campaigns toeliminate this pest. Another campaign is underway among the Gulfcountries to determine and discover such cases. Kuwait contributes to


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many of the activities of these projects, which administrated by theArab Organization for Agriculture Development.

Management and control of pesticides use

PAAFR encourages reducing the use of chemical pesticides as muchas possible. It also encourages the use of biological pest controlmethods through the joint project between PAFFR and KISR in whichbacteria is used to eliminate pests attacking some vegetable produce.The first phase of the project was completed and the second started inJune 1999, which lasts three years to find a solution to eliminate RedPalm Weevil using biological methods.

In addition, there is cooperation between the Arab Organization forAgriculture Development and PAAFR in a project to biologicallycontrol of the Red Palm Weevil and larvae using fungi extracts.

9-2-5 Achievements in the field of environment preservation andprotection

Expanding in landscaping and greening projects

With collaboration and coordination between the PAAFR (landscapingand greening sector) and KISR (Department of Food Resources), thenational plan (1995-2015) for greening and improvement of theenvironment of the Kuwait was prepared. It had the following objectives:

Creating a distinguished aesthetic identity for Kuwait.

Improvement of welfare standards through environmentalimprovement.

Energy conservation and weather conditioning.

Encouraging environmental conservation for present and futuregenerations.

Increasing economic revenues by encouraging local agriculture andincreasing agricultural industries.

Inducing the status of Kuwait by attracting investments.

By the end of agriculture season of 1998/1999, the accomplishments ofthe landscaping and greening sector were as follow:

Gardens: 120 public gardens with total area of 1,874,367 m2

Streets and roads: 486 streets with length of 1,415,567 m.

Roundabouts and intersections: 358 roundabout with total area of608,055 m2

Squares with planted trees: 327 square with total area of 400,632 m2


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The total number of planted trees reached 435,135 whereas the number ofshrubs reached 326,314. The total green covers reached 817,521 and thelength of fences and climbers reached 351,915 meters. The total numberof Date Palms was 4,550 and regular palm trees reached 5,153. The areaof flowering reached 142,178 m2. The volume of water used for irrigationreached 26,560,950 Imperial gallons/day.

Implementing forestation projects

The Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources executedmany forestation projects in different areas in Kuwait with a total area of42,940 thousands m2. The total number of trees reached 648,520. Some ofthe most important forestation projects are:

Jahra Road Forestation Project (area of 750 thousands m2 withapproximately 1,000 trees)

Sulaibiya Forestation Project (area of 5,500 thousands m2 with 45,000trees).

Al-Shdadiya Forestation Project (total trees around 7,000).

Spring Camps Forestation Project (area of 10,000 thousands m2 with5,000 trees).

Northwest Jahra Forestation Project (area of 1,600 thousands m2 with5,000 trees).

Subahiya Forestation Project (area of 3,200 thousands m2 and around70,000 trees).

Ardyia Forestation Project (area of 1,700 thousands m2 and 48,500trees)

Rigga forestation project (area of 900 thousand m2 and 15,000 trees).

Behind the Airport Forestation Project (area of 5,000 thousands m2

and 7,000 trees).

Um Al-Haiman Forestation Project (area of 1,500 thousands m2 and30,000 trees).

Al-Safar Motorway Forestation Project (500 thousands m2 with 12,000trees).

Meshref area forestation project (area of 190 thousands square metersand 2,000 trees).

New Shedadiya Forestation Project (area of 2,000 thousands m2 and38,500 trees)


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Establishing natural reserves (protected areas)

Within the efforts exerted to protect and maintain the environment andimprove and develop natural resources, the Public Authority forAgriculture and Fisheries Resources, with collaboration with otherresponsible entities, has established a number of natural Reserves sitessuch as:

National Park of Kuwait (330 km2)

Ecological studies fenced Reserve including Um Al-Qurain Reserve(one million m2), Al-Shigayia Reserve (one million m2), Al-RawdatainReserve, Al-Sulaibiya Reserve (20 km2 administrated by KISR), Al-Mutla’a Reserve (less than 1 km2), and Al-Manageesh and Al-Magwa’a Reserves (less than 1 km2).

Coastal protected areas including Doha Reserve (4.5 km2) and BirdPond Reserve in Al-Jahra (2.5 km2).

Expansion in the biocontrol programmes to eliminate some pests andreduce the environmental impacts associated with the use of chemicalpesticides. Biopesticides were also developed to control agriculturalblights.

Rehabilitation of Al-Ju’aidan Park, which has total area of 508,900 m2. The park was polluted with oil gushed from destroyed oil wellsduring the Iraq Invasion.

Studying the problem of rising water table in some areas andproviding proper solutions.

Determining the most important causes for blights and diseases ingreenhouses and farms and supervising their control.

Developing the DNA fingerprinting to examine Brucella bacteriarelated to the Malta disease.

Alerting farmers to the proper methods for safe use of chemicalpesticides. Also, encouraging farmers to implement the comprehensiveand integrated methods in controlling pests and agricultural blights,and using high voltage light terminators to eliminate pests instead ofusing pesticides.

Continuous and effective monitoring of desert grasshopper fleets andlimiting their troubles.

Expanding researches related to propagation of date palms and desertplants through tissue cultivation.

Improving researches related to the existing saline tolerant plants andintroducing new plants tolerant to irrigation by brackish water.


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Planting mangroves to protect and develop Kuwaiti coasts.

Rehabilitation of areas affected by war operations in Jal Al-Zur area.

Prepare Master Plan for Kuwait Botanic Park.

Develop a product that consists of sulfur and an oxidizing bacteriumto improve desert soil quality.

Conduct a soil survey and classification for Kuwait.

Prepare a new botanical map for the State of Kuwait.

Assess mechanisms for land deterioration and methods of controlusing Remote Sensing technology and field surveys.

Prepare a comprehensive environmental database system that includesthe existing information and data about marine, land, and airenvironments in The State of Kuwait.

9-2-6 The importance of the agriculture sector for the nationaleconomy and its role in providing partial food security

The Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources tries toimprove and develop the agriculture sector through increasing itsproductivity by all means. Therefore, PAAFR has determined a clearstrategy for food security and agriculture development based on thefollowing:

Increasing land productivity (number of fertile lands).

Increasing the area of agricultural lands.

Ideal utilizations of human resources.

The Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources has askedKuwait Institute for Scientific Research to prepare this strategy in 1990and was completed in 1995. Emphasis was placed on sustainableagricultural development within the context of preservation naturalresources and the environment. The main objective for this plan was toproperly utilize sustainable agriculture development systems in order toachieve the following targets:

Expanding greenhouse agriculture processes and intense animalproduction.

Improving economic revenue for products by applying newtechnologies.

Improving management capacities for the agriculture sector andenhance its infrastructure.

Encouraging the participation of the private sector in more nationalprojects.


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Improving water management and conservation methods.

In the agricultural development sector, many measures are taken toachieve food security such as:

Selecting and importing good quality crops and vegetables thattolerates the conditions of Kuwait and have high productivity. Also,using modern methods for irrigation, fertilization, and control requiredto achieve highest possible productivity.

Increasing in the number of agricultural land possessions between1992/1993 and 1996/1997 seasons that led to the partial achievementof food security. The increase in possessions are as follows:

Al-Wafra Agricultural area from 557 in 1993 to 878 in 1997.

Al-Abdili Agricultural area from 101 in 1993 to 279 in 1997.

Other agricultural areas from 843 in 1993 to 1845 in 1997.

Therefore, the total agriculture land increased from 1,501 in 1993 to3,002 m2in 1997 resulting in an increase of cultivated lands from19,801 thousands m2 in 1993 to 54,451 thousands m2 in 1997.

According to statistics of 1997, agricultural production from theselands reached:

Vegetables produce: 89,397 tons (approximately 44% of self-sufficiency).

Leaf vegetables: 30,242 tons (approximately 100% of self-sufficiency).

Onions: 44, 783 tons.

Peas: 1,108 tons.

Seeds: 3,616 tons.

Fruits: 7,507 tons.

Dates: 6,662 tons (approximately 80% of self-sufficiency).

Regarding livestock and poultry production, they were produced byprivate possessions in Al-Wafra, Abdili, Sulaibiya, Funaitees, Shigaya,and other areas. According to the statistics of 1997, production was asfollows:

Milk: 33,872 tons (approximately 20% of self-sufficiency).

Beef: 444 tons (approximately 4% of self-sufficiency).

Mutton: 2,901 tons (approximately 6% of self-sufficiency).

Poultry: 31,727 tons (approximately 38% of self-sufficiency).


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Table eggs: 12,618 tons (approximately 56% of self-sufficiency).

9-2-7 Coordinating measures and cooperation between the land andagriculture establishments and the various governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations working in the field of environmentalmanagement and natural resources conservation

There is an existing cooperation between the Public Authority forAgriculture and Fisheries Resources and a number of institutions in thefield of environmental management and conservation of resources. Someof these institutions are: Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, TheEnvironment Public Authority, Kuwait University, The Public Authorityfor Applied Education and Training, Kuwait Foundation for theAdvancement of Sciences, Kuwait Municipality, and other responsibleministries such as The Ministry of Electricity and Water and TheMinistry of Public Works as well as a number of private societies andUnions such as Kuwaiti Farmers Union, Agriculture Engineers Society,and Kuwaiti Environmental Protection Society.

The cooperation between the Public Authority for Agriculture andFisheries Resources and Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research.

Due to the various and diverse cooperation between these twoinstitutions, the coordination and cooperation fields between them will beillustrated that include:

Strategic plans

The Major Plan to develop agriculture sector for animal and plantproduction in the State of Kuwait from 1995-2015.

The National Plan for Greening and Landscaping of Kuwait from1995-2015.

Joint Research projects:

Performing soil surveys and classification and associated activities inKuwait.

Developing biological pesticides to control agricultural blights.

Planting mangroves to protect and develop the coasts of Kuwait.

Udder infections (diagnosis and treatment).

Field and laboratory detection of dead calves in Kuwait.

The use of tertiary treated sewage water in irrigating vegetables.

Conferences and seminars

The First International Conference on Greening and Lanscaping inArid Zones (Kuwait 20-24 November 1999).


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Plate 9-1 Sheep grazing at a desert area.


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The International Seminar on the Biology and Ecology of mangroves(Kuwait 25-27 April 1998).

9-2-8 The importance of the agriculture sector in supplying animalfeedstock and rangelands

The Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources suppliesfeedstock and conducts research studies related to the utilization of thetertiary treated sewage water in producing some feedstock crops. In 1997,the quantity of green feedstock produced reached about 210,094 tons, ofwhich 206,670 (or 98%) is alfalfa only. The remaining 2% (3424 tons) isother feedstock. The percentage of self-sufficiency from green feedstockreached 85%.

9-2-9 Assessing agricultural lands

Agricultural areas in Abdili, Al-Wafra, and Sulaibiya cover 24,000hectares, of which 5,000 hectares are cultivated lands. These landsproduce radish, cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions in the winter season andwatermelon in the summer in addition to continuous products such asalfalfa.

In Al-Wafra area, there are 370 farms (both greenhouse and field) withtotal area of 119 km2. The soil in Al-Wafra is deep and sandy with“gatch” layers at depth of more than 100 cm and consists of homogenous loose sands with respect to mineral composition and mass ranking.

In Abdili area, there are 156 farms with total area of 315 km2. Its soil isdeep and sandy with “gatch” layers more than Al-Wafra area. This soil ischaracterized by having Calcium Carbonate, Gypsum, mud, and siltmaking it more nutrient than Al-Wafra soil.

In Sulaibiya area, there are 33 cattle farms and two other farms belongingto the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources and theprivate sector. Sulaibiya soil is sandy with “gatch” layer at depths of less than 100 cm in some locations. This area is considered one of the bestagriculture areas in Kuwait due to soil nature, sewage discharge practicesand salinity levels.

Soil and number of farms

Al-Wafra Agricultural Area: deep sandy soil with ““gatch”” layers at depths of more than 100 cm. It consists of loose sand that ishomogenous in mineral composition and grain size. There are 370farms (both greenhouse and open fields) with total area of 119 km2.

Abdili Agriculture Area: deep sandy soil with more “gatch” layers than Al-Wafra area. This soil is characterized by having Calcium


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Carbonate, Gypsum, mud, and silt making it more nutrient than Al-Wafra soil. There are 156 farms with total area of 315 km2.

Sulaibiya agriculture area: the soil in Sulaibiya is sandy with“gatch” layers at depths of less than 100 cm in some locations. This area is considered one of the best agriculture areas in Kuwait due tosoil nature, sewage processes, and salinity level. In Sulaibiya area,there are 33 cattle farms and one model farm belonging to the PublicAuthority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources and another farmowned by the private sector.

Classifying and distributing animal resources

The annual statistics for 1997/1998 published by the Public Authority forAgriculture and Fisheries Resources shows that there are 470 cattlepossessions (with 210 cows heads), 2,358 sheep possessions (with410916 sheep heads), and 2,036 goat possessions (with 12,319 goatheads).

Arabian horses

In 1865, during the rule of Sheikh Sabah bin Jaber Al-Sabah, the Britishtraveler Lewis Bally reached Kuwait and stayed at Jahra castle located atto the north of Kuwait City. He met many horse traders, gatheredinformation and documented their races and breed. At that time, Horse-trading between Kuwait and Bombay was flourishing and the Britisharmy depended on it greatly. Kuwait used to export 600 Arabian horsesevery year, with a price of 300 Rupees each. They used to be shippedfrom Kuwait port.

In 1816, about 1,500 horses were exported and the cost of transportingeach head to Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta was 200 Rupees. There werespecial ships for horse transportation with capacity of 80-100 horses foreach ship. The total revenues from horse-trading in Kuwait ranged from750 to 900 thousands Rupees. The Arabian horse was sold in Bengal for1,000-1,500 Rupees.

In 1919, after the end of World War I, Sheikh Salem Al-Mubarak wasdeputed by Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber to visit the King of Britain andpresented a “Kuwaiti Horse” as a gift. Kuwait is considered one of the first states in the Gulf region to establish equestrian clubs. Kuwait OilCompany built an equestrian club more than 30 years ago. There arecurrently many equestrian clubs in Al-Ahmadi, Farwaniya, and Jahramany of them are owned by Sheikhs from Al-Sabah family.


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Fig. 9-1 Land use patterns in the State of Kuwait.


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In 1990, the Arabian Horse Centre was established in order to breedArabian horses and preserve their thoroughbred and authenticity.Seventeen authentic Arabian horses and one hybrid horse were purchasedfrom a German Club. In less than two years, the total number of bred andcollected horses reached 37. The Public Authority for Agriculture andFisheries Resources estimates the present total number of horses is 1,100most of them are in private indoor stables.

Camels

The total number of camels in Kuwait, based on statistics of the WorldFood and Agriculture Organization in 1976, was estimated to be 5,000;whereas the same statistics estimated the number of camels inneighboring Saudi Arabia and Iraq by 614 thousands and 232 thousandsrespectively. The Public Authority for Agriculture and FisheriesResources currently estimate the number of camels by 10,000, thisnumber varies according to conditions on the borders betweenneighboring states. Due to the closure of the border with Iraq and evenSaudi Arabia (because of the appearance of some animal diseases), thenumber of raised camels in Kuwait increased. This has led to the overconsumption of ranges, which are scarce in nature. This will lead tochange of soil condition. Camels are usually raised in an almost closedenvironment, which affects their condition and makes them moresusceptible to diseases.

Environmental consideration

Current and future indicators and directions suggest the following:

Agricultural areas are towards of being polluted by pesticides.

Salinization of soil resulting from excessive irrigation practiceswithout washing the soil to remove the accumulating salts.

Many indicators verified that increase of areas affected bydesertification. This includes the increase of wind drifting processes,sand encroachment and accumulation in the northern parts of Al-Wafra and Sulaibiya agricultural farms. A deterioration of vegetationcover, the decline in its density, solidification and compression of soilin the surrounding areas.

Irrigation resources

Agricultural areas depend on three main irrigation sources. These include:

Ground water (total production is about 274,000 m3/day) andrepresents the main source for about 60% of agriculture activities inKuwait. The salinity level ranges from 3,000-7,000 ppm.


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Fresh water (desalinated water): the total production is about 791,000m3/day. Some of these waters are used for irrigating greenhouse plants(from 6.5-8 million gal/day in Al-Wafra agricultural area only).

Tertiary treated sewage water (total production is about 491,000m3/day). Some of this water is used for landscaping and feedstockcultivation. The salinity level of water reaches 2,500 ppm.

9-3 Environmental issues for the landscape and agriculture sector

The environmental issues related to the landscape and agriculture sectorcan be categorized into six major categories. They are ranked accordingto their relative importance (i.e. 1 is very important, 2 is important, 3 isless important, etc):

9-3-1 Water resources deterioration (1)

The decline in ground water table.

The decline of ground water table is caused by over pumping andexploitation of ground water aquifers in agricultural areas. The averageground water pumped for irrigation in Al-Wafra and Abdili agriculturalareas is estimated to be 40-45 million gal/day. If this continues, watertable in Al-Wafra is expected to decline sharply with a sharp increase insalinity of water and the soil. This could lead to a critical point whenagriculture production and efficiency is affected. Salt accumulation in soiland an increase in salinity of ground water in Abdili area are alsoexpected, although this could be less than that of Al-Wafra.

The increasing salinity of ground water.

Prior to the Iraqi invasion in August 1990, more than 50% of the wells inthe Al-Wafra area were pumping water with salinities exceeding 7,500ppm. It is expected that about 85-90% of the total number of these wellswill pump this type of water within 2002. In Abdili area, 25% of themanually drilled wells and 55% of the deep wells pump their waters withsalinity higher than 7,500 ppm. It is also expected that the number ofmanually drilled wells pumping this type of water will increase to 70% bythe year 2000. Regarding deep wells, their percentage is expected toincrease to 90% in the same year.

Contamination of ground water by fertilizers and pesticides.

It has been proven than about 65-70% of irrigation water returns again tounderground aquifers. As irrigation water in most agricultural areas ispolluted with pesticides, these pollutants will contaminate the groundwater aquifers and thus deteriorating their natural and chemicalcharacteristics.


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The increase in water table levels in residential areas.

Some residential areas suffer from the increase in water table levelscaused by excessive irrigation of gardens and irrational use. The affectedareas reached 98 km2. This resulted in soil salinization and deteriorationof landscapes. Building foundations were also affected.

9-3-2 Low soil capacity (1)

Kuwait agricultural soil is loose and permeable in texture, therefore, it isunable to retain water. It also suffers from deficiency in organic matterand nutrients, which allows its drift by wind or water. The presence of theimpermeable “gatch” layer within close proximities of soil surface impedes the growth of plant roots and prevents water from reach the deepsoil. This causes an overlogging of soil, increase in salinity and difficultyin drainage. The use of brackish water with salinity of 5,000-7,000 ppmfor irrigation will cause an increase topsoil salinization, which is alsoenhanced by the high evaporation rates. The excessive use of pesticidesand fertilizers will also cause soil contamination and in some cases,agricultural soil is subjected to oil contamination from oil spillsoriginated from oil operations (as in some cases at Al-Wafra farm during1998).

9-3-3 Sand drifting and accumulation problems (2)

Large number of farms in the northern parts of Sulaibiya and Al-Wafraareas as well as some farms in Abdili area face many problems due tosand encroachment and accumulation. Al-Wafra agricultural area is themost affected by sand followed by Sulaibiya and Abdili. This variation isdue to different natural conditions and land utilization practices. Sandencroachment destroys newly cultivated lands and obstructs irrigationprocesses when sand accumulates in channels and around the wells. Theyalso affect mechanical equipment, especially the sensitive ones. Cameland sheep farms at Al-Wafra and Kabd Areas also suffer from acuteproblems caused by sand accumulation covering roads and attackingfarms.

9-3-4 Harsh climate conditions (1)

Harsh environmental conditions such as high temperature, spread of dustand sand storms, high evaporation rates during the summer, scarcity andirregular rainfall and years of drought all affects agriculture productionand outdoor cultivation. In Kuwait, the climate is a desert type withlimited rainfall (seasonal average is 110mm) and varying quantitiesbetween 28.1 mm in 1963-1964 and 260.2 mm in 1975-1976. Thevariation in rainfall adversely affects the soil. The high amounts of rainfalling within few hours followed by long periods of drought increase


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erosion and water drifting of soil, as occurred in February 1993, March1996 and November 1997.

There is also an obvious fluctuation in temperature, which can reachbelow zero Celsius in winter time and can exceed 50 degrees Celsius insummer time. This will negatively affect outdoor cultivation and thegrowth of vegetable produce and crops. Low temperature in winter (frost)also causes the loss of many vegetable produce that are intolerant to lowtemperatures.

High temperature during the summer causes dryness and looseness ofsoil. It also encourages soil erosion and decreases moisture content. Thiswill cause dehydration and withering of plants. High temperatureassociated with high-speed northwesterly winds causes an increase insand and dust storms and form flat patches of sand. Some of the mostimportant effects of winds are the increase in water evaporation in cropshence, increasing the water consumption. It also causes flowers and fruitsto fall, destruction of trees and shrubs (such as the case in October 1999),and destroying agriculture equipment.

9-3-5 Oil spill incidents (3)

Some farms, especially those located in the southern parts of Al-Wafraagriculture area, are under continuous threat from oil pollution caused bycrude oil spills from elevated storage tanks. About 17 farms have beenexposed to oil spill incidents in 1998 causing the destruction of theinfrastructure of these farms as well as an extreme soil and plantpollution.

9-3-6 Irrational uses of pesticides and hormones (2)

Acquiring diseases, blights, and weeds growth are serious problems thatseverely affect agriculture productivity and quality. The irrational use ofpesticides will reduce the efficiency of harvesting operations andirrigation systems and causes livestock poisoning. In most cases,traditional control methods rely on chemicals, which impose hazards onhuman, wildlife, soil characteristics, and water quality. Also, the use ofhormones and growth inhibitors although increase productivity it hasmany side effects on fruits and consequently affecting human health.

9-3-7 Diseases and blights (2)

Acquiring diseases and blights are serious problems in crops productionin both greenhouse and outdoor cultivation. For example, the Red PalmWeevil started to spread in Al-Wafra and became problem at the nationallevel. Other important issue is the spread of diseases affecting cattle andpoultry production.


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Fig. 9-2 Soil types of the State of Kuwait.


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such as udder infection, foot and mouth disease, cattle-plague Anthraxfever.

9-3-8 Decrease of vegetation cover and the increase of deterioratedlands due to the irrational land exploitation (1)

All open desert areas in the State of Kuwait, which represent more than75% of the total area of the country, suffer from premature andovergrazing. These activities continue all year round and are concentratedaround water wells in Abdili, Um Gdair, Al-Rawdatain, Al-Wafra, andother areas. They are also concentrated near agriculture areas in Al-Wafra, Abdili, and Sulaibiya as well as around construction centres inAhmadi, Salmi, and Jahra. This abuse has many negative environmentalimpacts such as:

Eliminating vegetation cover leading to wind and water erosion of soiland thus increasing dust and sand in the air.

Disappearance of valuable grazing such as Rhanterium epapposum,which will be replaced by spine plants with lower grazing value suchas Aizoon canarience plant.

The spread of plane fallow patches around water wells. These areaslost all their vegetation cover and living animals soil deterioration.

Furthermore, spring camps, which start in October and end in March ofevery year, contribute to soil drifting and the deterioration of itscharacteristics. They also terminate vegetation cover of more than 5% ofthe total area of the Kuwait ad is increasing every year.

Economic revenues from camels

People usually exploit animals that exist in their environment. Somepeople benefit from whale meat while others benefit from Alligators’ meats or Kangaroos. After the wave of diseases that swept Europe suchas the Mad Cow Disease, Foot and Mouth Disease, and Salmonella,westerners started to divert their diets and look for other alternatives suchas ostrich, turkey and crocodile meats and establish specialized farms toraise them.

Until now, camel meat has not been fully exploited and exchanged in theinternational trade market, in Kuwait or even at the regional level. TheArab World owns about 10 million camel heads making 62% of the totalcount of camel heads in the world.


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Fig. 9-3 The distribution of the vegetation cover in the State ofKuwait.


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9-3-9 The Second Gulf War (1990-1991) (1)

The Second Gulf War had many adverse effects on the land andagriculture sector. These include:

Destruction, dryness, or burning of 15-25% of forestations in andaround Kuwait City and different desert areas.

Destruction of areas of green belts surrounding Abdili, Al-Wafra, andSulaibiya agriculture areas.

Dryness of agriculture soil and withering of grasses and cultivatedcrops caused by halting agricultural activities for at least one year.This also caused the erosion of most soils in Al-Wafra and Sulaibiyaagriculture areas.

Severe oil pollution of soil and vegetation resulting from torching anddestruction of oil wells. Oil spilled on the soil surface forming oillakes with an area of 50 km2. The oil leached into the bottom soillayers to depths of around 1.5 metres.

Covering more than 60% of Al-Wafra agriculture area with oil sootand mists generated from oil well fires in the Greater Burgan oil fieldlocated in the north western part of Al-Wafra Agriculture area.

Deterioration of natural soil characteristics and the destruction ofvegetation cover due to the installation of defensive fortifications suchas sand berms and trenches as well as during the mine clearanceoperations (around 1.7 million mines and 111,750 tons ofammunitions).

Destruction the infrastructure of the agriculture sector (animal andplant production).

9-4 Reasons of irrational exploitation and deterioration of agricultureand land sector resources

There are various reasons that could lead to the deterioration and abuse ofland and agriculture sector resources. These reasons (or factors) can bereferred to natural factors, human factors, and the Gulf war.

9-4-1 Natural factors

They include harsh climate conditions such as drought. Hightemperatures, high evaporation rates, high wind speed, geographiclocation, low soil capabilities, limited plant sector, limited waterresources, and increase of ground water salinity.


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Drought

Kuwait is a part of the arid zones, which is characterized by the drought.Rain is scarce, irregular and variable in quantities. After years of drought,rain falls heavily for few hours causing floods, harming soil and thevegetation cover. This incident occurred in February 1993, March 1996,and November 1997.

Kuwait was subjected to three periods of droughts between 1958 and1999. These intervals ranged from 3 to 5 years as follows:

First period (1962-1966) average rainfall was 65.6 mm (40% belowaverage).

Second period (1983-1985) average rainfall was 75.8 mm (31% belowaverage).

Third period (1987-1989) average rainfall was 70.7 mm (35.7 %below average).

Drought causes many environmental problems such as:

Increase of rate of soil erosion and loss of organic matter andnutrients.

Increase in sand accumulation on vital installations such as farms,roads, military camps, sea bases, and oil installations.

Deterioration of the vegetation cover and total loss of annual plantsdue to the loss of soil moisture and effects of high-speed winds.

High temperatures

High temperatures in summer time could exceed 50oC during the monthof July. It heats the sand that covers about 30% of Kuwait surface. Soiltemperature reaches 75 oC making the soil vulnerable for weathering andcauses loss of organic matter, mud, and silt. This in turn will lead to lossof soil fertility and vegetation cover, due to the drought and hightemperatures and will contribute to the consolidation of topsoil. Thisimpermeable layer will prevent rainwater from penetrating to the lowersoil layers and reducing its capacity.

High temperatures also increase evaporation rates from agriculture soilconsidering that most vegetable produce are more susceptible to waterstress and therefore cannot grow under high temperature conditions. Hightemperature also affects animal resources.

High evaporation rates

Evaporation rate for agricultural soil is estimated to be 21 mm/day (inJuly) and 3mm/day (in January). High evaporation rates increase soil


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salinity (under the conditions of submersible irrigation with brackishwater). High evaporation rates due to high temperatures in summer, causesoil dryness and deterioration of plants once the rain season ends.

High wind speed during the summer season

During the summer months, northwesterly winds dominate, at apercentage of 60%. These active dry and hot winds have a speed of about30 meters/second. Coinciding with drought season (May-September), thenorthwesterly winds increase the effects of wind erosion causing thedeterioration of vegetation cover and loosen sand particles. Some of themost important effects of winds on agriculture activities in Kuwait are asfollows:

Increase in evaporation and transpiration from crops resulting in anincrease in water consumption.

Falling fruits and flowers.

Sand encroachment and accumulation on the northern edges of Al-Wafra and Sulaibiya farms and some farms in Abdili. The average soilencroachment on Al-Wafra farms is about 164,850 m3/year accordingto studies conducted by the Earth and Environmental SciencesDepartment at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research.

Sandy soil erosion in the northern parts of the farms.

Destruction of trees during heavy storms.

Damage to the respiratory systems of cattle.

The geographic location of the State of Kuwait

Since Kuwait is located at the southeastern part of the Flood Plain ofMesopotamia. The geographic location of Kuwait enhanced theconditions needed for wind weathering processes. This made Kuwaitsuffer from sand and dust encroachment, and accumulation. Thenorthwesterly winds, which dominate during the summer season, transfersand and dust towards Kuwait forming sand and dust storms. They alsocontribute to the accumulation of sand dunes and flat plains. The drainageof the marshlands in the southern parts of Iraq is also increasing sandstorms. The following effects could result from the drainage process:

A sharp decline in water table near the surface in the marshlands(wetlands and swamps).

Desiccation of the topsoil in the marshlands area due to the decline inwater table levels.


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Wind erosion of the topsoil due to hot north westerly winds anddrought. As a result, additional quantities of sand will be transferred inthe south eastern direction towards Kuwait.

Low soil capacity

The nature of Kuwaiti soil does not allow the flourishing of wild plantsdue to its weak structure, lack of organic matter and nutrients as well asthe shallowness of the soil layer due to the presence of “gatch” layer at depths not exceeding 150 cm. Furthermore, the sandy nature of soil helpsits erosion by wind in the summer and by water in the winter during rainstorms. Weak vegetation cover helps in increasing erosion rates.

Weak and limited vegetation cover

The vegetation cover in Kuwait is weak, limited in productivity andvariable in growth rate (according to rainfall rates). Also, droughtconditions for long intervals that could reach years (as in the cases of thesixties and eighties) led to many adverse effects on the vegetation coversuch as:

Deterioration of Productivity and loss of biological diversity.

Disappearance of vegetation cover especially in sandy topsoil.

Covering some desert vegetation by sand dunes.

Uncovering of roots of some wild vegetation (such as Stipagrostisplumose) leading to their uprooting and removal by winds.

Damage of northern parts of wild shrubs facing winds such as Nitrariaretusa due to north westerly winds carrying coarse sands.

Movement of sand that usually accumulates around some shrubs suchas Nitraria retusa and Lycium shawii. This is usually caused by hightemperature, looseness of sand and lack of ground moisture. Themigration results in withering and dehydration of these shrubs, whichhighly depends on such sand accumulations for water supply.

Uprooting of some weak wild vegetation (such as Stipagrostisplumose and stipagrostis plumose) due to high winds.

Limited water resources and increase in salinity levels of ground waters

Kuwait is located within the arid zones that suffer from scarcity of naturalfresh water. The capacity of ground water in Kuwait is limited due to theirrational exploitation from the aquifer without allowing its naturalrecharge. Ground water in Kuwait is generally brackish with salinity from3,000-6,000 ppm. The fresh ground waters are also limited and exist inAl-Rawdatain and Um Al-Aish fields. These waters are used for drinking


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purposes and have an estimated reserve of 40 billion gallons for bothfields.

9-4-2 Human factors

Poor management of agriculture areas

This includes the following:

Excessive irrigation and inadequate drainage system: Groundwaters are currently used irrationally due to the inadequate groundwater management programmes (such as determination of allowablesafe pumping rates). Therefore, ground reserve is being continuouslyexploited and soil salinization is increasing specially because soil isnot being washed drainage system is not very efficient.

Irrational use of pesticides and fertilizers: No guidelines orregulations exist to regulate the use of pesticides and fertilizers havingadverse impacts on soil and ground water.

Lack of skilled workforce: Agriculture in Kuwait depends onexpatriate workforce that usually lacks technical and administrativeexperience and deficient in Arabic language. This impedescommunication and understanding and adversely affects workperformance and quality of products (such as decline in milkproduction and quality).

Insufficient environmental awareness and guidance programmes:Most farmers and breeders lack environmental awareness andtechnical efficiency. Also, staff in the field of agriculture guidance arelimited and not properly trained on information transfer methodsregarding agriculture. Therefore, The Public Authority for Agricultureand Fisheries Resources initiates agriculture guidance programmesthrough publishing periodicals about greenhouse cultivation andoutdoor farming in order to convey the technical knowledge in thefields of crop agriculture and animal production. These effortshowever need more coordination.

The declining role of scientific research and absence of moderntechnologies: In many instances, the mechanisms to support andfinance agricultural researches and technology transfer programmesare confronted with some administrative and financial difficulties.This led to the decline in the role of the scientific research indeveloping the agriculture sector. Besides, the use of moderntechnologies is still in the early stages, production equipment is smalland insufficient and Pests and Diseases Control Departmenttechnologies are limited.


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Leniency in preparing effective plans and programmes to limitsand encroachment: Al-Wafra and Sulaibiya farms as well as cameland sheep rangelands and folds in Kabd and Al-Wafra face seriousproblems due to sand encroachment and accumulation. In 1993, aninitiative to prepare a comprehensive plan to protect these installationsfrom sand encroachment was started but no advancement is recorded.

Poor land management and wrong human practices outsideagricultural areas

Range resources:No clear plans and laws regulating the use of landsaccording to their production capacities. Also, rangelands are notunder the authority of any specific institution to maintain its protectionand regulate their utilization.

Absence of strict laws related to rangelands to be applied for therational use of rangelands or penalizing illegal actions. Decree No.41/1988, which deals with the designation of rangelands are not beingcomplied with despite all the efforts by the Public Authority forAgriculture and Fisheries Resources.

Lack of qualified technicians in the field of rangeland managementand development and combatement of desertification as well as theabsence of a range guiding system.

Spring camps: The designation of camping and recreational sites indesert areas between 5-6 months (between October to March) has beendisregarded. These activities contribute to the deterioration of soilcharacteristics and reduce rangeland productivity.

Weak technical and administrative supervision and lack ofguidance regarding the use of desert areas for camping and recreation.This can be sensed through the absence of penalties on violators suchas setting sand berms around camps causing the loss in average of 400m3 of soil for each camp (a legislation has been forwarded). Also, theperiod of spring camping set by Kuwait Municipality is not beingconformed to.

9-4-3 The Gulf War

In section 9-3-10, the effects of the Gulf war on the infrastructure of theagriculture sector (agricultural and forestation areas,…etc) were briefly discussed. In this section, the environmental damages in the desert areas,outside the agricultural areas, caused by the Gulf war will be discussed.These damages include oil pollution caused by:


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Burning and destruction of 750 oil wells. The quantity of spilled oil inthe desert areas is estimated to be 24 million barrels. Oil percolated toup to depths of 2 metres.

The Iraqi forces spilled oil in open trenches for defensive purposes inthe southern parts of Kuwait. The quantity of spilled oil in thesetrenches is estimated to be 3.5 million barrels, these oils percolated todepths of 3 metres.

Destroying the desert topsoil and vegetation cover by the installationof defensive fortifications in the northern parts of Kuwait. The totalnumber of fortifications reached 195,564 or 32 fortifications persquare kilometres. Most of the soils in different areas of Kuwait havebeen compressed, due to the movements of heavy military artillerydecreasing soil permeability and reducing it by 30-100%.

Soil contamination by mines and ammunitions clearance operationsand explosions. The number of anti personnel mines destroyed invarious areas of Kuwait reached 1,032,972 (about 1 million kg ofexplosives) and 518,908 anti tanks mines (about 4 million kg ofexplosives); whereas the quantity of ammunitions reached 68,894 tons.

9-5 Procedures and measures required to limit the problems of thesector

These measures and procedures can be categorized into: environmentalmonitoring programmes, desertification combatement, sandencroachment, soil erosion, rangeland management and development,landscaping, green belts, water resources management and development,and sustainable development for agriculture and animal activities.

9-5-1 Implementing environmental monitoring programmes

There are certain existing programmes for environmental monitoring.Manpower and proper equipment are necessary to implement theseprogrammes, which are:

Soil and water

Periodical monitoring of ground water quality used in irrigation andthe variation in their depths through sample collecting and analysisfrom monitoring wells.

Monitoring soil salinity levels at the surface and at various depths (atleast 2 meters) by collecting samples regularly for laboratory tests.

Monitoring pesticides and fertilizer levels in the topsoil, at differentdepths (at least 2 meters) and in ground water aquifers throughperiodic sample collection and laboratory testing.


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Determining the percentage of pathogens in all water tanks, reservoirsand in the different soil layers.

Monitoring petroleum products residues and associated toxicpollutants in ground water aquifers and soil sections.

Monitoring Boron concentration in soil and ground water.

Vegetation cover and desertification conditions

Monitoring the type and density of vegetation cover (compared toaerial photographs, satellite images and surveys).

Monitoring soil erosion by wind and water in some areas.

Follow up on grazing activities in different seasons and other landusepatterns.

Monitoring sand dunes encroachment and the growth of sand flatpatches.

Monitoring the changes in oil lakes areas and oil-polluted soils.

Diseases and pests

Monitoring and testing agriculture packages transported fromagriculture to ensure their safety.

Discovering and identifying cases in agricultural areas.

Conduct feedstock sample analysis to determine their specificationsand absence of Aflatoxine and others.

9-5-2 Designing a comprehensive national plan to combatdesertification

Bases and characteristics of the plan

Comprehensiveness: It should be applied at the national level (and noton the area or sector levels) according to certain phases and setpriorities.

Comprehensive review of environmental legislations and issuingnecessary laws for desert environment management and the proper useof lands and natural resources. Also, it is important to issue a law toprevent desert soil erosion and other legislations that designatecamping areas, which should not exceed 10-15% of the total area ofthe country.

Developing the natural vegetation cover and improving greeningprogrammes to cover desert areas outside Kuwait City and itsvicinities.


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Establishing natural reserves starting with Um Nigga Reserve (in thenorth eastern part) and Wadi Al-Batin (in the western part) as well asother proposed reserves.

Conducting pilot projects for soil stabilization and land reclamation inmany areas such as stabilizing the soil around Al-Wafra and Kabdfarms.

Efficient coordination between institutions responsible fordevelopment and maintenance of desert areas (Kuwait Municipality,Municipal Council, The Environment Public Authority, The PublicAuthority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, Kuwait Institutefor Scientific Research, and others). Also, it is important to reactivatethe role of the National Committee for Combating Desertification inorder to prepare a national strategy to combat desertification.

Increasing the level of environmental awareness among citizens anddecision makers as well as informing the public about the importanceof preventive projects that aim at combating desertification. This couldbe done through informative programmes, training courses, andseminars shared with NGOs and non-profit societies.

Following a clear policy to utilize lands rationally and proper use ofnatural resources.

Preparing a time framework to rehabilitate deteriorated areas andestimating the financial cost.

Monitoring desert environment, determining and assessing changes inorder to determine the required programmes to control sandencroachment and deteriorated areas.

Studying the social and economic aspects and their correlation withdesertification issues.

Urging the local residents to participate in preparing plans andprogrammes to combat desertification. The private sector should alsobe involved in implementing parts of the action plan programmes(such as greening and resort establishment).

Providing financial, technical, and administrative support to executethe programmes of the plan after endorsing their budgets officially.

Plan implementation mechanism

Comprehensive assessment for the current condition regardingdesertification and determining the actual size of the problem as wellas its geographic extent. New maps should be prepared, showingdifferent levels of desertification, affected areas, levels ofdeterioration, and future affected areas utilizing landuse maps


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available at the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheriesresources.

Designing an executive programme to combat desertification. Thisprogramme should consist of many technical, legislative, andregulating measures in the form of decisions, plans, short-term, mid-term, and long-term programmes that aim at:

Regulating grazing operations and following a regular system forgrazing.

Increasing the efficiency and improving the capacities of naturalresources as well as the full utilization of storm water and torrents inmaintenance programmes. In addition to stabilizing the soil anddeveloping the vegetation cover.

Rehabilitating deteriorated rangelands and oil-polluted areas accordingto time framework.

Preserving rangelands that are have not, or in the process of being,deteriorated by regulating land utilization.

Protecting vital installations from sand encroachment by designing anintegrated control system with high efficiency and suitable economiccost.

Expanding in greening processes as well as planting grazingvegetation in open desert areas using on brackish ground water (inareas such as Abdili, Al-Manageesh, and Um Gdair).

Regulating camping and recreation activities in desert areas by settinga comprehensive plan to manage such activities taking intoconsideration the protection of the vegetation cover.

Reviewing and amending environmental legislations to regulate theutilization of land and rationally use natural resources. Legislationsshould also consider preservation of soil condition and quality.

Focusing on scientific research and relying on modern technology inprogrammes that aims at developing and rehabilitation of deterioratedenvironments (such as information technology, tissue culturing, andgenetic engineering).

Preparing national capacities in the field of desertification combating.

Environmental and economic assessment for projects concerned withdesertification combatement in order to determine the feasibility ofsuch projects. This will assist in persuading decision makers tofinancially support programmes and plans to combat desertification.


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9-5-3 The sand encroachment and soil erosion control programme

Determining the geographic extension and nature of the sand and theirdynamic, morphologic, and biological characteristics based on theRemote Sensing technology, field measurements, mathematicalmodelling, and laboratory analyses.

Designing an integrated executive programme to stabilize soil. Thisprogramme should consist of many elements such as erecting sanddepositing fences, planting green belts, and others such as thecomprehensive project to protect oil installations in Burgan,Manageesh, and Al-Rawdatain areas (joint project between KuwaitInstitute for Scientific Research and Kuwait Oil Company in 1998).

Reducing soil erosion rates in farms by taking the following steps:

Avoiding deep plowing of soil during the summer and using light-plowing equipment instead.

The use of plant remains (especially roots) in soil stabilization in orderto inhibit the effects of wind.

Organizing training programmes for agriculture technicians andfarmers in the field of prevention of sand encroachment as well asteaching expatriate workers the basis of Arabic language, which willease information transfer.

9-5-4 Developing and management of natural rangelands

About 75% of Kuwait area can be categorized as natural rangelands,which are considered as an important source for breeding camels,sheep, and goats. It also provides a habitat for wild life by providingprotection, shade, food source, and reasonable temperatures for wildanimals and birds.

Natural rangelands suffer from severe deterioration due to harshclimate conditions and human pressure resulting from thenonconformity to laws and legislations that regulate the use ofrangelands (law decree No. 41/1988). Also, the absence ofenvironmental awareness and the effects of the destruction of rangevegetation during the Gulf War contributed to this problem. It is alsoexpected that the population growth in the future associated with theincrease in number of livestock heads will also worsen the problem(population in 2015 is expected to be 3.8 million compared to 1.7million in 2000). To reduce the deterioration of these rangelands,efforts should be compiled between government, research, and publicorganizations to develop, manage, and rehabilitate these rangelands.

The following are suggested to develop rangelands:


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Prepare a long-term national plan aims at protecting and developingrangelands and utilizing them according to a scientific systematicapproach. The plan should contain a coherent grazing programme thatspecifies grazing periods with a control on the number of livestockheads grazing at a time).

Implementing the conservation grazing system as a pilot project. Thisapproach has proven to be successful in Syria and many parts of theArabian Peninsula.

Reducing the load on natural rangelands through the following:

Encouraging the irrigation of cultivated feedstock and obtainingsubsidies from the government. The plan should consider marketingfeedstock locally in agricultural areas, especially when consideringthat a large percentage of treated sewage water is not utilized butdischarged to the sea.

Planting grazing vegetation such as Atriplex (using brackish groundwater and drip irrigation in the first years). These plants are verysuccessful in conditions where drought, sand and dust storms prevail.

Establishing a guidance grazing authority to raise public awarenessregarding the conservation of rangelands and the benefits of theirproper utilization and appropriate behaviour patterns during campingand recreation activities in desert areas.

Involving citizens and local people in the projects presented by thegovernment to develop rangelands in order to benefit from localexpertise in supporting future projects.

Assessing the effectiveness of current laws, legislations, andregulations as well as amending of some the existing ones in order toprotect rangelands. There is a need to strictly implement laws andlegislations and issuing new laws regarding the prohibiting of erectingberms around spring camps in order to protect soil and the vegetationcover.

Transferring camel and sheep folds that spread randomly in manyareas to designated sites in Kabd and Al-Wafra. More folds could bebuilt if needed. In addition, camels breeding and bred improvementshould be encouraged.

Preparing local and regional studies about camels including theirhabitat, grazing areas, natural breeding, fertilization, and nutritionalvalue of their meat, fat and milk as well as the cooking instruction.Studies should also include information on the camels’ ability to transfer protein free spines they eat into animal protein. Other studies


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to be considered include studying the possible market opportunities forthe consumption of camel meat and methods of marketing whilebenefiting from the current trend prevailing in many countries aroundthe world regarding meat consumption of animals and poultry infectedwith Mad Cow Disease, Foot and Mouth Disease and bacteria such asBrucella.

Developing national capabilities and staff in the field of rangelandprotection and management (training courses, seminars, scholarships,…etc) as well as strengthening the relation with regional and international organizations.

Encouraging studies and researches related to the development andimprovement of rangelands and optimizing the utilization of studiesconducted by Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research in the fields ofrangelands, plantation vegetation, feedstock production experiments,application of proper grazing regulations, and others.

Improving technologies used in improving rangelands (plowing,sowing, irrigation, cultivation, …etc) and considering the establishment of up to date database about natural rangelands.

Coordination between PAAFR (which is the official authorityresponsible for graze lands sector) and other related authorities such asthe Environment Public Authority, Kuwait Municipality, and KuwaitInstitute for Scientific Research in preparing plans for the rangelandutilization and encouraging projects that aim at the rehabilitation of thevegetation cover, soil treatment, and maintaining range resources.

Rehabilitation of deteriorated rangelands by taking the followingsteps:

Recovering the vegetation cover by planting good and desirable typesincluding shrubs and perennial vegetation especially in areas wherebrackish groundwater is available such as Sulaibiya, Abdili,Manageesh, and Um Gdair. Effective protection should also beprovided for the new cultivated lands for a period of not less than threeyears. A plan to reclaim and cultivate these areas by the private sectorshould also be prepared with the supervision of the Public Authorityfor Agriculture and Fisheries Resources.

Encouraging experiments on plants irrigated by brackish water.

Improving specifications of soils subjected to severe compression orconsolidation by shallow plowing (10-15 cm). This will fragment thesolid parts of the soil and open the clogged pores to allow thepercolation of water to the roots and stimulate soil capacity to retainand percolate water. New maps, prepared by Kuwait Institute for


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Scientific Research in 2000 for areas of compressed soils can beutilized for this purpose.

Reclamation of abandoned sand and gravel quarries with theremaining and added soil. The site can be planted with wild vegetationand shrubs before the rain season.

Reclamation and desalinzation of soil subjected to excessive irrigationwith brackish water though soil washing and proper drainage of washwater to prevent it from leaching to the groundwater.

Increasing land reclamation programmes of oil contaminated soils.

9-5-5 Expanding the landscape and green belts application

To improve landscape and the green cover, the following is suggested:

Promoting a greening plan at the different state levels in order to gainnecessary support to implement the associated programmes on themedium and long terms (until 2015).

Phase expansion in planting heat and salinity tolerant trees and shrubsin desert areas near ground water sources. During the first stages, theseplants will be irrigated. Priorities should be given to Abdili, Burgan,Um Gdair, Tal Al-Quarin, Al-Manageesh, and Al-Abraq.

Commencing the experiments on dry forestation for heat and salinitytolerant plants such as Atriplex, Tamarix aphylla, Prosopis juliflora,and Acacia sp. in deep soil areas (more than 2 meters) in the northwestern and south eastern parts of Kuwait. This can be conducted incoordination with PAAFR, Kuwait Municipality, Ministry of PublicWorks, and Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research.

Landscaping and greening the coastal line by planting mangroves.Priorities should be given to suitable areas for such plants to grow andflourish such as the northern parts of Kuwait Bay and the westerncoast of Khor Al-Subiyah.

Improving and developing current greening projects around militarysites and air bases as well as the expansion in green areas throughcoordination with the PAAFR and Ministry of Defence.

Organizing national campaigns for forestation involving NGOs andnon-profit organizations, the private sector, school and collegestudents, governmental sector and the public to perform the followingtasks:

Prepare an intensive awareness programmes to urge citizens andresidents to actively participate in expanding green areas andmaintaining the existing ones.


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Encouraging the private sector to participate in the implementation ofgreening projects.

Organizing exhibitions for gardening and landscaping andcompetitions for the most attractive project.

Raising funds for greening projects.

Organizing competitions to select the most attractive garden or greenarea and rewarding winners.

Forcing companies and plants constructed at the desert boundaries andon the outskirts of Kuwait City to plant trees in their surroundingareas. They also need to provide technical support to implement tree-planting projects using the best plants and propagation, irrigation,methods and maintenance programmes.

Considering the concluding statement and recommendations of theFirst International Conference on Greening Arid Zones Areas, held inKuwait from 20-24 November 1999.

Absolute coordination among authorities responsible for forestationsuch as PAAFR, the EPA, Kuwait Municipality, Kuwait Institute forScientific Research, Ministry of Electricity and Water, and Ministry ofPublic Works in executing greening and tree planting projects.

Applying new technologies in new landscaping projects such as newirrigation, agriculture, protection and maintenance methods.

Reliance on organic matter as fertilizers and soil conditioners usingdomestic organic wastes in landscaping projects and environmentalconservation.

Providing PAAFR with financial and human capacities to play a betterrole by setting central nurseries with large capacities. This will enablethe Authority to supply citizens and companies with shoots andtransplants at reasonable prices as well as providing them withguidance and technical support for their projects.

Building national capacities in the field of landscape implementationand management through proper training and development.

Avoiding damage of forestation areas caused by fires, deliberatedestruction or waste disposal through the amendment of law No.9/1987 related to the prohibition of damage to plants, trees, flowers,and fruits and imposing immediate penalties on offenders includingthe costs of re-planting them.

Continuing scientific research in the field of exploring new plant typestolerant to heat and salinity that grow and bloom under the harsh


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conditions of Kuwait. Special attention should be given to theplantation and improvement of salt marshes and wetlands (Sabkhat).

Relying on new technologies (e.g. tissue cultivation and geneticengineering) in producing shoots in large quantities and reasonableprices.

Supporting the efforts of establishing a botanical garden in Kuwait asa leading project from an environmental, aesthetic and cultural pointsof view. This could be done in collaboration with Kuwait Institute forScientific Research, The Public Authority for Agriculture andFisheries Resources, Kuwait Municipality, Kuwait Foundation for theAdvancement of Sciences, and the Al-Waqf Fund for the Conservationof the Environment.

Formulating a strategy for optimum utilization of all waters generatedfrom waste water treatment plants in greening and agriculturalactivities instead of discharging it nto the sea and according to theneeds of the agriculture sector. The strategy should also consider thepreparation of irrigation networks to be constructed for this purpose.

Expanding the utilization of ground water that exists within KuwaitCity and its outskirts in irrigating green areas, which will lead toconsiderable decrease on the demand for brackish water. Researchprojects conducted by Kuwait Institute for Scientific Researchindicated that such waters are suitable for irrigation in terms ofquantity and quality.

9-5-6 Water resource management and development

Ground waters

Conducting a comprehensive hydrological assessment for groundwater aquifers in agricultural areas of Al-Wafra, Abdili, and Sulaibiyato determine the safe pumping rates from the wells. This will preventover exploitation of water reserves in agriculture areas.

Tackling the problem of high water table in residential areas ofKuwait in order to conserve the soil used for greening and gardening.Programmes to reduce water table can be implemented by regularpumping of ground water from specially designed wells as in the jointproject between Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and Ministryof Electricity and Water in some residential areas in Kuwait City.These waters (about 7,200 m3/day in one experimental area in Kuwaitcity) can be utilized for more greening projects.

Expanding in researches and studies regarding the artificial rechargefor ground water aquifers to achieve water security and be able to


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respond to emergency crises benefiting from recent studies by KuwaitInstitute for Scientific Research in this field.

Issuing laws and legislations related to water use. Meters can beinstalled to measure the rates of water consumption from wells.Conform to regulations regarding the allowable pumping limits is alsovital. Such limits can be determined according to the results of thehydrologic assessment of aquifers.

Monitoring oil pollution in fresh ground water fields in Rawdatain andUm Al-Aish.

Developing a hydrological database of ground water sources inagricultural areas (water table, quality, pumping rates,…etc).

Training national cadres in the field of water resources managementand development as well as the recent irrigation methods.

Preparing awareness programmes for farmers about the importance ofwater conservation and the serious consequences of high consumptionpractices and how it could affect their future.

Designing an ambitious programme for ground water exploration andassessment in new areas. Priority should be given to Wadi Al-Batinand the coastal area from Ras Al-Subiyah to Um Qaser.

Tertiary treated sewage water

Increasing the utilization of tertiary treated sewage water in irrigatingvegetables, especially after the success of the experiments that weresupervised by a joint team from The PAAFR, KISResearch, Ministryof Public Works, and the EPA. The results of these experimentsindictaed the absence of hazardous substances in vegetables irrigatedwith treated water. The vegetables were proven to be suitable forhuman consumption and compliant to international standards (TheWorld Health Organization).

Conducting researches and studies aims at improving the quality oftreated sewage water using appropriate technologies such as treatmentby soil above the aquifer. This technology was proven to be successfulaccording to studies conducted by Kuwait Institute for ScientificResearch.

Desalinated water

Continuing researches that aims at reducing production costs andimproving and upgrading current technologies used in seawaterdesalination plants. Technologies such as the Reverse Osmosis areconsidered as a promising alternative as it sharply reduces the costs


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and therefore, contributes to more expansion of greenhouseagriculture, which depends on fresh water.

Storm water and torrents

Optimum utilization of storm water and torrents by erecting low costdams and surface reservoirs to collect these waters to be utilized inplantation programmes of heat tolerant trees to stabilize the sandy soiland develop animal resources. This should be done in the context of acomprehensive hydrological study of the existing surface gullies.Priorities should be given to Jal Al-Zur Escarpment, Um Al-Rimmamdepression, and eastern tributaries of Wadi Al-Batin.

9-5-7 Sustainable development of agriculture activities and animalresources

Agriculture activities

Expanding in greenhouse cultivation using fresh water to providemore choices of crops, optimum productivity and avoid the problemsof soil salinization and ground water contamination. To achieve thisgoal, research activities regarding the means of reducing productioncosts of desalinated water and improving and developing the existingtechnologies to maintain an economicly feasible option for fresh waterirrigation.

Washing salized soil in open agriculture areas with ground water toeliminate accumulated salts and improve soil quality. Wash waters canbe discharged through a bottom coated open drainage system usingimpermeable materials to prevent drained water from percolating toground water aquifers. This should all be done within a comprehensiveprogramme to improve and upgrade the existing drainage system inagricultural areas to preserve agricultural resources.

Conducting field studies to determine actual water needs for variouscrops in agricultural areas. This will prevent high water consumptionin irrigation and the adverse impacts on soil and flora.

Reliance on modern technology to improve and support agriculturalactivities

Genetic Engineering: Modifying the genetic structure of agriculturecrops in order to increase their resistance and immunity to biologicalor environmental stress such as high salinity, drought, heat, agricultureblights and diseases. It also aims to improve food quality andextending the expiry dates of food products.

Tissue Cultivation: it is concerned with producing large quantities ofplants free from diseases (especially viruses) but preserving the


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features of species. It also aims at genetically modifying importantcrops to produce plants that can resist cold, drought, salinity, anddiseases as well as producing different types of palm trees incommercial quantities and studying their genetic fingerprint to becompared with the original trees.

Information technology: Designing and implementing an advancedinformation systems consisting of database management system andGeographic Information System capable of managing informationrelated to agricultural resources resembling the landuse informationsystem designed for the soil survey and classification project, a jointproject between KISR and PAAFR.

Remote Sensing: Relying on Remote Sensing technology inmonitoring growth rates of crops and landscapes as well as earlydetection of diseases or blights.

Development of palm tree researches: Encouraging the regional andinternational cooperation in this field and expanding the plantation ofpalm trees in agricultural areas. It is also important to explore newresearches and advanced technologies in the development of palm treeproduction utilizing information networks such as the networkprepared by the Arab Centre for the Studies of Dry and Arid Zones in2000-2001.

Blight Control: Using the biotechnology techniques in combatingblights biogenetically by improving crops to gain immunity againstsome pests and diseases.

Proper agricultural practices: following proper agriculturalpractices in open agriculture areas such as planting windbreaks,protected cultivation of trees to provide shade for plants to grow suchas planting fruit trees like olives and citrus trees between palm trees toprovide partial shade and protect against weather conditions in bothsummer and winter. Palm trees reflect ground radiation in winter andthus provide suitable temperature for growth. During the summer,plam trees reduce sun radiation underneath and thus provide lowertemperatures in the summer for the plants available between palmtrees.

Soil reclamation: Rehabilitating the agriculture soil by following asuitable cultivation cycle and increasing nitrogen in soil by plantingnitrogen-fixing crops. Further more, farmers should use the differentmethods to improve soil conditions by planting nitrogen-rich cropsand turning and plowing them with the soil.


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Animal resources:

Rational management of resources: In order to compete againstimported animal products in terms of price and quality and increasingthe efficiency of animal production, proper fold managementincluding cattle, sheep, and poultry should be maintained. As anexample, a proper management for a cattle farm should include thefollowing:

At the Antenatal stage: by adequate and balanced feed of the motherespecially during the first two months of pregnancy.

Birth stage: by supervising the feed of the new born calf throughudder feeding for three days to gain the Colostrums, the secretionproduced by cows after birth and rich with vitamins, proteins, andantibodies.

Drove stage: by following proper technical and healthy means infeeding, sheltering, and caring for the droves in order to improveproductivity in terms of quality and quantity as well as takingnecessary measures to maintain hygien and temperature of the fold.

Providing veterinary health care: to preserve the health of animalsand maintain disease control, proper veterinary health care should beprovided to immune animals against diseases such as the Foot andMouth Disease, Brucella, Cattle Plague, Anthrax Fever and others.Necessary measures should be taken to isolate sick animals and referthem to veterinary clinics for diagnostics and treatment. Special careshould be given for record keeping of immunizations, health cases,and others.

Laws and legislations: Issuing legislations related to animal resourcessuch as the prohibition of slaughtering young females until they reachsuitable age for slaughtering.

Training, guidance, and awareness programmes: Raising theawareness within cattle breeders and raisers to pay special attention forhygien and disinfection of the fold in order to avoid diseases.Furthermore, it is important to guide cattle raisers towards the bestpractices in animal sheltering and monitoring animal behaviour andrecording observations, which could be beneficial for raisingproduction.

Supplying feedstock: Expanding in planting green feedstock such asalfalfa (clover) and barley using treated swage wastewater. Amountsof water designated for agriculture areas can also be used to plantmore clover and green feedstock during winter when water is lessneeded by plants. The private sector should also be encouraged to


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provide feedstock and other animal production needs in reasonableprices as well as implementing projects to convert agriculture wastesinto feedstock.

Scientific Researches

Studying the major problems facing the animal production sector such asfood, stress effects, climate, diseases, diagnostic services, productivity,line improvement and finding practical and solutions for them.

Focusing on projects to increase the production of lambs by improvinggeneticcapacities, nutritional treatment, enhancing nutritional values ofuntraditional feeding matter and early ablactating. Also, more focusshould be given on projects to produce range sheep using local lines inaddition to special projects to minimize heat stress on the local andimported sheep.

Application of the findings of successful researches in the field ofincreasing animal productivity by reducing the mortality rates ofyoung calfs (such as the field and laboratorial project to determine thecauses of mortality of calves in the State of Kuwait). The death ratesdeclined after implementing this study from 90-100% to 42%. Otherprojects include increasing the productivity of the Arabian “Ne’aimi” sheep through foetus transfer technique. Once applied technique willresulting more economic revenues in the sheep production sector.

Analysing and studying the recommendations of the main plan for thedevelopment of the agriculture sector in Kuwait (1995-2015)Executive summary for the plan as well as the agricultural strategy forthe State of Kuwait was prepared by The Public Authority forAgriculture and Fisheries Resources.

9-5-8 Proposed legislations

Legislations regarding soil conservation and maintenance

Prohibiting soil exploitation and erecting sand berms around camps.

Prohibiting the disposal of construction wastes in undesignated areas.

Landuse legislations

Designating areas for camping during spring.

Prohibiting the establishment of permanent camps without priorconsent from the responsible authorities.

Legislations regarding plant protection

Imposing instant fines on people causing damage, destruction orburning of plants.


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Legislations regarding animal resource protection:

Prohibiting the slaughtering of young female animals.

9-6 Sources of Information

Al-Rashid and Al-Ghawas (1999) Rationalization of ground waterutilization in irrigating Abdili farms, Report WH009C. KuwaitInstitute for Scientific Research, State of Kuwait. (In Arabic)

Al-Rashid and Al-Senafi (1995) The effects of ground water in theinorganic pollution of soil in Al-Wafra farms, Report WH005K.Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, State of Kuwait. (In Arabic)

Asa’ad Al-Fares (1999) Arabian horses in the diaries of travelers andtourists. Al-Takaful Fund for the Employees of the Arab Centre forEducational Researches in the Gulf Countries. (In Arabic)

Department of Monitoring of agriculture data (1998) Annual StatisticsCensus (1997/1998). The Public Authority for Agriculture andFisheries Resources, State of Kuwait. (In Arabic)

Eng. Abdullah Al-Sane’a. (1984) Arabian camels. Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, State of Kuwait. (In Arabic)

Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (2000). The natural resourcesand environmental characteristics of the State of Kuwait. KuwaitInstitute for Scientific Research, State of Kuwait. (In Arabic)

Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and The Public Authority forAgriculture and Fisheries resources (1995) Master plan for thedevelopment of the agriculture sector in the State of Kuwait (1995-2015). Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and The PublicAuthority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, State of Kuwait.(In Arabic)

Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and The Public Authority forAgriculture and Fisheries Resources (1995) The National greeningplan for the State of Kuwait (1995-2015). Kuwait Institute forScientific Research and The Public Authority for Agriculture andFisheries Resources, State of Kuwait. (In Arabic)

Landscaping and Greening sector (1998-1999) The journey ofgreening. The Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheriesresources, State of Kuwait. (In Arabic)

Mesak R. and Al-Sederawi : controlling some deteriorated lands in theState of Kuwait, Report VD006C. Kuwait Institute for ScientificResearch, State of Kuwait. (In Arabic)


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Omar, S.A., Madouh, T., El-Bagouri, E., Al-Mussalem, Z. and Al-Telaihi, H. (1998) Land Degradation factors in arid irrigated areas:The case of Al-Wafra in Kuwait. Jour of land Degradation &Development. 9,283-294.

Sameera Omar, Dhari Al-Ajmi, Rafat Mesak (1997) The use ofremote sensing technologies in determining rangelands andmonitoring desertification case in the State of Kuwait. National paperpresented to coordination meeting between desertification expertsregarding the use of remote sensing technologies- Syria 12-16 October1997.

The Environment Public Authority (1999) The environmental strategyfor the State of Kuwait- the draft report for the action team for thebiosphere. The Environment Public Authority, State of Kuwait. (InArabic)

The Environment Public Authority (2000) Terms of reference for theWater and Agriculture Sector. The Public Authority for Environment,State of Kuwait. (In Arabic)

The Ministry of Municipal, Rural and Environmental Affairs-Department of Environment and IUCN (1991) The National Strategyfor the Protection of the Environment in Jordan. The Ministry ofMunicipal, Rural and Environmental Affairs- Department ofEnvironment and the International Union for the Conservation ofNature, The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. (In Arabic)

The Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources (1995)Draft copy of the agriculture strategy of the State of Kuwait- ThePublic Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, State ofKuwait. (In Arabic)

The Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources (2000).Agriculture between destruction and rebuilding. The Public Authorityfor Agriculture and Fisheries Resources, State of Kuwait. (In Arabic)

The Public Authority for Environment (2000) The currentenvironmental status in the State of Kuwait. The Public Authority forEnvironment, State of Kuwait. (In Arabic)


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Sector TenCoastal and Marine Environment


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Members of the Coastal and Marine Environment Sector TeamEng. Adel AbdulRahman Isma’el Adviser, Sanitary Engineering

Affairs, Ministry of Public Works.Chairman of the team.

Ms. Ibtisam Al-Obaid Manager, Soil and Arid LandsDepartment, Environment PublicAuthority. Repertoire of the team.

Tamah Hussain Manager, Environmental ProtectionSection, Treatment and WaterResources Department, Ministry ofPublic Works.

Mr. Ali Haider Manager, Marine PollutionMonitoring Department,Environment Public Authority.

Mr. Baqer Darweesh Manager, Al-Ardiya Sanitary WaterTreatment Plant Section, Treatmentand Water Resources DepartmentMinistry of Public Works.

Eng. Mahmoud Karam Manager, Treatment and WaterResources Department, Ministry ofPublic Works.

Fatima Mohammad Al-Qahtani Soil and Arid Lands Department,Environment Public Authority.

Preparation:Dr. Yahia Marmoush Kuwait Institute for Scientific

Research.Supervision, review, editing and completion of the scientific materialand re-organizing it:Dr. Sufyan Al-Tal Chief Advisor, UNDP.


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10-1 Introduction

The coastal areas of Kuwait represent the north western corner of theArabian Gulf. The surface area of Kuwait territorial waters is estimated tobe 822 km2. It approximately represents 3.5 % of the total surface area ofthe gulf surface waters. Kuwait coastline length is estimated to be 500 kmincluding its islands coastline. Kuwait has nine islands. These are Warba,Bubiyan, Miskan, Failaka, Ouha, Um Al-Namil, Kubbar, Qarouh, andUm Al-Maradem. The estimated length of the coastline of these islands isabout 200 km. There is a morphological, sedimentological andmorphological difference in the coastal areas of Kuwait.

In general, these coastal areas can be divided into two main zones. Thefirst is the northern zone which is characterized by its muddy sediments.It s extends for about 200 km and starts from the northern borders ofKuwait with the Republic of Iraq to Ras Al-Ardh. The second is thesouthern zone which is characterized by its sandy sediments. This zoneextends from Ras Al-Ardh to the southern borders of Kuwait with theKingdom of Saudi Arabia. Kuwait territorial waters are characterized byit shallow waters and the depths increases towards the south- easterndirection in which the maximum depth can reach to 30 meters.

The dominant pattern of currents in Kuwait territorial waters is the tidalcurrents that result from low and high tides. Their speed does not exceed50 cm/s inside Kuwait Bay and about 100 cm/s along the parallel path ofthe coastal areas and around the islands. The water level changesapproximately every 6 hours during the low and high tides. The waterlevel changes about 250 cm and 450 cm in the southern and northerncoastal areas, respectively. The waves' heights can reach about 200 cm infront of the southern coastal areas and about 50 cm inside Kuwait Bay.

State of Kuwait lacks agricultural natural resources such as the fertile soiland fresh water such as rivers, lakes and rain due to its geographical,climatological and hydrological location. As a result, the territorial waterof Kuwait is considered of high significance to Kuwait because it is usedto provide fresh water through the desalination stations. In addition,providing sustainable fishery resources that can support the country foodsecurity. Also, the territorial waters provide means for transporting oilthrough oil loading terminals, as oil is the main source of the countryeconomy. For all these reasons, most of the urban and developed areasare restricted to the areas that are near by the coastline.

During the last few years, Kuwait went through rapid changes anddevelopment in aspects related to greening, industry and trade. This led toa change in the life style and its wants and needs. The state activities areconcentrated on the utilization of the coastline for many of its


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development projects such as residential, industrial, agricultural andleisure projects. In addition, several power and water desalination plantsand commercial ports were constructed along the coastline andconsequently impacted it.

Kuwait's islands, and till this moment of time, are not fully utilized inaspects related to coastal developments, as most of the islands are notinhabited with exception to Failaka Island. The population of this islandwas estimated to be 3500 inhabitants, before the Iraqi regime invasion ofKuwait. The southern coastline of the island was utilized as a resort andas a recreational area. However, the resort was totally destroyed by theIraqi armed forces during the occupation period.

10-2 Coastal and marine resources

10-2-1 Marine organisms:

Kuwait territorial waters are characterized by their relatively highproductivity of its marine organism. This is because of their relativecloseness to the river mouths of the northern parts of the Arabian Gulf.Shat Al-Arab is considered as one of the main organic and inorganicdeposition sources. The fresh water flow, results in high rates of muddydeposits around the northern coastal areas of Kuwait forming basins inareas located between the high water level during high tide and the lowestwater level during the low tide. The rate of sedimentation decreasestowards the southern direction of Kuwait's territorial waters. The freshwater flow and its dissolved organic and inorganic contents have positiveeffects on decreasing the water salinity and increasing its productivity ofmicro-zooplanktons and phytoplankton, respectively. This conditioncreated a very favourable situation for the presence of a variety of marineorganisms' species at the northern part of the Arabian Gulf. Theseorganisms represent similar organisms that can be found near by rivermouths.

The marine resources of the state of Kuwait are considered as one of themain essential resources. Fishing and pearl harvesting are one of theoldest professions that Kuwaitis practiced before the oil era. The marineresources of the country can be divided into the shrimp and fish fishinggrounds and pearl oyster harvesting grounds. Other marine resourcesinclude coral reefs which are still not fully exploited.

It is considered that the shrimp fishing grounds of Kuwait marineenvironment as one of the richest catchments areas in the world as thereare not less than 7 different species of shrimps that can be found in suchareas. The most important two species, in terms of economic value andrevenue returns, are the Penaeus semisulcatus and the Metapenaeusaffinis shrimps. The shrimp fishing fleet consists of licensed trawling


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ships that comprise of 35 metal ships loaded with double nets and 35wooden ships. The estimated annual shrimp catch is approximately 2200ton during the fishing season. However, for fishery resources, which areconsidered as a natural renewable resource, it is characterized, as withother semi tropical areas, with the presence of a variety of fish species.There are about 15 fin fish species of economical importance such as thegrouper (33%), mullets (11), sniper (9%), pomfret (6%), red sniper 5%),silver silago (4%), river shad (35), yellow-finned black porgy (2%), andthe red/orange finned pigface bream (1%) and the large-scaled mullet(15).

The commercial fish stock is fully exploited and used, especially for thepomfret, mullets and grouper. The fishing practice is carried by usingdifferent types of fishing means such as the “Gargour” which is a semiround metal net fishing compartment. In addition, “Leikhs” are used which are a particular type of woven fishing nets. In addition, “Hadras” are used. These are fishing traps that depend on trapping fish during thelow and high tide water movement cycles. Line fishing and side fishingby shrimp trawlers are other types of fishing means that are practices inKuwait. The number of speedboats that are licensed to fish, by using the“Gargour” and nets is about 700 boats. There are also 137 fish traps, the"Hadras" that are distributed along the coastline of Kuwait.

There are also thousands of speedboats that are used by amateurfishermen that are using standard fishing lines to fish. The total fish catchfor the year 1996 was 900 ton. This amount was not enough for localconsumption and the authorities had to import from the near by countries.The gap in demand and supply was considered by the decision makersand investors through the establishment of aquaculture projects. Alongthe coastline of Kuwait there are 17 areas that are known as “Hirat” i.e. pearl harvesting areas. The density of oysters differs from one area toanother. The average mean density is 41 oysters per 200 m2. The densityincreases with the presence of brown algae. The quantities of oysters thatare marketed annually are 330 ton. This is estimated to represent about 7million oyster that worth 330 Kuwaiti Dinars.

10-2-2 Water and energy:

Water is of great importance to the State of Kuwait due to Kuwaitgeographical, climatological and hydrological location. Water of aparamount importance to Kuwait as it is located in an arid land in whichfresh water resources are scarce and the available quantities cannot becontinuously utilized to supply the demand. This situation created anobstacle to the development of Kuwait and for many years. However, theavailability of financial resources, from oil revenues, made it possible to


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use desalination technologies, which are expensive to use and operate, inorder to provide fresh water in quantities that are enough for localconsumption. The Kuwaiti government constructed and operated severalpower and water desalination stations along the coastline such as DohaEast and West, Shuwaikh, Shuaiba South, Ras Al-Zur South and Al-Subbiya. Currently, there are plans to construct and operate new stationsin the country. The Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) is charge ofoperating and maintaining these stations in order to provide the neededfresh water demand for consumption and other utilities. The fresh waterproduction capacity of these stations is estimated to be 234 ImperialGallons per day (1.1 Million m3/day). The desalination is carried-out byusing the "Multi Stages Flash Technology".

The maximum water consumption quantities recorded in Kuwait were203 Imperial Gallon/day in the summer of 1995. The recent statisticsshowed that there is an increase in fresh water consumption and demanddue to unsustainable practices. The MEW is responsible for thegeneration of electrical energy by using different by using different typesof fuel such as fuel oil, liquid petroleum gas and other gases. The abilityto use these plants is not exceeding 70-80% of the total consumption,thus, these units are enough for the current demand of fresh water andelectricity.

10-2-3 Storm water discharges:

As with other desert regions, the rain fallout is low and differs in time andlocation. The rains of Kuwait are of two types; the first is the "FrontRain" which rain during November to March. The second is “Al Sarayat Rain" which rain during October and November and at the end of theraining season i.e. during March to May. The average annual rainfall isapproximately 110 mm. To prevent the exposure of urban and residentialareas to large quantities of rainfall out, the Kuwaiti governmentconstructed several storm water networks to cover all urban andresidential areas. As a result, all rainwater is directly discharged to the seavia these networks. It is presumed that storm water, inside thesenetworks, is not being exposed to any type of pollutants.

10-2-4 Transportation and trade:

Oil and gas are considered the most important natural resources on localand international levels. These two resources are the foundation ofKuwait’s economy. Crude oil reserves are estimated to be approximately11% of the total world's reserves according to 1994 statistics. The currentproduction rate is approximately two million barrels per day. This reservecan last for 132 years. The oil and gas revenues are the foundation ofKuwait economy. As a result, the Kuwaiti government began to construct


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export ports and loading terminals such as Al-Ahmadi, Al-Shuaiba, MinaAbdulla and Al-Zur ports and several transportation fleets to keep up withurban development and population increase commercial ports wereconstructed.

10-2-5 Industry

Most Kuwaiti industries, such as petrochemical industries, fertilizerindustries, or energy for power stations, rely on oil and natural gasderivatives as raw materials. Many industrial areas were built alongsidethe coast. Oil, petrochemical, and other related industries are locatedmainly in the industrial areas of Shuaiba, Mina Abdulla, Mina Ahmadi,and Wafra. Heavy industries such as architectural and constructionalindustries were established in Western Shuaiba area. Convertingindustries were established in Sabhan Industrial Area. Other areas, suchas Shuwaikh Industrial Area, Sharq, Fahaheel, Amghara, Rai, and Doha,house many industrial activities including crafts for local and commercialneeds. Industrial activities rely on seawater for cooling purposes and alsofor liquid waste disposal, after being treated to eliminate hazardousindustrial wastes that are harmful to the marine environment beingdischarged into it.

10-2-6 Urban development

Kuwait, and by using oil revenues, has accomplished fast developmentduring the past six decades. Oil revenues were utilized to finance thecomprehensive economic and social development. Construction activitiesin Kuwait are concentrated on the coastline, especially in the area thatextends from Al-Doha, in the southwest of Kuwait Bay, to the southernborders with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In these areas, manyresidential areas and facilities, such as power and desalination stations, oilrefineries, petrochemical plants, and ports, can be found. In addition, thecoastline is still the only recreational location in Kuwait. For example, thesea front is being continuously developed from Shuwaikh to Ras Al-Salmiya. Private sea chalets occupy the southern part of the coast. Inaddition, there are two sea resorts in Al-Dhubai'iya and Al-Khiran areas.

10-2-7 Touristic and recreational activities

Due to the fact that Kuwaiti citizens are attached to sea life, many marineclubs, which are very popular, were established for recreational andcultural purposes. In the eighties, the government commenced the seafront project, which is considered as one of the largest recreationalprojects alongside the Kuwaiti coastline with 12 km of artificial beaches.The sea front project is visited by 3,000-4,000 persons per day and couldreach as high as 10,000/d during the summer months and holidays. Manycommercial activities, such as restaurants, cafes, and children


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playgrounds, can be found within this project area. Many hotels wereconstructed on the southern coast of the State of Kuwait. Many factorswere taken into consideration when the sites were selected e.g. distantfrom city, coast condition, and population density. One of the successfulsea resorts projects, in this relation, was built by the Kuwaiti HotelsCompany. It attracts more than 35000 people and contains over 230chalets. After the success of this, the Touristic Project Company builtmany recreational projects on the coastline such as Failaka IslandRecreational Project and Al-Khiran Resort Project. Both projectsaccommodate 472 and 345 sea chalets, respectively. The success of theseprojects reflects the citizens’ need to acquire recreational sites in order to strengthen social and family ties. In addition, The Touristic ProjectsCompany and other private investment companies built many hotels andresorts alongside the southern coastline such as Al-Mangaf Hotel andResort, Messilah, Abu Hulaifa, and Al-Fahaheel Resort.

10-2-8 Environmental establishments and authorities

There are many government and non-government establishments andauthorities in Kuwait that invest in the marine and coastal resources. Theimportance of these marine and coastal resources can be seen byrecognizing the vital role they play in meeting water requirements fordesalination, cooling, and power generation processes for the MEW andthe PIC in Shuaiba Industrial Area. In addition, on these marine resourcesfacilities for oil export such as port and loading terminals can beconstructed ad built. There are several government establishments thatbenefit from these facilities such as the Ministry of Oil and the Ministryof Communication.

Also, there are commercial ports for local imports and exports which areworking under the authority of the Public Authority for Kuwaiti Ports andthe Ministry of Communications. Finally, these resources provide fisheryresources as a continuous and a permanent nutritional source in which thePAAFR is in charge of such resources. Therefore, many governmentinstitutions, ministries, and authorities have established specializeddepartments and centres to conserve and protect the marine and coastalenvironment. These include the following:

Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health, through the Environmental Health Section of theOccupational and Environmental Health Department, inspects coastalseawater for pollutants. Also, inspect many selected sites such as the onesnear by power and water desalination stations as well as some swimmingand recreation sites. Pollution levels can be determined based onbacteriological analysis. The monitoring and assessment of coastal


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seawater for pollution is considered as an environmental monitoringprogramme to continuously monitor diseases.

Ministry of Electricity and Water

The Ministry of Electricity and Water, through the Water ResourcesDevelopment Centre and the Engineering and EnvironmentalProgrammes Department, protects water resources by monitoring waterquality through conducting bacteriological and chemical analysis todetect and identify bacterial and chemical pollutants i.e. bacteria and tracemetals. These tests are required to verify the suitability of water,produced through the water desalination processes in power generationand distillation stations from Al-Shuwaikh, Al-Shuaiba South, Al-DohaEast and West, Al-Zur South, and Al-Subbiya. They are necessary todetect any bacteriological pollution as well as the extent and source ofthis pollution in order to eliminate it.

Ministry of Public Works

The Ministry of Public Works, through the Irrigation and EnvironmentalProtection Department, monitors beach waters on regular bases to ensurethe absence of sewage wastewater, or to take necessary actions if neededin case of pollution incidents.

Ministry of Planning

This ministry tracks all administrative and financial affairs ofinternational, Islamic, regional, and Arabic organizations in whichKuwait is a member. They include many organizations and authoritiesspecialized in environmental affairs.

Ministry of Oil

The Ministry of Oil, and through the current strategy of Kuwait OilCompany, tries to implement issues of concern related to the conservationand protection of the environment from all sources of pollution throughvarious activities related to the field of environmental protection. This isalso done through projects and operations that the ministry performs. ThePIC has emphasized on environmental protection issues and tries tocomply with laws, legislations, and standards set by the concernedestablishment within Shuaiba Industrial Area, which is the EnvironmentProtection Centre. For example, industrial water treatment units areconsidered as essential components of operation processes.

Ministry of Education

The ministry puts great efforts to educate students through the inclusionof environmental concepts in curricula and by organizing environmentalcompetitions, seminars, and exhibitions.


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Kuwait Municipality

Kuwait Municipality has several responsibilities and activities related tothe environment. These activities are performed to conserve the generalhealth of human and the cleanliness of the environment as well aslimiting some activities that causes disturbance in the marine. It, also,works to implement safety regulations and protecting properties andpublic resources.

Environment Public Authority

This authority plays a very significant role in monitoring theenvironmental situation in the Kuwait through cooperation with othergovernment and private establishments. This type of activity is aiming todocument all available environmental data that can be found in variousestablishments and documenting it in a clear and easy way in order to beused, discussed and commented on. The aim of this is to establishindicators about the current environmental situation and then prepare therequired policies and measures that should be implemented eitherimmediately or in the future. The role of this authority is important incombating environmental problems and their impacts.

Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources

This authority, represented by the Fisheries Resources Department,supervises and regulates fishing practices in order to achieve thedevelopment of fisheries resources and prevent the depletion of fishreserves due to unsound fishing practices.

Public Authority for Applied Education and Training

This educational institution exerts great and specialized efforts in the fieldof environmental education and research through the EnvironmentalHealth Department, College of Health Sciences. The authority has alsoparticipated in many scientific conferences and seminars in the field ofthe environment.


Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) has come a long waytowards implementing the tasks it was established for. They include,within the strategic programmes of the Earth and Environmental SciencesDepartment, hydraulics and coastal engineering programmes. TheInstitute conduct many environmental studies aiming at identifying thecurrent situation of the marine and coastal environments in addition to thescientific specifications for the sustainable development of Kuwait coast'sand preventing adverse environmental effects of coastal development.


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Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences

This establishment is focusing on the environmental field in many of itsactivities such as funding scientific research and conferences, workshops,seminars, prizes, and other cultural activities.

General Fire Department/Fire Brigade Department

This department participates, with the EPA, in all fields and activitiesrelated to environmental protection such as combating marine oilpollution.

The Kuwaiti Environment Protection Society

This society is considered as on of the non-profit societies that belong tothe Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour. The society and since itsestablishment, played a large role in environmental protection byorganizing many seminars, campaigns, discussion groups, lectures,workshops, activities and programmes in addition to participating inmany environmental exhibitions.

The Waqf Fund for Environmental Conservation

This Islamic fund is considered as one of the funds that were establishedlately by the Public Waqf Funds and aiming at supporting environmentalresearch and awareness. This fund has financed many research projectsrelated to environmental and coral reefs protection.

The Regional Organization for the Protection of the MarineEnvironment

This is a regional organization that was legally established in 1979. It isbased in Kuwait. The members of this organization are the State ofBahrain, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Iraq, the State ofKuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, the Kingdom of SaudiArabi and the United Arab Emirates. It is aiming to cooperate to establishrules, regulations, and guidelines to avoid, minimize, or combat marinepollution from all sources e.g. intentional or accidental spills and disposalfrom ships and oil tankers during transportation and loading andunloading.

10-2-9 Environmental laws and legislations

Within the context of Kuwait legislations, there are many laws that areaimed to protecting the marine and coastal environment. The main onesare the following:

Law 12/1964, and it amendments 105/1976 and 1/1980, regarding theprohibition of polluting navigation waters with oil.


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Law 9/1981 regarding the approval of the 1969 International treaty forcivil responsibility against damages caused by oil pollution and its1976 protocol.

Law 45/1978 regarding the approval of Kuwait’s regional treaty forthe protection of the marine environment from pollution and theprotocol related to regional cooperation in combating pollution by oiland other harmful materials.

Law 10/1981 regarding the approval of the 1971 International treatyfor the establishment of an international fund to compensate fordamages caused by oil pollution.

Law 46/1980 regarding the protection of fisheries resources.

Decision 21/1985 regarding the protection of live marine resources; inaddition to the ministerial law by the Minister of Public Worksregarding regulating shrimp fishing in the regional waters.

Law 669/2000 banning the use of nets as a fishing method.

International and regional treaties related to the marine environment

The 1969 International treaty related to the right of interference in theevent of an accident that causes oil pollution in high seas. The joiningthis treaty was approved in 24/1/1981, through law 12/1981, and itwas effective in 1/7/1981.

The 1979 International treaty regarding the civil responsibility ofdamages caused by oil pollution and its 1976 protocol. The approvalfor joining was given in 24/1/1981, through law 9/1981, and waseffective with respect to Kuwait in 1/7/1981. The protocol waseffective in 29/9/1981.

The 1971 International treaty regarding the establishment ofinternational fund to compensate for damages caused by oil pollution.The approval for joining was issued in 24/1/1981, through law10/1981, and was effective for Kuwait in 1/7/1981.

The 1954 international treaty for preventing sea pollution by oil.Kuwait joined the treaty in 19/11/1961 and became mandatory toKuwait in 27/2/1962.

The 1972 international treaty for preventing sea pollution by dumpingwastes and other materials. Kuwait signed the treaty in 1/3/1973.

The 1963 treaty banning nuclear weapons experiments in air, space,and underwater. Approved was granted in 30/3/1965, by law number16/1965, and became effective for Kuwait in 12/5/1965.


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The 1992 convention on biodiversity. Kuwait signed the convention in9/6/1992.

The 1982 United Nations treaty for the law of the sea. It was approvedin 6/3/1986, by law 15/1986, and became effective for Kuwait in16/11/1994.

The 1978 principles of the International Union for the Conservation ofNature and Natural Resources. Law 10/1986 was issued in 24/2/1986to approve it. Kuwait became a member in the Union in 1994.

MARPOL "1973/1978" Treaty

The Government of the State of Kuwait has approved this 1973international treaty, including its appendices, attachments, and protocols,to prevent pollution from ships. This treaty states the need to preventpollution from ships and interfering in high seas in cases of marinepollution with non-oil materials as well as preventing and combatingmarine pollution.

The first item in this treaty states that member countries agree to apply itsrules and appendices in order to prevent marine environment pollutioncaused by discarding harmful materials that violate the treaty. It alsoemphasized on the importance of conserving human environment ingeneral and in specific marine environment as well as not discarding oiland other harmful materials from ships intentionally or accidentally.Members need to agree and implement the general rules, appendences,protocols, applications, and decisions related MARPOl Treaty.

Reception facilities

The 1973/1978 MARPOL Treaty indicated the need that governments,signatory members, comply with the establishment of reception facilities,especially if their coast is adjacent to specific or sensitive areas i.e. areasthat requires mandatory action to prevent and protect it from oil pollution.The governments are required to provide sufficient reception facilities inall ports within this special area. These facilities should contain allpossible needs and facilities to deal with ships and tankers arriving toports and carry oil wastes and without delay. All parties should notify theInternational Marine Organization of incidents or issues of concern inorder to inform other related members of the treaty. The treaty, also,urges governments to provide sufficient facilities to receive grey andsanitary waste and refuse from ships. Countries should become membersas soon as possible in order to prevent pollution to the marineenvironment caused by discharging harmful materials that violate thetreaty.


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Due to the fact, that Kuwait marine environment is of special importanceto the Arabian Gulf, the EPA amended the Law 12/1964 in order to faceviolations and pursue tankers that discharge its polluted wastes into theregional waters of the State of Kuwait. Also, applying local andinternational legislations as well as other regulatory treaties for relatedviolations. The EPA, and through its pursue to join the MARPOL Treaty1973/1978, has established a national committee, which is the NationalCommittee for the establishment of facilities to receive wastes from shipsand to join MARPOL Treaty 1973/1978.

This committee has concluded its work by reviewing and approving thecomprehensive view for the establishment of reception facilities. Thisview included the recommendation for establishing three receptionfacilities to receive ship wastes in Al-Ahmadi, Al-Shuaiba, and Al-Shuwaikh/Doha ports in addition to treatment units for solid and liquidwastes. The committee has also reached a work plan based on applyingprogrammes for the establishment of such facilities in the marine area,through the coordination between ROPME and regional countries inorder to implement this requirement and to join this treaty as soon aspossible.

10-2-10 Technical capabilities

In Kuwait, there is a sufficiency in technical capabilities in manygovernment establishments such as Kuwait University, Kuwait Institutefor Scientific Research, the Public Authority for Applied Education andTraining, and many other environmental departments and centres thatbelong to several government ministries and authorities. Thesecapabilities include local and expatriate expertise, laboratorial andmeasuring equipment, field data, recording and analysis equipment. Itshould be noted that the laboratories of KISR, the MEW, and the EPA arehighly sophisticated and employ qualified staff.

10-2-11 Environmental achievements

The State of Kuwait focused on the protection of the environment,combating pollution, and the conservation of the natural resources inachieving sustainable development. This was obvious, especially in theperiod after the United Nations Conference on Environment that was heldin Stockholm, Sweden 1972, and the Earth’s summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 1992. Kuwait issued many legislations aiming at protecting theenvironment and many ministries and authorities participating in theefforts to protect the environment in all fields. The State of Kuwait hasalso signed many international treaties related to the protection andconservation of natural resources. Moreover, Kuwait has set a combinedenvironmental policy in relation to enhancing cooperation and


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coordination with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council throughthe ROPME.

The major achievements in the field of protecting marine resources

Issuing legislations and imposing seasonal ban on shrimp fishing, for aspecific period of time each year, in order to regulate this process, leadto the improvement in shrimp stocks. This was important after thestock reached a dangerous stage of depletion and deterioration. Theimplementation of this policy led to obvious improvement in the stockbased on the positive indicators that are observed every year.

Issuing decisions aiming at regulating fishing practices and thedevelopment of marine resources, fish and shrimp, by providingsufficient periods, for lobsters and fishes, to perform their basicbiological process including reproduction and growth away fromfishing activities. Some of these decisions include banning fishinginside the Kuwait Bay area and around the islands as well as the areaswithin three miles of the coast.

The suspension of issuing new fishing permits. This is considered asone of the significant controlling factors that prevented the overexploitation of environmental and marine resources and the loss oflarge quantities of non-commercial fishes. In addition, protecting thefish stock though controlling and stabilizing the number of fishermen.

Banning finfish fishing by using back drag trawling. The ban resultedin positive results for the marine environment. It reduced the hazardsand problems encountered by benthic marine organisms and coralreefs, which are directly effected through heavy trawling activitiesduring fishing practices/seasons. This decision prevented furtherunintentional shrimp fishing in the nets designed for fish fishing.Furthermore, shrimp fishing was limited only to licensed ships.Therefore, the final environmental impact for the implementation ofthis policy was the prevention of depleting benthic fish and othereconomic/commercial fish as well as protecting the underwaterenvironment and coral reefs.

Carrying-out a policy review and adopting new measures andrecommendations in relation to the types means used in shrimpfishing. These were necessary as a result of the continuous decline anddeterioration of shrimp stock and fishing quantities. This will lead torehabilitate their nursery grounds and their grouping in order toincrease their stock. Many studies related to this phenomenon led toconclusion that the number of ships working in shrimp fishing shouldbe reduced to 75% and 50% for both the craft and commercial fishing


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sectors, respectively. The current indicators show positive results afterapplying these recommendations.

The PAAFR and through collaboration with KISR and the EPA,carried-out a project aiming at conserving and developing pearloysters. This was conducted through a study by KISR. It was based ondata and information collected in relation to pearl oysters harvestingareas as well as determining the quantities of the important andcommercial types and their reproduction season. The authority issuedits first seasonal legislation on banning harvesting oysters for fourmonths in order to regulate such practice. The results were veryencouraging for the marine environment and in particular in regulatingthe exploitation of marine resource.

The ban on using floating nets, nylon type, in fishing. The use of suchmean, lead to the increase in fish mortality and the reduction in fishdevelopment rates. There are many serious attempts by the PAAFR toreplace these nets by other types that are made from special fibres thathave minor effects on the marine environment.

The attempts that are made to designate the southern Kuwaiti islandsi.e. Kubbar, Qarouh, and Um Al-Maradem as protected marine areas.These attempts were thought of due to the fact that they are inhabitedby coastal/marine birds and marine turtles as well as being surroundedwith coral reefs. The islands are also rich in plants.

The main achievements in the field of establishing specialestablishments for environmental protection

The establishment of the Environmental Protection Centre, within theGeneral Department of Shuaiba Industrial Area in 1970. It wasestablished to conduct studies, research, monitor activities in order toprotect the marine environment.

The establishment of Kuwait Municipality (1972) in order to conservethe national wealth. It was followed by the establishment of theEnvironmental Studies Centre within the Department ofEnvironmental Affairs in 1992.

The establishment of KISR to conduct studies and research related toenvironmental pollution (1981).

The establishment of the PAAFR in order to supervise regulate andconserve fishing activities and fishes, respectively (1983).

The law that was issued in 1980 in relation to the establishment of theEnvironment Protection Council (EPC) that was part of the Ministry ofHealth. This law needed plenty of enforcements in order to be


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implemented. As a result, the EPA was later established with judicialauthorities to protect the environment and preserve its resources frompollution i.e. Law Number 21/1995 and its amendment Law Number16/1996. These two laws established the EPA. It is chaired by the FirstDeputy of the Prime Minister. The articles of these laws stated theduties, regulations, and tasks that should be carried-out in order toimplement the environmental protection policy.

Achievements of the Kuwaiti Committee for Voluntary Work

The committee was formed within the activities of the KuwaitiEnvironmental Protection Society (KEPS) in October 2000. It has thefollowing goals:

Removing harmful wastes that are impacting the marine environmentand protecting marine and coastal species.

Incorporating public, government and private efforts to achievecomplete and outstanding voluntary work.

Spreading environmental awareness by showing serious andsignificant examples of voluntary environmental participations withthe different sectors of the society.

Saving financial costs that could have been paid by the government inimplementing projects.

The committee was successful in coordinating voluntary work betweengovernment and private sectors and in performing important activities inthe field of marine environment despite the fact that it was recentlyestablished. This coordination included many establishments such as theMinistry of Interior, the Security Committee of the Ministers Cabinet,Kuwait Municipality, the PAAFR, The Public Authority for Sports andyouths, Kuwait University, Kuwait’s Ports Authority, the Department of Marine Survey in the Ministry of Communication, the GeneralDepartment of Coast Guards, the UNDP, The Waqf Development Fund,Communication and Navigation Institute, Fishermen "Dewanyia" orgathering places, the Martyr’s Office, the Equestrian Club, sports clubs, and the Kuwaiti Diving Team.

As a result of this coordination, many environmental activities wereachieved and completed. These include:

Participating in beach rehabilitation and the removal of 20 sunkmarine ships and 90 tons of sunken nets, waste, and debris fromOshairij beach in Al-Doha Area.

Cleaning Al-Seef "Nega'a" or marina and the removal of sunken boatsand 40 tons of nets and sunken wastes.


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The removal of wastes and ships from "Al-sager Nega'a".

Carrying-out a comprehensive survey for the "Removal of Ships andSunken Boats at Kuwait University Coast near by Shuwaikh PortProject".

The removal of sunken nets, wastes, and debris from Al-Khiran BoatRamps, a total of 21 tons.

The removal of Iraqi sunken ships from the Al-Subbiya coast, one-month operation that are weighing 300 ton as well as removing 5military boats weighing 40 tons.

Organizing two marine tours for various government and volunteeringestablishments and groups working the field of marine environment inorder to witness the efforts put forth to remove the sunken ships fromKuwait’s Bay and to witness the PAAFR efforts to protect the fisheries resources.

Organizing a trip to Oshairij Island location to witness theenvironmental damage in the island and to support recommendation tomake the island a natural protected area.

Plate 10-1 Cleaning activity for a coastal ecosystem.

Many environmental protection projects are organized within the youths'sector. In addition, the establishment of the "Friends of the EnvironmentTeams" in many youth centres. Also, organizing many environmentalprotection volunteer weeks.


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10-3 Marine and Coastal environment sector issues

The discovery of oil during the Forties led to the concentration ofconstruction and industrial activities and population along the coastline ofKuwait. This in turn has lead to the creation of new circumstances thatdirectly affected the existing environmental balance in the coastal andmarine environment of Kuwait. There are many factors that lead to suchsituation. The following explain the main environmental issues that arefacing the marine and coastal environment of Kuwait:

10-3-1 Issues related to the pollution of coastal waters

In Kuwait, there are three water resources i.e. seawater, ground water,and sanitary and industrial waste water. Seawater is the main source ofdrinking water, in Kuwait, after being desalinated in the desalinationstations. The pollution of coastal waters is considered one of the mostdifficult problems facing workers in the desalination and distillationplants due to its effects on the quality of the drinking water. The mainissues related to the pollution of coastal water are many. These includethe following:

The issue of oil pollution from oil industries

The Arabian Gulf area, in general, and Kuwait in particular are facingdangerous oil pollution problems due to the fact that most of the oilindustries stretch alongside the coastal area. Many of them rely on oilrefining industries, in addition, to power and water production stations.These industrial activities initiated adverse impacts on the marineenvironment because portions of the industrial pollutants are beingdischarged, directly or indirectly, to the sea. The absence of strictmonitoring on such industrial industries and installations are increasingtheir negative effects on the marine and coastal environment.

The issue of oil pollution from marine navigation activities

The Arabian Gulf is considered a very important waterway in whichthousands of ships and marine transport means pass every year. There are26 oil ports and 20-30 oil tankers that pass through the Strait of Hormuzeveryday. These transportation means affect the marine and coastalenvironment. The dangers are represented by the following sources:

The possibilities of oil spillage during shipping and transportation.

The possibilities of accidents that may occur to large oil tankers.


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Fig. 10-1 Oil spills volumes in b/y.


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Fig. 10-2 Storm and cooling water discharges in Kuwait Bay.


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Disposal of ballast water. This is used to balance the empty oiltankers. The water is then disposed of when the tankers reach theshipping ports. The ballast water contains oil residues that can pollutethe waters of the marine environment that are near by ports and coastalwaters.

The issue of oil pollution that is caused by wars and regional conflicts

The wars and regional conflicts that occurred in the region threatened themarine environment. The beginning was with the Iraq-Iran war, in whicha new type of war affairs were used i.e. the war of attacking oil tankersand the destruction of the oil fields. Then the violations of the Iraqiregime, during the invasion of Kuwait, when it spilled millions of tons(i.e. more than 10 million barrels of oil) into the Arabian Gulf.

The issue of pollution by trace metals

Trace metals are considered as major environmental pollutants. Thesemetals are extremely hazardous to marine living species. Some scientificstudies showed that there are high concentration levels of such metals inthe waters of Kuwait marine environment. Some of these metals arecopper, nickel, lead, cadmium, and mercury.

The issue of thermal pollution

Industrial installations and facilities such as power generation stations,and oil refineries need seawater for cooling purposes. Such cooling wateris used for a predefined period of time and then is discharged back intothe sea. The discharged cooling water is high in temperature. It can causegreat damage and deterioration to the coastal environment and marine lifeliving within the impacted area. This is because of the high temperatureassociated with these waters compared to the receiving body water aswell as the contents of such water.

The contents of these waters have high concentrations of heavy metalsand salts that increase the chemical reactions in the tissue of the faunaand flora of the marine environment as well as increasing the growth ofharmful algae. In addition, the reduction of the level of dissolved oxygenin water. The result is endangering the life of marine organisms. One ofthe direct impacts resulting from the increase in water temperature is thechange in the average nutrition transfer. It causes deaths to marineorganisms and negatively affecting sustainable development. Therefore,there is a great need to prevent such kinds of thermal pollution.

The issue of sanitary wastewater pollution

With the increase in the numbers of the population and constructiondevelopment in Kuwait, the quantities of sanitary wastewater also


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Fig. 10-3 Sanitary wastewater treatments stations and outlets in theState of Kuwait.


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Plate 10-2 Fish kill near Kuwait Towers' coastline.


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increased. It reached 70% of the total drinking water that it is beingconsumed. These two types of water generation and consumption i.e.sanitary and drinking waters are increasing every year. Drinking waterconsumption is estimated to be 130 million gallons/day.

However, sanitary wastewater generation for the same quantity ofdrinking water reached up to 90 million gallons/day. All areas in Kuwaitare connected to sewage network systems that transfer sanitarywastewater to modern sanitary wastewater treatment stations. In spite ofthe presence of such system, there are still many environmental problemsthat could occur due to increase in hydraulic loads on lifting stations. Thisis leading to diverting excess sanitary wastewater and discharging it backinto the marine environment without being treated. The estimated volumeof sanitary wastewater disposed of into the sea without treatment is 4million gallon/day.

This situation is leading to the pollution of the marine environment due tothe contents of such water as it may contain human wastes contaminatedwith organic materials that can contain contagious coliform bacteria. Suchpathogens could result in many epidemics that affect human health ifdisposed of into water resources without treatment. The disposal ofuntreated sanitary wastewater into the marine environment can lead to thetransformation of organic materials into inorganic by micro-organisms,through degradation, that are present in such environment, thus,consuming the dissolved oxygen. This can cause the presence of lowdissolved oxygen in the water and consequently killing fish (the Red Tidephenomena).

The issue of pollution by chemical substances

There are some chemical substances that are used in various industrialprocesses that can reach seawater by one way or another. Thesesubstances include pesticides, which are the most hazardous, and canreach the sea through ground water. Other substances include sterilizingagents such as chlorine that passes through cooling pipes in industrialinstallations in order to prevent the growth of algae and fungus. There arealso chemical fertilizers, phosphoric salts that could reach the sea directlyfrom factories. Some oil tankers discharge, intentionally or accidentally,some chemical pollutants. The increase in the concentrations of thesechemical substances in the sea will eventually lead to environmentalunbalance through the increase of pollutants that would damageenvironmental elements. This will result in the loss of some plants of themarine environment and thus reducing plants diversity. This willultimately lead to affecting some food chains.


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The issue of Kuwait Bay pollution and fish kill

Kuwait Bay is considered, naturally, as a sedimentation area. Its shallowwaters are very suitable environment for nursing many fish and theirlarvae, and shrimps, especially at its northern and western coasts. Thewater circulation direction in Kuwait Bay is counter clockwise. There arealso currents in its eastern zone, clock wise, a Khadma Bay. The bay issuffering from serious pollution as a result of the increase in the numbersof the population. In addition, the increase in discharging sanitarywastewater, treated and untreated, construction and civil activities, powergeneration and water production, seaports, industrial installations, oilexport activities and ballast water.

These factors have all lead to the loss of the environmental balance inKuwait Bay and lead to the mortality of mullets through a fish killphenomena during August and September of 2001. The total quantity oflost fish reached 2600 tons. Later, experts were invited, three English,three Japanese, one from the International Committee for Oceans, Onefrom UNEP, and some from the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arableague in order to follow up on this phenomenon. They concluded that thereason for this phenomenon was related to streptococcus bacteria. Theexperts disregarding the idea that chemical substances were the possiblecause.

Kuwait Bay suffers from harsh environmental stress along its coasts. Thislead to the increase in the environmental load and consequently lost itsenvironmental balance. This is due to the fact the bay received variouskinds of direct and indirect pollutants and wastes generated from treatedand untreated sanitary wastewater. In addition, industrial wastewater frompower and water desalination stations, discharge from ports, harbours andsmall boats marina and wastes from fishing traps "Hadra". The bay, also,received polluted waters from mariculturing farms, illegal connectionwith stormwater network, ballast water, oil spills. Other pollutants arebrought into Kuwait Bay by the northern water currents as a result of theact of drying the southern marshes of Iraq by the current the Iraqi regime.

These factors and their consequences contributed to the loss of KuwaitBay balance and immunity, making it vulnerable to any change in theatmospheric or oceanographic conditions. For example, on the 10th ofAugust, 2001 the temperature increased above its normal average/range.The seawater temperature reached 35-36 degrees Celsius. It wascombined with high relative humidity that reached as high as 97% and theday before it reached 90%. However, it declined to 70% on the 11th ofAugust 2001. It was, also, noticed the decline in the contents and levels ofdissolved oxygen in the seawater.


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The level of nutrients was also tremendously high. In addition, there wasa calm weather and water conditions, weakness in deep currents that areparallel to the coastline, as well as the absence of waves. It was, also,observed that there is an increase in the level of turbidity in the watercolumn during the movement of water during the low and high tide. Allthese factors caused a stress on the mullets, reduced their immunity andmaking them more vulnerable to the streptococcus bacteria andconsequently lead to a fish kill.

Sources of streptococcus bacteria

Scientific research and studies shows that the possible sources of suchbacteria in the seawater are the following:

Sanitary wastewater.

Mariculture farms.

Feedstock, wastes, for poultry, fish, and cattle.

Oil tankers’ ballast water.

Commercial ships, especially the ones that transport cattle and poultry.

Discharging hospital wastes into the sea.

Swamps and still waters.

Natural drainage from rain fall-out and stormwater culverts/outlets.

Streptococcus bacteria could have, also, been originally found in themarine area and in the bottom sediments; and the current environmentalcircumstances as well as the mortality of fish lead to the spread of suchbacteria within the bay. The bacteria might also had been transmitted byfish i.e. originally in the fish it self, before entering the bay. It alsoappeared in the Bay due to the oceanographic circumstances.

10-3-2 The issue of the violating the sound use of the coastline

Human beings activities, whether in terms of development activities,tourism, or commercial fields, affect the natural balance of Kuwait'scoastline. There are several and important issues related to the illegal useof such significant coastal strip. These include the following:

The issue of building sea slipways

Sea slipways are man made structures that have great and obvious impacton sediments movement. Slipways obstruct the movements of sedimentsdue to the effect of sea currents that are parallel to the coastline. Thissituation is leading to the accumulation/accretion of portions of thesemarine sediments on one side of the slipways and the decline ofsediments on the other side. Eventually, this will cause the coastline and


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in large parts to be eroded or drawn back and, consequently, leading todeterioration of its natural balance.

The issue of the spread of Niqa'as "Small Boats Harbours"

These are coastal structures that are erected in the high and low tide areas.Such structures can have negative effects on sediments movements andwaves due to the morphological changes they make on the coastline.Local people use these structures as designated sites for their boats inorder to protect them from sea currents and waves. Most of thesestructures were built using concrete and other construction wastes thatvary in shapes, but mostly they are circular or rectangular.

The issue of beaches reclamation and landfill

Random landfill is one of the most hazardous negative issues that canpollute the coastal environment and endangering its balance. This randomlandfill, by construction wastes i.e. reinforced concrete, steel, othercemented materials, and sands are affecting the food chain of theintertidal zone. There are many locations that were landfilled by manygovernment establishments in order to construct and build industrial,development, and recreational projects. Also, to protect installations androads that are parallel to the coast; this was carried-out by usingconstruction wastes. Waves and sea currents helped in disclosing thecontents of these landfilled areas, making it unpleasant to view by thepublic.

The issue of constructing concrete barriers

Large quantities of concrete blocks are being used as barriers betweenreal estates owned by different citizens. These blocks are also used toprotect their properties from sea waves and currents causing manynegative impacts on the beach balance by accumulating large quantitiesof sediments. They also can lead to the deterioration of the beach after acertain period of time. The longest vertical concrete block on thecoastline is ranging between 200 to 350 meters.

The issue of erecting cement walls

These are walls that are erected by people to protect their sea chalets fromwaves and to conserve the sediments in front of their chalets. Most ofthese walls are designed in vertical shapes along the coastline or tilted toabsorb the force and the forward movements of the waves. The totallengths of these walls along the coastline can reach 46 km. In general,these walls were not designed properly making them inefficient and weakstructures in facing natural changes.

The issue of removing coastal rock the transfer of beach sands


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There are still some people who are unaware of the importance of marinesand/sediments and rocks of the intertidal zone for marine organisms thatlive in such sensitive areas. Many people still remove rocks and sands inorder to be transferred to the sea chalets to be used for interior decorationor renovation purposes. Some times, the purpose could be to leveling upthe ground to make it suitable for swimming. The continuation of suchactivities might/can lead to the elimination of groups of marine speciesthat live in the intertidal zone due to the disturbance of their living andreproduction habitats. In addition, the process of transferring beach sandand rocks for construction purposes will damage the areas facing thebeach. The estimated quantities of beach sands that are being transferredis about thousands of cubic meters/year. This requires a comprehensivestudy to investigate the dimensions and negative impacts of such activityon the marine environment.

The issue of wave breakers

Wave breakers are hydrodynamically engineered designs and structuresthat are constructed on the intertidal zone. These wave breakers areconstructed in order to protect coastal installations and facilities from thedestructives energies of waves. Wave breakers tend to absorb the wave/senergy while it approaches the coast. However, some times these breakersare designed without considering environmental conditions and changesand consequently would have adverse impacts on surrounding coastalareas. Most of these breakers were built using construction wastes andwere designed in an improper way making them inefficient and weak.

The issue of piers and wooden and metal facilities/installations

Piers can be built on wooden or cement foundations with lengths rangingfrom 200 to 300 meters. However, the wooden and metal installations arebuilt on high foundations i.e. about 2 to 3 meters in height above the sealevel. There are various types of such installations. They differ in terms oftheir sizes, dimensions, locations and their built area that can range from100-150 square meters. In general, most of these installations are built onthe areas of the high tide; therefore, they tend to have no direct impact onthe balance and the movement of marine sediments. However, theunorganized construction and spread of these installations along thecoastline are negatively impacting the marine environment.

10-3-3 The issue of fisheries resources depletion

There are indicators that show that the fishery resources are beingdepleted i.e. there is a continuous decline in fish or shrimp stock that wasnoticed in many years and reached to low levels in comparison toprevious fishing rates. Other indicators include the sizes of the fishes


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Fig. 10-4 Water current movement during a 24 hour in the State ofKuwait marine environment.


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Fig. 10-5 Water current movement during a low tide cycle.


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captured. The fishes are becoming smaller than before. In addition, theabsence of large size fishes in comparison to the previous fishing rates.

10-3-4 The issue of absence of environmental awareness

Lack of environmental awareness is one of the challenges that face themarine and coastal environment sector in the State of Kuwait. Wrongpractices and the inappropriate use of environmental resources, lead tothe deterioration of the water quality; the depletion of marine resources. Itis mainly attributed to incompliance with environmental laws andlegislations as well as the lack in environmental awareness amongcitizens and residents. The absence of environmental awareness inKuwait towards issues related to the conservation of marine and coastalenvironments requires great efforts at the national level.

10-3-5 Issues related to environmental laws and legislations

The full incompliance with laws and legislations, related to theprotection of the marine and coastal environment, by somegovernmental and non-governmental establishments.

The unclear and undefined specifications and conditions within thelaws and legislations related to coastal and marine environment. Mostof these laws and legislations do not clearly indicate the mandatorystandards, limits but tend to urge the concerned establishments toadopt general basis and means to conserve the environment.

10-3-6 Institutional issues

Undefined policies and improper distribution of duties andresponsibilities’given to the various environmental authorities. Thisleads to conflicts and interference between policies and responsibilitiesof the different authorities within the government ministries andinstitutions.

Lack of continuous monitoring and absence of an auditing system frothe environmental authorities to ensure the authorities perform theirduties as expected.

10-3-7 Economic and financial issues

Lack of financial support required to implement major projectsconcerned with some of the environmental problems facing this sectore.g. constructing a sanitary wastewater treatment station in Al-Sulaibiya to overcome the shortage in the capacity of the existingstations. This situation leads to the direct discharge of untreatedsanitary wastewater to the sea.

Lack of financial support to maintain and renew sanitary wastewatersystem networks and their associated main pumping stations. This is


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required to avoid sudden technical or mechanical failures that couldlead to the discharge of untreated sanitary wastewater directly into thesea.

Lack of sufficient financial support for research on fish mariculturingand studies related to the marine environment.

10-4 Reasons that caused the deterioration of the marine and coastalenvironment

Over the years, Kuwait marine environment has been influenced by thesurrounding economic, cultural, and social changes. The pre-oil economyrelied on fishing, pearl diving, and trade. The daily activities weresuitable to conserve the natural environment at that time because of thelimited number of the population living in Kuwait. However, after thediscovery of oil in the Forties, the number of the population anddevelopment projects increased and radical economic changes hadoccurred.

Population activities were concentrated on coastal areas. Manycommercial and oil ports as well as power and desalination plants wereconstructed and sanitary and storm water networks were installed. Allthese factors contributed to the creation of new conditions that directlyimpacted the existing environmental balance of the Kuwaiti marineenvironment.

10-4-1 Reasons for the deterioration of coastal water quality

The results of the continuous field measurements, conducted by theEnvironmental Public Authority to monitor coastal waters quality,showed a noticeable increase in the levels of harmful pollutants in theregional waters of Kuwait. The following are some of the observationsand causes:

Regional wars and conflicts

In 1990-1991, the Kuwaiti marine environment was subjected to theworst crisis and stresses that man has ever known. The Iraqi regimeinvaded Kuwait and destroyed the Kuwait marine environment; theseactions included:

Unloading of shipments of five oil tankers ducked at Al-Ahmadi portdirectly into the coastal waters (about 500 thousands tons).

Spilling 1,100 thousands tons of oil by opening the oil valves at theartificial island located 12 km from the coast of Al-Ahmadi Port.

Oil from oil tanks, tankers, and refineries was spilled into the marineenvironment during and after the invasion.


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Placing marine and landmines along the Kuwaiti coast. This lead tothe disintegration and weakening of the coastal sediments during thedetonation operations after the liberation of Kuwait.

Digging trenches filled with crude oil and erecting fences along thecoast in order to prepare for the war from the seaside.

Due to the fact that water circulation between the Gulf waters and theIndian Ocean is weak (it is considered a semi closed environment), theharmful impacts will persist for tens of years and will not be easilyeliminated.

Disposing untreated sewage waters into the sea

The measured levels of the total coliform, the coliform and other types ofbacteria were much higher than the allowable levels for sea waters set bythe international standards. The presence of these types of bacteriaindicates that the coastal waters are contaminated with sewage water dueto the following reasons:

The sewage wastewater treatment plants (Rigga, Ardiya, and Jahra)receive volumes of sewage water exceeding their designatedcapacities. This results in the discharge of excessive amounts ofuntreated water directly into the sea through the outlets distributedacross the coast. For example, the installed capacity for ArdiyaTreatment Plant is about 150,000 m3/day, but currently receives morethan 170,000 m3/day. The difference is being discharged withouttreatment into the sea through the emergency outlets between KuwaitUniversity (Shuwaikh) and Shuwaikh Port.

In the event of mechanical or other technical failures in the sewagenetwork or treatment plants, the main pumping stations directlydischarge sewage waters into the sea without treatment through theemergency outlets.

The direct discharge of untreated sewage waters for some residentialconstructions, private chalets, and industrial areas into the stormwaterdrainage network to be discharged into the sea through outlets.

The estimated quantities of untreated sewage waters discharged intothe sea are around 15% of the total sewage water quantities in Kuwait.For example, if the total sewage water quantity is about 90 milliongallons a day, the average quantities of untreated sewage waterdischarged into the sea is around 13 million gallons per day.

The increase in the primary nutrient levels for phytoplanktons(nitrogen compounds, phosphorous, and silicate) causes reduction indissolved oxygen in water and the spread of algae. Recently, Kuwait


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suffered from the Red Tide phenomenon and the loss of enormousquantities of fish, especially small sized fish (Mullet).

Oil spills and ship wastes

The Kuwaiti regional waters are being polluted with petroleumhydrocarbon substances, of high concentrations especially in MinaAbdullah Port and medium concentrations in Shuwaikh Port). The levelof oil pollution in the Arabian Gulf waters is among the highest in theworld. The high pollution level in the Kuwaiti regional waters can beattributed to the following reasons:

Oil spills during the oil exporting process in Kuwait oil ports (Al-Ahmadi, Shuaiba, Abdulla, and Al-Zur).

The disposal of engines’oil and grease wastes from tankers and ships,directly into the sea without being monitored.

The disposal of untreated liquid oil wastes from the industrial areas inDoha, Shuwaikh, and Shuaiba into the sewage and stormwaterdrainage network. This was proven by the large concentrations of oilin the sewage waters reaching the treatment plants. This also provesthat large quantities of such oils reach the sea through the stormwaterdrainage network.

The disposal of ballast waters from the oil tankers directly into the seaand the absence of onboard treatment plants for balancing waters andreception facilities at the Kuwaiti oil terminals.

Oil spills from sea accidents from oil tankers and pipelines.

The disposal of untreated industrial sewage waters into the sea

The contamination of the Kuwaiti regional waters with trace metalssuch as copper (high concentration levels) and Nickel (mediumconcentration levels) compared with international standards for salineseawaters. This could be attributed to the following reasons:

The disposal of untreated outlet waters from petrochemical industriesas well as cooling waters from power stations that include traces ofmetals contents.

The spillage of oil from commercial and fishing ships, private boats,and ship building pools.

10-4-2 Reasons for the deterioration of the reproduction capacities ofmarine species

The coastal waters of Kuwait are characterized by high temperatures,shallowness, and high salinity due to high evaporation rates and lack ofsurface waters drainage into the sea. They are also characterized by


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relatively high productivity caused by the availability of nearby riversoutlets in the north of the Arabian Gulf such as Shat Al-Arab, and theassociated organic and inorganic sediments, silts and dissolved matter.These characteristics made the area one of the most diverse and rich areasin marine species with relatively high sensitivity in terms of the effects ofpollutants on the economic and urban development in the area. Thediscoveryof oil in the Gulf region to become one of the world’s leading areas in oil industry makes the region more vulnerable to oil pollution andthus intensifying the problem. The increasing demand for new lands nearthe coast created another pollution problem caused by landfill and solidwastes from residential, industrial, recreational, and commercialdevelopment activities. The decline in productivity capacities of marineorganisms could be attributed to the following reasons:

The destruction of the nursing grounds of marine species, such as fishand shrimp, by the random landfill of the intertidal zones for“development” projects.

The increase in the number of unlicensed fishing boats and theweakness of the inspection and penalty systems.

Incompliance with the decisions banning commercial fishing inKuwait Bay and for 3 miles offshore.

Incompliance with the decision banning shrimp fishing duringreproduction seasons (March to September) every year.

The sharp increase in fishing some popular types of fish such asPomfret.

The use of nets as fishing tools by some fishermen. This method isprohibited because of its ability of capturing large amounts of fish inlittle time compared with other methods.

The irrational fishing practices and lack of monitoring system onfishing methods and the catch size permitted for each type of fish.

The shortage in local fish supply increased their prices and henceencouraging fishermen to increase their catch. This will lead to theexploitation of fish reserves.

The large increase in consumption due to population growth.

The decrease in the size of pearl oysters leads to the decrease of thesizes of commercial pearls. This is caused by the incompliance withthe Decision banning harvesting oysters during specified periods,starting from beginning of November until the end of April of everyyear.


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The adverse impact of thermal pollution caused by cooling waterdischarged into the sea from power stations (Doha, Shuaiba, Al-Zur,Shuwaikh, and Subbiya).

The leakage of Chlorine into the sea during the disinfection process ofseawater in the desalination plants (Doha, Shuaiba, Al-Zur, Shuwaikh,and Subbiya). Chlorine then combines with organic pollutants in theenvironment to form Hydrochlorocarbon compounds, which are highlytoxic and harmful to the marine organisms.

The increasing levels of organic pollutants, petroleum hydrocarbonscompounds, and tracemetals in seawater decreased fish productivityand fish reserves.

The reduction in fresh water flow from the north, which usuallyincludes primary matter and nutrients (e.g. nitrates and phosphates)resulting from the different activities such as building dams and thedraining of the marshlands.

10-4-3 Issues of concern related to violations to the coastal line

The coastal areas in Kuwait, like any other coastal area, are considered anintegral part of the environment. They are in a dynamic equilibriuminfluenced by natural factors until man intervenes with various projectsthus changing the natural balance. This interference can be direct, such asbuilding ports, power stations, recreational areas, and residential areas. Itcan also be indirect through the exploitation of resources such as off-shore oil exploration and production, pumping ground water or otherprojects that adversely affect the environment.

The violation to coasts is one of the important factors that lead to thedestruction of the natural coastal environment. They inflect severedamages to the coastal balance. In Kuwait, many environmental problemsresulted from this practice. These include:

The change in speed and directions of the sea currents impacts therates and directions of sediments resulting in the loss of environmentalbalance for the coast and causing erosion and accretion of beaches.

Draw backs of coastal areas, due to erosion, towards the existingcoastal developments and leading to the destabilizing of the beachsediment and affecting buildings.

Some beaches extended towards the sea, which is caused by accretionprocesses leading to the reduction in the water depths. This affects theinlets of power and water desalination stations, as well as ports andnavigation channels leading to the increase in maintenance costs andreduction in the efficiency operations.


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Losing the overall coastal balance due to erosion and accretion of thebeaches, which leads to the destruction of nursing grounds of fish.

The increasing problem of violations to coasts and disturbance of coastalbalance in the previous years are also caused by the following:

Random landfill and reclamation using sand and construction wastesalong the coast to expand the front beaches of the private chalet.Examples can be seen in the southern coast of Kuwait.

Some private chalet owners built their own private ports or slipwaysusing construction wastes.

The removal of beach rocks from beaches in front of some privatechalet for aesthetic reasons and improve accessibility to the beach.

Erecting concrete barriers to maintain the privacy for the chalets.

The random erection of concrete or rock slipways extending from thehigh tide level to the low tide level in order to launch boats at anywater level. This impedes the movement of the sediments along thecoast, leading to accretion on one side of the slipways and erosion ofthe other. The random distribution of these slipways and the impactson sedimentation can be detected by aerial photographs and satelliteimages.

The implementation of coastal development projects withoutconducting environmental studies to avoid the adverse impacts on theenvironment. Although some environmental studies were conductedfor some projects, they only consider the short-term effects on theproject area and disregard the long-term impacts on the entire coast.

Some authorities protect their own space without regarding thenegative impacts on other areas. An examples of this practice isillustrated as follows:

A barrier was built, for tens of meters on the northern side of “Khor Al-Mefateh” (Open Inlet) in Al-Khiran resort area to prevent theentrance of sediments (beach sands) inside the bay. This impeded thetransfer of sediments in front of Al-Khiran area and thus resulting insedimentation in front of the barrier (northern side of the Inlet)accompanied by erosion on the other side of the barrier (the southernside of the Inlet). The erosion process resulted in more threats to thefoundations and structures of the chalets in the area to the extent offalling. This has forced the owners of these chalets to use their ownoutdated protection methods. The continuation of accretion in front ofthe barrier and erosion on the other side resulted on massivesedimentation.


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The example shows that such practices not only did not solve theproblem, but also resulted in more deterioration and damage to the beachprofile. It also increased the distance from some of the Khiran chalets(those located on northern side of the Inlet) to the sea and reducing thedistance, and threatening the structures, of others (those located at thesouthern side of the bay) from the sea.

10-4-4 The reasons for the lack of environmental awareness

Environmental awareness has become one of the important challengesfacing our world today. Success in these efforts will create a positivegenerations whereas failure will result in adverse consequences.Education, awareness, and media play very important role inenhancement of the positive attitudes towards the environment andeliminate or reduce harm caused by the irrational exploitation ofenvironmental resources. To achieve effective environmental awarenessprogrammes, three main components must be integrated: environmentaleducation, environmental awareness, and environmental information.Environmental education builds political, technical, economic, andscientific capacities capable of coping with various environmentalproblems. Environmental awareness creates public awareness, usuallydirected towards both the public and educated people, whereasenvironmental information and media include all segments.

In Kuwait, all environmental awareness efforts focus on the first type,which is the environmental education. The absence of environmentalawareness and information led to the absence of the general awareness onenvironmental issues.

10-4-5 Issues of concern related to the incompliance withenvironmental laws

Absence of jurisdiction to the concerned staff that allows them toimplement the existing environmental laws and legislations of thevarious related authorities such as the Public Authority for Agricultureand Fisheries Resources, Kuwait Municipality, and the EnvironmentPublic Authority. All of these institutions work to conserve the marineand coastal environments.

Leniency in prosecuting violators to the marine and coastalenvironment protection laws and legislations.

Absence of deterring and forceful legal punishment for violators of themarine and coastal environment protection laws and legislations.


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10-5 Recommended solutions

10-5-1 Recommended solutions to prevent deterioration of coastalwaters quality

Technical and regulating measures

Applying strict monitoring procedures by Kuwait Municipality andthe Ministry of Trade and Industry, regarding the implementation oflaws, regulations, and decisions related to the conservation of thecoastal water quality and the impact of various installations(constructional, residential, sewage system, industrial and industrialsewage waters).

The coordination between the Ministry of Oil and the Kuwait PortAuthority to prepare technical and practical solutions to limit oil spillsduring loading of exported oil via oil export piers.

The coordination between the Ministry of Oil and The Public FireDepartment to prepare an emergency response plan to control oil spillscaused by sea accidents from oil tankers and pipelines.

The coordination between the Ministry of Oil and the Kuwaiti PortAuthority to provide treatment facilities for the ballast waters on allKuwaiti oil piers (Al-Ahmadi, Shuaiba, Abdulla, and Al-Zur).

The coordination between the Ministry of Electricity and Water andthe Ministry of Trade and Industry in preparing technical and practicalsolutions to limit the leak of chlorine and metal contaminants frompower stations and cooling waters of different industries.

The coordination between the Ministry of Oil, The EnvironmentalPublic Authority, and the Ministry of Electricity and Water to put andregulate all offshore exploration operations under control in order toreduce pollution resulting from these operations.


Speeding the approval and issuance of regulations related to theestablishment of the Environmental Public Authority regarding thestandards and specifications suitable for the State of Kuwait.

Forcing ships and tankers to implement law No. 12/1964 and itsamendments (105/1976 and 1/1980) regarding the prohibiting ofpolluting navigation waters with oil.

Reactivation of the political regional role through the RegionalOrganization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME)to force member countries to comply with The Kuwait RegionalAgreement for the Protection of the Marine Environment from


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Pollution and the Protocol concerning the regional cooperation incontrolling pollution by oil and other harmful substances.

Reactivating the international and regional political role in applyingthe United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in order to limitthe draining of the marshlands and the building of dams in the northcountries.

Economic measures

Providing financial support needed to execute important projects thataids in the preservation of water quality such as sewage watertreatment plants (Sulaibiya) to overcome the problem resulting fromshortage of capacity of the existing plant and the construction ofballast water treatment facilities.

Providing financial support for the maintenance and renewal ofsewage networks and main pumping stations to avoid any futurefailures that will lead to the disposal of untreated sewage watersdirectly into the sea.

10-5-2 Recommended solutions to limit the deterioration of thereproduction capacities of the marine species


The Public authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources has animportant role in monitoring and regulating fishing operations in order toensure the development of fisheries resources and discontinue thedepletion of fish reserves. Therefore, the authority is recommended totake the following actions:

Increasing the marine patrolling and inspection on fishermen to ensurethe implementation of the laws issued by the authority regarding theprotection of the fisheries resources.

Using new technologies in monitoring violators of laws related tofisheries resources protection.

Enhancing the natural reserve of shrimp and economic fish by keepinglarvae in designated ponds

Expanding in establishing artificial reefs to enrich the different typesand quantities of commercially economic fish.

Limiting the overexploitation of fish resources by controlling shrimptrawling activities to prevent side-catching using modern technologies.Identifying the number of amateur fishermen as well as settingregulations to protect fisheries resources from amateurs.


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Preparing a clear vision for fish mariculturing as a source for theproduction of fresh fish. Also, regulations should be set to limit theincrease of pollutants within the fish farm zones. This could beachieved through research and studies to determine the best productionmethod. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research can also assist inthese studies. It should also be emphasized that the levels of theenvironmental impact assessment should be improved, regarding fishmariculturing.

Limiting the increasing stress on harvesting pearl oysters andencouraging their mariculture.

Preparing survey maps that shows the distribution and productioncapacities of the different marine species in the regional Kuwaitiwaters. These maps could be used for the environmental impactassessment studies related to coastal development projects.

Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, in collaboration with the PublicAuthority for Applied Education and Training, should perform thefollowing research activities:

The general direction should be towards regulating and the protectionof the marine environment through conducting studies and researchesaimed at preparing these regulations.

Studies and research activities related to determining the best methodsand quantities of fish allowed for each licensee. In addition to thedetermination of the allowable sizes of fish that could be caught.

Studying the possibility of improving the current fishing methodsaccording to regulations of the fishing procedures, such as thedevelopment of “Gargour” to reduce the possibility of losing it in the sea and reducing the quantities of small fish captured.

Kuwait Municipality should play a bigger role in preserving Kuwaiticoasts, especially in the Kuwait Bay zone because it represents an areafor fish and shrimp nurseries. The municipality should also have a biggerrole in the conservation of the coral reefs in the islands of Kubbar,Qarouh, and Um Al-Maradem to conserve the habitat of many marinespecies such as turtles, fish, sea urchins and algae.

The Ministry of Planning, in collaboration with the Ministry of ForeignAffairs, should coordinate with other Gulf Cooperation Council countriesto encourage fishing in the countries that have the bigger marine zonesand fish reserves such as the Sultanate of Oman. They should focus onfish mariculture in other countries such as Kuwait, where the maincapabilities for this activity exists.


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Measures for the protection of Kuwait Bay and its fisheries resources

Working to prohibit the discharge of treated and untreated sewagewaters in the Bay.

Regular check on the fish safety, feedstock, and bottom sediments inof the mariculturing farms to ensure the absence of harmful bacteria.

Banning trawl fishing in the Bay to limit the dispersion of sedimentsin the water column and the increase in dissolved oxygen demand.

Ensuring that wastewaters from oil and desalination plants are notdischarged into the sea even in case of emergencies.

Re-evaluating the proposed future development projects on the coastof Kuwait Bay.

Working to solve the problem of Al-Ghazali and other outlets, whichdischarges waste water into Kuwait Bay. Sunken ships in Shuwaikhcoast and north of the Bay should also be removed.

Urging research authorities to conduct necessary studies to protectKuwait Bay.

Establishing a specialized center in the field of fish diseases as well asbuilding capacities.

Improving water circulation in the Bay.

Raising environmental awareness of citizens and residents about theimportance of Kuwait’s Bay environment.

Assessing the mariculturing and fish traps sites.

Preparing a strategy and action plans to rehabilitate the bay.


Issuing legislations that aims at the gradual implementation ofconservation of fish reserves and marine species. This can be done bybanning fishing during reproduction seasons. Similar actions weretaking such as regulating shrimp fishing inside the regional waters.

Reviewing and amending the existing laws related to the protection ofthe fisheries resources in order to suit the current situation. A newlegislation could also be issued containing all other decisions related tothe regulation of fisheries resources, which then becomes a reference.

Revise legislations so they include deterring fines for ships that do notcomply with rules regulating fishing procedures.

Speeding the process of issuing a legislation to preserve coral reefsislands and convert them to reserves.


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Economic measures

Providing financial support for the mariculturing researches as aresource of fresh fish.

Providing financial assistance for studies and researches related to themarine environment in order to identify the effects of local andregional human activities on the marine ecology.

10-5-3 Proposed solutions to cope with the effects of illegal use of thecoastal line


Kuwait municipality has a primary role in controlling activities that couldresult in the unbalance of the coastal environment. Therefore, thefollowing actions could be taken by the municipality:

Greening and landscaping the coastal line by planting mangrovesplants, especially in areas in which erosion causes major problems tothe coastal balance. Mangrove plants can provide reasonableprotection against waves and helps the accumulation of sediments.

Increasing the monitoring actions on all activities that impede themovement of sea currents and the sedimentation.

Mandating comprehensive environmental impact assessment studiesbefore permitting the establishment of any coastal developmentprojects. These studies should include the environmental impactduring and after the construction phase, short and long-termenvironmental impacts.

The use of the available technical capabilities of the Kuwait Institutefor Scientific Research in conducting environmental studies for coastalprojects.

Supporting the establishment of a center for training staff specializedin environmental pollution control. This center is run by the PublicAuthority for Applied Education and Training. Also, human andlogistical capabilities of the coast guards- Ministry of Interior can beutilized in this field.


Revised the legislations so they include deterring penalties againstactivities that cause harm to the Kuwaiti coasts.

Issuing new legislations stating that environmental studies must beperformed for coastal development projects as a precondition for theissuance of permits and approvals.


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10-5-4 Proposed solutions for sustainable development


Forming a high committee for the marine and coastal environment,supervised by the Environmental Public Authority that includesrepresentatives of all governmental ministries, authorities, and institutionsthat invest or work in the field of marine and coastal environmentalprotection. This committee must include decision makers and specialistsin the environmental field and should have the following tasks:

Identifying policies and distributing the tasks, responsibilities, andauthorities for every environmental authority, based on theirspecializations. This will prevent interference and conflict betweenthese authorities.

Continuous follow up of the performance of the various environmentalauthorities in order to verify the implementation of assigned tasks aswell as determining auditing procedures for these institutions andauthorities.

Integrated planning for the management of the coastal areas in order toensure that coastal development is done based on sound scientific andenvironmental principles.

The Environment Public Authority should form a technical teamspecialized in the marine and coastal environment and has the followingduties:

Technical follow up on the performance of different environmentalauthorities in implementing the tasks assigned by the higherenvironmental advisory committee for the marine and coastalenvironment.

Providing technical consultations and periodic reports to the highadvisory committee for decision-making.

Coordinating with Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, the appliedtechnical colleges, and Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement ofSciences to develop the technical and human capabilities of thenational staff to implement the duties assigned by the high advisorycommittee for the marine and coastal environment.

Field monitoring and inspection for the marine and coastalenvironment by the various environmental entities, based on theirspecialties and according to the tasks and authorities given by the highadvisory committee for the marine and coastal environment:

Monitoring water quality by measuring the levels of harmfulpollutants on regular basis and in specific locations along the Kuwaiti


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coasts. These locations should be identified by their coordinates ofsample collection point as well as the time and date of the sample.

Identifying all sources of liquid pollutants (sea outlets for sewage,rainwater drainage, and industrial sewer networks). Type and rates ofdischarge should also be specified for these liquid pollutants.

Watching and monitoring the coastal balance by regular seasonalmeasurements of the vertical longitudinal sections along the coast lineand at regular distances of the Kuwaiti coasts. The coordinates of thesesections should be known as well as the time and date. These shouldbe compared with aerial photographs and satellite images.

Regular distribution of the monitoring towers to monitor changes inwater surface levels, waves, and sea currents to determine thehydrodynamic factors that dominate the Kuwaiti regional waters.These towers shall also be identified with coordinates (longitudes andlatitudes), water levels, and height of measuring equipment.

Establishing a database for the monitoring and inspection of themarine and coastal environment. The center of this database should bewithin the Environment Public Authority and linked with allenvironmental authorities for easy information access.

Using quantitative programs to predict water table levels affected bytides, sea currents, waves, sedimentation, and dispersion of pollutants.The results of these programmes can be verified by comparing themwith field measurements. This could help in predicting environmentalproblems such as the movements and the spread of oil slicks in theevent of oil spillage.

The high advisory committee for the marine and coastal environmentshould conduct environmental planning for the State of Kuwait. It shouldhave the authority to review the constructional and economicaldevelopment plans in order to put them within a proper environmentalcontext. The decisions of this committee should be mandating.

Economic measures

Providing financial support for field monitoring and inspectionactivities related to the marine and coastal environment.

Providing financial support for the establishment of a database andinformation network.

Providing financial support for studies that conducts quantitativeprogrammes.


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10-5-5 Proposed solutions to increase environmental awareness

Environmental awareness

Environmental awareness means creating a general awareness, for theentire public. It can be implemented through the following:

Studying, planning, and implementing an environmental awarenessprogramme for the protection of the marine environment.

Publishing books, leaflets, and simple scientific articles that aim atactivating the public participation and to raise the awareness about theimportance of preserving fisheries resources as a potentially renewableresource.

Organizing seminars and lectures that aim at increasing conservationof people in the field of biodiversity (fish and other marine species).

Exploiting the environmental occasions, national, regional, orinternational, for public participation for the beneficiary groups fromthe marine environment such as fishermen, chalet owners, resorthotels, yachts owners, and others.

Encouraging different society groups, especially women and children,to participate in the activities related to the protection of theenvironment.

Encouraging and supporting the establishment of volunteeringsocieties in the field of marine environment.

Environmental media

Environmental media, include all groups of people, to present ideas indifferent methods to suit all levels of people, it can be implemented asfollows:

Preparing special training programmes to assist building capacities ofthe media.

Preparing educational programmes directed to all groups of society,through various information media. These programmes should explainthe wrong practices that adversely affect the marine environment suchas the collection of coral reefs and some rare species.

Preparing environmental awareness programmes directed to theuntrained expatriate workforce using their mother language.


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10-6 Information sources

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Al-Bakri, D.; Foda, M.; Behbehani, M.; Khalaf, F.; Shublaq, W.; Al-Sayed; Al-Sheikh, Z.; Kittaneh, W; Khuraibet, A.; and Al-Kadi, A.(1985). The Environmental Assessment of the Intertidal Zone ofKuwait. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Report No.KISR1687, Kuwait.

Al-Sarawi, M., Gundlach, E. and Baca, B. (1985). Sensitivity ofCoastal Environments and Wildlife to Spilled Oil, Kuwait. In AnAtlas of Shoreline types and Resources. Kuwait University, Kuwait.

Al-Yamani, F.Y.; Ismail, W. and Al-Rifaie, K. (1992). Post-warAssessment of Zooplankton Resources in Kuwait Waters. KuwaitInstitute for Scientific Research, Repot No. KISR4102, Kuwait.

Army Coastal Engineering Research Center, (1984). Shore ProtectionManual. Department of the Army Corps of Engineers, Washington,DC: Government Printing Office, U.S.

Bishop, J. (1988). A Survey of Kuwait’s Shrimp NurseryGrounds andEstablishment of a Shrimp Recruitment Index. Kuwait Institute forScientific Research, Report No. KISR2622, Kuwait.

Bishop, J. and Khan, (1991). Depth as a factor in abundance and sizeof juvenile penaeid shrimps in the absence of estuaries and marshes.Marine Biology 109: 103-114.

Bretscheneider, C.L. (1970). Wave forecasting relations for wavegeneration. Look Laboratory, Hawaii, U.S.

Bretschneider, C.L. (1958). Revisions in wave forecasting: Deep andShallow Water. Proceedings, 6th International Conference on CoastalEngineering, ASCE, New York, pp. 30-70.

Cicin-Sain, B., and Forthcoming R.K. (1997). Integrated Coastal andOcean Management: Concepts and Cross National Practices. Paris:


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Clark, J. (1996). Coastal Zone Management Handbook. New York:Lewis Publishers.

Dames and Moore. (1981). Hydraulic Studies, Vol. II. Studies forSubiya area, Kuwait Bay and Development of Electrical Network.Ministry of Electricity and Water, Government of Kuwait, Report No.MEW/cp/pgp-113-80/81, Kuwait.

Duback, H.W., and Wehe, R.J. (1967). Descriptive Oceanography ofKuwait Harbors. U.S. Navy Hydrographic Office, TR-55,Washington, D.C.

Environment Public Authority, (1993). Annual report ofenvironmental measurements during 1993, Kuwait. EnvironmentPublic Authority, Kuwait.




Environment Public Authority, (1997). Annual report of environmentmeasurements during 1997, Kuwait. Environment Public Authority,Kuwait.

Evans, G. 1970. Coastal and nearshore sedimentation: A comparisonof clastic and carbonate. Proceedings of Geological Association,London 81, 493-508.

Ghobrial, F.; Samhan, O.; Al-Harmi, L.; and Elimam. (1986).Appropriate Technology for Sludge Dewatering in Kuwait. KuwaitInstitute for Scientific Research, Report No. KISR1980, Kuwait.

Gopalakrishnan, T., Muralidhar, M. and Al-Madani, N. (1988). Studyof Circulation in Northern Kuwait Coastal Waters Dominated by TidalFlat Motion. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Report No.KISR2737, Kuwait.

Gopalakrishnan, T.C.; Ra’ad, L.; Lo, Jen-Men; and Al-Salem, A.(1985). Analysis of Wave Data from Ras Al-Zour. Kuwait Institute forScientific Research, Report No. KISR 1760, Kuwait.


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Harms, V., Ra’ad, L. and Al-Muzaini, S. (1982). Shoreline Protectionand Coastal Processes at Getty Oil Facility. Kuwait Institute forScientific Research, Report No. KISR840, Kuwait.

Hartmann, M.; Large, H.; Seibold, E.; und Walger. (1971).Oberplachen sediments in Persischen Golf and Gold Von Oman:Geologisch-hydrologischer rahmen und erste sediments-logischeErgebinesse. METEOR, Forsch. Ergebn. 4, 1-76.

Houde, E.D., and Lovdal, J.D. (1982). Variability in Ichthyoplanktonand Microzooplankton Abundance and Feeding by Fish Larvae inBiscayne Bay, Florida. Est. Coast. Sh. Sci. 18: 403-419.

Hunter, J.R. (1981). Feeding Ecology and Predation of Marine FishLarvae. In Marine Fish Larvae: Morphology, Ecology and relation toFisheries. Edited by R. Lasker. Seattle: University of WashingtonPress, pp. 33-77.

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and United NationsEducational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)Publishing.

Jacob, P.G., and Zarba, M.A. (1979). Observation on plankton andrelated features of the Kuwait waters. Kuwait Institute for ScientificResearch, Report No. KISR 7316, Kuwait.

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Jones, D.A. (1986). Ecology of the rocky and sandy shores of Kuwait.Proceedings, First Arabian Gulf Conference on Environmental andPollution, Kuwait: Faculty of Science, University of Kuwait, pp. 69-81.

Khalaf, F., Al-Bakri, D. and Al-Ghadban, A. (1984). SedimentologicalCharacteristics of the Surface Sediments of the Kuwait MarineEnvironment, Northern Arabian Gulf. Sedimentology 31: 531-545.

Khan, A. J., and Hempel, G. (1974). Relation of Fish Larvae andZooplankton in the Gulf of Aden. Marine Biology Annual Review3:311-316.

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KISR. (1988). Environmental Impact Assessment of Al-Akaz AreaDevelopment. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Report No.KISR2596, Kuwait.

Last, J.M. (1978). Food of three species of gadoid larvae in the easternEnglish Channel and Southern North Sea. Marine Biology 48: 377-386.

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Marmoush, Y., (1999). Wave climate along the Southern Coast ofKuwait. Proceeding, The 5th International Conference on Coastal andPort Engineering in Developing Countries, 19-23 April 1999, CapeTown, South Africa, pp. 474-485.

Marmoush, Y., Al-Hulail, F. and Al-Salem, K., (1998a). Water level,current and beach profile measurements offshore of the Kuwait OilSector Complex, Al-Shuwaikh. Kuwait Institute for ScientificResearch, Report No. KISR5409, Kuwait.

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Annexes


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Annex 1

The Objectives and Goalsof the Environmental Strategy of the State of Kuwait


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The Objectives and Goals of the Environmental Strategyof the State of Kuwait

“The main objective behind the initiation of the environmental strategy of

the State of Kuwait is to protect, preserve, and develop the environment

and the natural resources. In addition, caring for human health and the

welfare of the country.”

Hence, this strategy has several goals, which were discussed and

unanimously agreed upon in the first discussion session held on the 23rd

of November 1998. These goals are the following:

1- Preserving the natural environment, its diversity, and natural andenergy resources as well as working toward sustaining itsdevelopment.

Preserving the elements of the natural environment such as water, airand soil. In addition, avoiding their contamination. Furthermore,preventing their deterioration due to the unsound exploitation of thenatural resources and the spread of pollutants caused by variousdevelopment activities in the environment.

Rehabilitating wild life, which disappeared from the Kuwaitienvironment, and providing proper environmental conditions requiredfor its growth, reproduction, and the preservation of its biodiversity.

Preserving the marine environment, seawater quality, and the coastalenvironment’s natural characteristics and balance as well as protectingand developing the islands and the fisheries resources.

Preserving and developing water resources. In addition, the reuse ofwaste waters.

Optimal exploitation of oil resources and developing renewableenergy resources.

2- Sustaining development for agricultural and animal resourcesactivities.

Developing the agricultural and animal resources activities throughlinking the agricultural policies with the environmental policies of theState of Kuwait.

Working on the reduction of contaminants in imported and local foodresources to ensure the safety of public health.


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3- Compliance of the urban, architectural, and residentialdevelopment with environmental conditions:

Considering the local environmental conditions, circumstances andnature of the Kuwaiti society when planning, designating anddistributing urban areas and in architectural designs.

Protecting archaeological and historical sites and buildings from theenvironmental degradation factors.

4- The proper use of safe technologies that do not have negativeeffects on the environment and human health.

Adopting environmentally safe, or less damaging, technologies thatalso conserve natural resources.

Reducing the negative impacts, on humans and environment, ofindustrial and constructional development operations that useadvanced and sophisticated technologies.

5- Encouraging research in the field of human resources developmentfor the protection of the environment and its resources

Training, developing, and improving the skills and capabilities of thelocal workforce in environmental fields in order to be updated with thelatest local and global environmental changes.

Providing data related to the various environmental fields as well asestablishing an up-to-date environmental database accessible toindividuals and institutions.

Providing digital maps through the Geographic Information System(GIS).

Providing data and information, via specific mechanism, and to letdecision makers have easy access to such data.

Ensuring complete confidentiality of original documents, Raw Data,according to regulations and conditions.

6- Supporting environmental awareness and education as well as thedevelopment of human–environmental interaction in order toachieve the protection and sustainability of the environment.

Introducing individuals to environmental concepts and localenvironmental needs and sensitivity as well as methods ofenvironmental protection.


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Increasing environmental awareness in the community, to change lifestyles and practices incompatible with the local environment, as wellas urging for conservation.

Encouraging public initiatives to improve the environment as well asthe efforts of the governmental and private institutions related toenvironmental protection.

Supporting environmental education through the interaction ofKuwaiti citizen, students and youths, which could be accomplishedthrough the support of school curricula and media programmes.

7- Contributing to the protection of the global environment throughthe protection of the local environment

Strengthening regional and international cooperation in fields ofenvironment and development as well as the maximizing theutilization of the available resources in regional and internationalorganizations.

Coordinating and following-up with different and relevantimplementation programmes, in the government, and in accordancewith the regional and international treaties related to the protection ofthe environment.

8- Making Environmental Impact Assessment as one of the mainconsiderations for deciding on developing policies and projectsrelated to resources development and in various aspects. Inaddition, determining the country’s planning and development priorities.

Emphasizing on environmental dimensions while determiningpolicies and priorities of the various sectors in the country.

Assessing the environmental impacts of various development projectsbefore approving them.

9- Minimizing the risks of environmental disasters on human healthand safety and on the environment.

Identifying risks and impacts associated with natural andenvironmental catastrophes such as earthquakes, floods, oilspills…etc.


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Providing proper methods to cope with catastrophes as well asdetermining proper measures to minimize the risks of environmentaland natural catastrophes.

10- Activating the roles of laws and legislations for environmentalprotection

Awaring the public about the importance of laws and regulations,related to the protection of the environment, as well as theirimportance and also the negative impacts that might be initiated whenviolating them.

Awaring the public about penalties and punishments that could beimposed on violators of environmental protection laws andregulations.

Identifying a follow-up mechanism to ensure the implementation andcompliance with environmental laws and regulations as well as thepossibility of revising and improving these laws.

Other notes

Proposing the use of schedules for work plans.

Increasing the coordination with Kuwait University and its academiccenters such as the Department of Civil Engineering, the Departmentof Chemical Engineering, and other departments in the Faculty ofScience. Also, increasing the cooperation with the Kuwaiti researchcenters through forming work teams to implement the articles of thestrategy.


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The General Directions of the Environmental Strategy of the State ofKuwait

To achieve the optimal balance between the natural andenvironmental resources and the requirements of development.

To ensure the role and position of human beings, which is theultimate goal of development.

To emphasize on the integration between the differentgovernmental sectors in the country in exploiting resources andprotecting the environment.

To use economical measures in identifying and framing thepriorities of environmental plans.

To consider the time factor in activating sectorial action plans toachieve their objectives.

To provide alternatives and options for development andenvironmental programmes for better selections.

To use of clean and advanced technologies in the implementationof sectorial programmes, including the reuse and recycling ofresources.

To observe international and regional considerations in relation toenvironmental and natural resources protection.

To have a preference in using renewable resources over the use ofnon-renewable resources.


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Annex 2

Research projects sponsored by the EPA, Kuwait(for five years and until the year 2000)


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Research projects sponsored by the Environment PublicAuthority, for five years and until the year 2000.

Preparing a mathematical model for pollutants and the cost ofcontrol processes.

Dr. Jaafar Abbas Haij, Kuwait University

This study aims at preparing and building a balanced, sectorial, andeconomic model to handle environmental pollution resulting fromindustrial wastes generated from different production sectors of theKuwaiti economy. The study will also attempt to make an effort tomeasure technological costs of environment protection and ways toredistribute these costs at the production sectors levels of the nationaleconomy. This study also aims at building an accounting system in orderto estimate the costs of dealing with environmental pollution resultingfrom industrial wastes. It also proposes strategies and accounting,managerial, technical, and economical measures, within an integratedsystem, for environmental pollution resulting from industrial wastes.

Evaluation the toxicity of heavy metals contamination,hydrocarbon wastes, and radioactive pollutants in the surfacesediments of the Kuwaiti southern islands.

Dr. Adel Refaat, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training

This study aims at identifying geo-chemical and the radioactivecharacteristics of the newly formed surface sediments of Kuwait southernislands i.e. Kubar, Karooh, and Um–Al-Maradem. The main objective ofthis study is to determine the behaviours of the components that form thesurface sediments of the islands. In addition, to reach an accuratedescription of the extent off pollution by the toxic heavy metals,hydrocarbons, and radioactive materials in the event of their presence inthe sediments of these three islands

Establishing experimental complexes for artificial fishreefs/colonies

The Kuwaiti Diving Team, Kuwait Science Club

The main aim of this project is to rehabilitate the marine ecosystem ofKuwait marine environment in order to make it regain its basic elementsthat were lost and impacted. Moreover, the project aims at increasing. Inaddition, compensating for the destruction that was inflected on theKuwaiti marine environment due to the unsound and illegal fishingpractices. The idea of the project, is to install treated concrete structures,


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five structures to be positioned at different sites and depths, so that theycan be exposed to different environmental conditions in order to achieveand obtain different results and then selecting the preferd ones/options.

Marine Buoys anchoring and coral reefs protection

The Kuwaiti Diving Team, Kuwait Science Club

This project aims at the protection of coral reefs that can be found at thesouthern coasts and islands of Kuwait. It, also, aims at training Kuwaitipersonnel in aspects related to environmental rehabilitation in order tocarry-out their required environmental role in underwater activities. Theidea of the project is to anchore metal cables in the bottom of the sea, atsites where coral reefs can be found, then connecting buoys, of certainsizes and colour, to the end part of the free cables. Once completed, theseanchorging facilities can be used to anchore boats and yachts instead ofusing their own anchors that can damage the coral reefs.

Factors affecting the photo-degradation of oil pollutant in theKuwaiti seawaters.

Dr. Lolwa Naser, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

This study deals with the photo-degradation of Kuwait crude oil inKuwait's seawater under climate conditions that similar to Kuwaitconditions. This study examines the effects of temperature, light intensity,amount of dissolved oxygen, and the presence of substances that increasethe effect of light on the rate of photo-degradation of crude oil pollutingthe seawater. The results of this study are expected to further assist theunderstanding of the photo-degradation process of Kuwaiti crude oil inclimate and environmental conditions similar to those of Kuwait.

The comprehensive coastal environmental management for theState of Kuwait, Phase One: Environmental sectors of the coasts

Dr. Yehya Marmoush, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

The work in this study will attempt only to complete the first phase of thisstudy in which the dominant environmental conditions, which representthe required data, will be collected in order to commence thecomprehensive management programme of the coasts. This will lead toachieving a coastal development that is based on scientific principles. Thestudy will provide the decision maker and the planner with an inventoryof administrative and environmental problems associated with the currentcoastal development programmes.

The waves of the Kuwait regional waters resulting from winds.

Dr. Khaled Al-Salem, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research


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Strong waves are considered the main dynamic force, which affectcoastal and marine installations and facilties and also the movement ofsediments, marine currents, and the spread of contaminant in coastalareas. Moreover, waves affect most biological and chemical processes incoastal areas, which are the main sources of fresh water and fisheriesresources. This study will rely on a new mathematical model that can beimplemented on the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Afterward, the resultswill be compared with field readings of waves within the regional watersof Kuwait. This model, which is considered one of the best available newmodels, will forecast the wave energy at any time and location.

The dynamic changes of the rigid asphalt layer in Kuwait by usingmathematical models.

Dr. Raymond Disany, Boston University. USA

This research aims at studying the dynamic changes and the naturalweathering rates impacting the rigid asphalt layer, which is formed due tothe oil ponds and soot fall-out. This will be achieved by using cell-basedmodeling.

Enhancing biological degradation of petroleum oil and thepossibility of implementing this method for the treatment ofcontaminated sites, with the possibility of setting a special strategyto be used during emergencies.

Dr. Marzouk Al- Ghunaim, PAAET

The study aims at treating contaminated soils by petroleum oil throughbiological degradation for aromatic compounds, especially the slow orhard to degrade compounds. In addition, the study aims at planting somecrops on the treated soils, recording the morphological characteristics,and analysing parts of these plants to determine the amount ofaccumulated petroleum compounds within specific parts of these plants.

Range Management in the State of Kuwait

Dr. Samira Alsayed Omar, KISR

This study aims at evaluating the current situation of range land andgrazing activities in Kuwait including identifying the required load.Furthermore, preparing a plan for range management. The objectives ofthis plan are to reduce stress on the various parts of the range lands, torevise and assess the effectiveness of the various existing laws andlegislations, to rehabilitate the deteriorated range lands through therecovery of the vegetation cover, and finally to recommend methods ofre-planting these range lands.


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The control and management of degraded lands in Kuwait

Dr. Raafat Maysak, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

Signs of land degradation are spreading throughout the State of Kuwait.These signs include soil erosion due to the effect of wind and water, soilhardness, and other signs. Hence, the main aim of this study is to evaluateland degradation in selected areas in Kuwait i.e. Al-Ahmadi, Al-Dhahar,Al-Sulaibya, Northwest Al-Jahraa, and Ras Al-Subbya by using remotesensing technology and field studies.

The effects of air pollutants emitted from hospital incinerators onhospitals’ surrounding air environment.

Dr. Ahmad Eesa, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

This study aims at evaluating the effects of air pollutants i.e. cadmium,lead and dioxin emitted by hospitals’ incinerators on hospitalssurrounding air environment. Samples wil be taken directly from theincinerators using special instruments.

Criminal law and environment protection: a comparative study

Dr. Nour Eddiene Hindawy, Kuwait University

This study aims at reaching for an optimal method to protect theenvironment and the possibility of the intervention of laws to protect theenvironment from any type of violation. This could be achieved bysearching for the answer to the following question; are criminal lawlegislations sufficient to achieve environmental protection? And what arethe practices used in other countries in relation to this issue? What isbeing practiced in other countries in order to be used as future guidelines?

The detection of heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons andradioactive neuclides in food in the State of Kuwait.

Adnan Hussain, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

During this study, 150-200 popular food items will be sampled. Thesefood items are consumed by different age groups in Kuwait. The sampleswill be collected twice a year, taking in consideration the differences infood items due to seasonal changes. These samples will be tested for theircontents of heavy metals, poly aromatic hydrocarbons, and radioactivesubstances. Then, the results of these tests can be used to determine thehealth risks associated with such pollutants.

Factors affecting the spread of respiratory diseases in Kuwait.

Dr. Adel Khater and Dr. Adel Abul, Kuwait Medical Association

This study aims at studying the relationship between lung diseases andthe degradation of lungs’ functions due to indoor and outdoor air


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pollutants. And by using classification analysis, it will be able to diagnosethe responsible components for the negative effects on respiratory systemhealth. These might result from the exposure to a single or air pollutantsthat are compined with other types of pollutants. Moreover, this studywill conduct a systematic analysis to determine pollutant, or pollutants,that affects respiratorysystem’s health.

The effects of age, gender, weight, and smoking habits on leadlevels in bloods in Kuwait.

Dr. Abdulhadi BuAlian, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

This study aims at determining the levels of lead in the blood and underthe influence of several factors such as age, gender, weight, and smokinghabits.

Trace metals, hydrocarbon substances, and microbiologicalcomponents in Kuwait’s ground water

Iman Al-Awadi, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

This study aims that identifying trace metals, hydrogen compounds, andthe microbiological components in ground water as sources of pollutionin these waters. This can be achieved through the collection of selectedsamples from ground water wells in order to reach a preliminaryperspective about the regional distribution of these components in thegroundwater of “Al-Daman and Kuwait Group” formations.

A pictorial atlas of Kuwait coral reefs and their aesthetic value.

Kuwaiti Diving Team, The Scientific Club

This project aims at producing a coloured pictorial atlas that show thedifferent kinds of coral reefs found in the Kuwaiti sea and their beauty.Moreover, it aims at producing a CD that contains a large amount of coralreef pictures to be used as a reference in scientific research. The last aimof this project is to prepare experienced and specialized Kuwaiti staff inunderwater photography.

The preparation, design, and Implementation of sanitary landfillsites management for municipal solid wastes.

Anwar Al-yagoot, Kuwait Municipality

This objective of this project is to study the impacts of landfill waste onenvironment, groundwater, and soil by using special computerprogrammes used in pollution studies. In addition, the project aims atdeveloping laws related to new waste disposal methods that addresslandfill sites, design, and construction. Also, the study is examining and


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evaluating the current solid waste landfills sites in order to search formethods to protect these sites from pollution.

Evaporation and degradation processes in oil lakes in Kuwait.

Dr. Colin Parker, University of Tulsa, U.S.A.

The study aims at determining the extent of impact of oil lakes, whichwere formulated due to torching the oil wells by the Iraqi regime duringits invasion period of Kuwait. The objectives will be achieved throughcollecting samples from these lakes and analysing them to determine thespeed of evaporation and degradation in these lakes in order to findsuitable solutions. Moreover, the study is examining the impact of theselakes on animal, plant and ground water resources.

An Integrated numerical model for the hydrodynamics circulationof the ebb and flow current in the regional waters of Kuwait andthe Arabian Gulf.

Dr. Jin Min Lu, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

The study will develops an integrated and comprehensive numericalmodel to study the hydrodynamics circulation of the ebb and flowcurrents. The results will be compared with field data and forecastedreadings of water levels.

The dynamic composition of flame produced by the burning ofhydrocarbon compounds.

Dr. Fouad Al-Asfoor, Kuwait University

The project will study the impacts of the rising temperatures of airentering into engine on the efficiency of engines and on the levels ofpollutants emitted. It will simulate the increase in high temperatureduring the summer season on the performance of car engines and on thelevels of pollutants emitted. The study will also examine the impacts ofmixing some types of alcohol, methanol, on the fuel used in the State ofKuwait andthe impact on engines’ efficiencies and pollutants’ levels.

Air corrosion map for the State of Kuwait

Dr. Hamdy Shalaby, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

The project will produces maps related to the corrosion of metals indifferent areas in Kuwait. Metals are extensively used in Kuwait such asgalvanized steel, carbon steel, coated steel, aluminium, and copper fordifferent uses. These maps will show the sites where corrosion incidentsincrease or decrease. The concluding results of this research can be usedby construction companies and government authorities.


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Evaluation of Air quality in Kuwait, Second Phase.

Dr. Waleed Bu-hamra, Kuwait University

This project aims at identifying volatile organic compounds, whichrepresent major components of the indoor environment pollutantion in theKuwaiti environment. These chemical compounds will be classified andthen acceptable exposure limits will be identified. Pollution sources willbe identified and evaluated for both carcinogenic chemical compoundsand dangerous particulates. After collecting such information, a computerbased mathematical model will be used as to produce methods forcontrolling indoor air pollutants and to set standards for acceptable airquality levels.

Selecting the most suitable methods for drying sludge

Dr. Saleh Al-muzaini, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

This study will compare a number of systems/methods used tomechanically dry sludge in order to select the proper method that issuitable for the local environment. The systems that will be evaluatedinclude the use of compressed conveyer and centrifugal filteration. Thestudy will select the best and most suitable polymers that can be used todry the sludge. The study will gather and evaluate data collected and thenselect the best methods to dry the sludge in in accordance with Kuwaiticonditions.

Problems resulting from public schools locations in Kuwait,from the perspective of school headmasters and parents.

Dr. Zainab Jubur, Kuwait University

The study reached several conclusions. These can be summarized asfollow:

The presence of schools in public and residential areas is creatingproblems to school managers and parents.

The close proximity of schools to shops and other facilities.

The close location of schools to other near by schools.

The location of schools near by major roads.

The long construction years of schools.

The different location of the schools based on educational levels.

That parents are suffering more from school location than schoolmanagers.


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Kuwait’s coral reefs and coral reef’s fish: an explanatoryguide.

Dr. J.R.Morgan, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

This guide contains three parts. The first part is an introduction, were thewriter explains the unique local coral reefs’ environment withsomeimages of marine species. The second part contains an introduction to thegeneral local coral reefs and ecological and classified description withunderwater images of each kind. The third part contains an introductionabout fishes that live on coral reefs with an ecological and classifieddescription of their different kind.

Sewage water desalination by reverse osmosis.

Dr. Mahmood AbdulJawad, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

The results of this study showed that it is possible to desalinate sanitarywaste water through very low pressure to produce high quality water thatis virtually free of salts and particles. This study contain bacteriologicaland physiological tests for feed, treated, and produced waters from theReverse Osmosis Distillation Units. The results confirm the absence ofany viruses or microorganisms from these desalinated waters.Furthermore, the production costs are relatively low.

Al-Ju'aidan farm restoration and rehabilitation

Dr. Mohammad Talat Balbala, KISR

Field tests were performed on an area of 5.4 hectares, representing thedifferent levels of oil contamination in Al-Ju'aidan Farm. A completesurvey was performed and information on the current situation weredocumented. The information was collected through soil samples fromdifferent depths to specify the distribution and concentration of oilgranules within soil particles. Three methods were used to treat thepolluted soil, which were biological farming, composting, and soilaeration. The results showed that thse three methods were highly efficientin removing oil contaminants. The biological farming method was themost effective one. It removed more than 85% of the contaminants.Several plants were put under examination to examine soil toxicity. Thestudy showed that there was evident progress in the ability of soils togrow plants, compared to the untreated soils. The study also showed thatall plants that were grown on this treated soil did not contain any harmfulcompounds.

Enhancing methods to reactivate spent catalyst used in hydrogencracking.

Dr. Meena Marafi, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research


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Spent catalysts are considered as an environmental problem in oilrefineries processes. These catalyst result from hydrogen cracking. Theywere obtained through the removal of petroleum coke and other metallicimpurities through washing. The study also included expriements torecover some metals and metallic particles from the washing fluids. It.Also, showed, that the internal return is high and could reach up to 15% ifthe reactivation processes are included within the main refiningprocesses.

Bases for the development the southern islands of Kuwait

Dr. yahya Marmoosh- Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

This study discusses the adverse environmental impacts of developmentactivities, according to their phases of implementation i.e. short and longterm impacts during and after the implementation phases. During thesephases, data is collected, mainly dealing with geological, hydrological,water quality and marine species. Also, field data that will be collected inrelation to changes in the levels of the surface waters, water currents, andcoastal sectors. In addition, numerical data will be calculated for waves.

Emphases were focused on the various problems associated withdevelopment activities for the southern islands i.e. Kubar, Karouh, andUm Al-Maradem. Effective solutions and necessary precautions werepresented to protect the environment and to conserve the naturalresources. Balance between development activities and marineenvironment need to be observed and decision makers and planners willsupplied with the optimal vision for the sound development of thesouthern islands.

Developing remote sensing applications via LASER technique(Third Phase).

Dr. Michael Quin, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

This study aims to achieve, at its final phase, the preparation, completionand testing of a complete LASER monitoring system and installing it on ahelicopter. It will be used in routine services and for regular monitoringof the marine enviroment. It can allocate oil contaminants and theirquantities in the marine environment by using special LASERtechnology. The project will also contain detailed information anddocumentation related to oil and models to be used to determine thesurface temperatures and climate conditions. The study will, also,presents some theoretical principles that were used in the study.


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Studying the toxicity and bioaccumulation of crude oil andpartially burnt oil on selected marine species of Kuwait marineenvironment.

Dr. Mohammad Motwali, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

The study is aimed at estimating the toxicity of crude oil and partiallyburnt oil on the fish and vertebrates. The toxicity of the partially burnt oilwill be compared with crude oil. The study is also aimed at evaluating thebioaccumulation and concentration of the petroleum contaminants in fishby using biological indicators to monitor the impacts of the petroleumwastes on marine organisms. The results of these experiments are vital forthe understanding of the possibility of transfer of these contaminantsthrough food chains to human.

Developing a model and database for energy in Kuwait

Dr. Saad Al-jandal, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

Efforts in this project were directed toward the development of theKuwaiti version of the well-known Marcal-Macro model and system.Detailed information was collected during four years, such as thedemands, technologies, and categories to form a database of Marcalsystem users. A reference book was completed about the energy systemin Kuwai. In addition, an appendix to describe the developed Marcalmodels of Kuwait. This system is considered of high technology todescribe and analyse the overall energy system of Kuwait along with itsfuture links with alternative energy technologies and management. Thistechnology will, therefore, contribute to guiding decision makers toprepare proper plans for the environmental and energy affairs of Kuwait.

A model for the management and planning of research

Researcher: Samira Al-mathkoori

The project aims at finding an updating automatic system that aims atcollecting, documenting, and analysing information of research related tothe EPA. Also, one of the objective is to find a mechanism to conductstatistics and analyses to facilitate the follow-up of the activities of theEPA. Another objective of this project is to support the highermanagement in decision making and the development of strategicplanning for research.

A field survey for the industrial installations in the Sulaibia area.

Yousef Al-zayed, EPA

The study aims at performing a complete survey for the industrialinstallations in the State of Kuwait and the establishment of a database tofind detailed information for any plant in the country, without referring to


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files, and to find the environmental impact for any industrial area and itsnegative effects on other areas. The study also helps in preparing thegeneral recommendations for every industry and to find the propermethods for wastes disposal by identifying their quantities and types. Italso determines the proper methods for storage by determining thequantities and types of the chemical materials used in the processes. Theproject assists in identifying the maximum allowable limits for pollutantswithin and outside the industrial installations according to theenvironmental conditions of the State of Kuwait.

The environmental costs of quarries

Wafaa Al-Kamees, EPA.

This study aims at introducing activities related to quarrying and theirlocations with environmental assessment by using aerial photography.The study also aims at reviewing the activities related to extracting, andtransferring sand and gravel, and the disposal of the solid wastes. Otherobjectives of the research are to evaluate soil degradation level,suspended sand in the air, noise pollution resulting from the mentionedactivities, and presenting proper control alternatives and measures.

Environmental Impact assessment for construction sites in the oilsector projects at the coastal area of Shuwaikh.

This study aims at determining the current dynamic situation along thecoastline of Al-Shwaikh and measuring air and water quality. It alsoexamines the possibility of mercury contamination in sediments and theextent of effect that related facilities have on sediments’ accumulation.Also, on the water and air pollution rates. This research is beingconducted by a team from the EPA in collaboration with researchers fromKISR, Water Resources Development Center in the MEW and the MoH.

The study of Mercury dispersion/distribution in Kuwait marineenvironment.

Mercury is considered one of the pollutants that can spread in theenvironment and can be characterized as being indegradable, unlikeorganic pollutants. Exposure to mercury can results in manyenvironmental and health problems. Eating fish contaminated withmercury is considered as one of the main sources of toxicity. Severalindustries are currently searching for an alternative for mercury due to itshazards nature. Due to the several changes of mercury pollution database,a study should be conducted to examine the mercury cycle in theenvironment and to measure its levels. Samples should be taken from themud in the bottom of the gulf, from fish, and from people’s hairs. These


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samples can then be analysed to determine the dangers and to providerelevant information about it.

The study and evaluation of noise levels caused by traffic inhighways and roads near some schools in the State of Kuwait.

Dr. Saoud Al-Rasheed, EPA.

This study aims at evaluating the main sources of noise in Kuwait’s outdoor environment. Noise could be caused by traffic in highways orroads surrounding the environment, by air traffics from Kuwait Airport,or those activities caused by social and commercial activities in differentareas of Kuwait. The study will also examine the effects of noise onresidents and will present some solutions to limit or reduce noise levels inthe event they exceeded allowable limits. The results of this study will beused to recommend specifications and standards that should be used whenconstructing new schools.

The plan of the "Research and Studies Office", EPA for the year2001.

This office provide all the necessary financial and administrative supportfor environmental studies within refereed and approved researchprogrammes, from and outside the EPA.

The authority supported many research for researchers that work inmany government and non government establishments. These include thefollwing:

1. Studying and developing Failaka reserve, Kuwait Institute forScientific Research.

2. Ecological evaluation of the impacts of the change in Shat Al-Arabwaters in the northern Arabian Gulf environment, Kuwait Institute forScientific Research.

3. Forecasting and treating ground water contaminations, KuwaitUniversity.

4. Measuring noise pollution inside airplanes and its impact on humanhealth, Scientific Club.

5. Marine barriers project for the protection of shrimp resources,Scientific Club.

6. Book on commercial fishes of Kuwait, Kuwait Institute forScientific Research.

7. The role of religious values in raising environmental awareness ofMuslim youths for both genders in the State of Kuwait, The InternationalIslamic Charitable Organization.


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8. The geochemistry of the desert surface sediments for campingactivities wastes’ in various desert areas of Kuwait, The InternationalIslamic Charitable Organization.

Support for in-house research, in the EPA, included the support of thefollowing research:

1. Oil pollution level and the depth of oil penetration in the soil sectorspolluted by oil lakes in Rawdatain and Sabriya oil fields in northernKuwait, Department of Soil and Arid Land lands.

2. Air pollution in Shuaiba Port area. In addition, two other projectssubmitted by Mrs. Ibtisam Al-refai and Mrs. Sabeeha from the IndustrialEnvironment Department.

3. Environment and Environmental awareness issues’ handling and coverage, Information and Public Relations Department.

4. Establishing a complete database about landfills in Al-Qurain Area,The Information System Center.

5. Book related to Kuwait wild plants and birds books, Living ResourcesDepartment.

Other researches that are still under considerations:

1. Assessing the quality of sediments in Kuwait marine environment,Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research.

2. The degree of impacts of natural conditions on volatile compoundsfrom Kuwait crude oil under specific laboratorial conditions, KuwaitInstitute for Scientific Research.

3. The toxicity of marine sediments by using isolation process,Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research.

4. Evaluating the performance of corroded copper pipes andaluminium sheets in air conditioning units in houses and governmentbuildings in Kuwait, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research.

5. Using field tests to detect the technical and geological properties ofsands in Kuwaiti, Kuwait University.

6. The establishment of "Seeds Unit" for wild life in the State ofKuwait, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research.

7. Determining the paths of groundwater pollutants in northernKuwait, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research.

8. Studying plant structure and environmental factors in FailakaIsland, Kuwait University.


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Evaluation of coastal and morphological changes of Failaka Islandfor future development.

Mohammad Al-serawee, Jin Min Lu, Yahya Marmoosh, Khalid Al-salimand Faisal Aal-halel

The study aims at identifying the coastal morphology of Failaka Islandand present a future vision for coastal development of the island. Data,including sediments types and sizes, waves’ energy, sea currents, and geomorphology of the island, were collected and analysed. The study alsoexamined the shore sectors and properties and rates of erosion andaccretion. A numerical model was extrapolated to forecast the waveproperties around the island. Aerial photographs, from 1976, were alsostudied to determine the time changes of the island’s coast. The study identified proper coastal areas for the implementation of the futuredevelopment plans. Two maps were presented to determine the coastalmanagement of the island and the geomorphologic management of theisland.

Studying the local weather phenomena and climate conditions ofKuwait in relation with natural catastrophes.

Ahmad Eisa, Raafat Maisak, Mane’a Al-sederawi, Andrew Kwarting,Fezo Anantan and Ferial Bo-robay’a

The catastrophic increase in human and property losses due to naturaldisasters, in the past centuries, inspired the study of the reasons and thepreparation of strategies and plans. Due to the huge amount of theselosses and the destructions inflected on buildings and properties, ascientific study, about this topic, was conducted in the State of Kuwait.The objective of the study was to evaluate the scientific evidences thatverify whether or not Kuwait is away from these natural disasters.

Through this project, field trips were organized and Kuwait’s geological structure was analysed. Geographical locations that could be subjected tocracks, floods, and slides were identified based on aerial photos. Eighttowers were installed to monitor weather conditions in various areas ofthe State of Kuwait. These units measure wind speed and direction,temperature, sun radiation, humidity, and rains. Climate factors statisticalanalyses were conducted in 1995/1996, as well as in the previous year, toidentify prevailing climate conditions. Various experiments wereconducted to detect the extent of water penetration inside the soil and todetermine the preventive measures of the sudden torrents. The study alsoshows the necessary procedures that should be followed in the events ofdisaster risks. Also, earthquake disaster was also evaluated for the Stateof Kuwait. The study showed that Kuwait is not fully considered to be at


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a direct threats to natural disasters such as earthquakes, storms, andsudden floods.

The stdy of wave barrier of the coast guards port in Salmiya: aphysical model study.

Jim Min Lu, Khalid Al-salim and Abdulla Al-salim

A hydraulic model of a 40:1 scale was built to ensure the balance of thewave barrier and to estimate the wave attack on the new port of theKuwaiti Fire Department at their Marine Rescue Center in Salmiya. Theresults of the experiments showed that the north and south barriers arebalanced under the maximum possible waves. The study also showed thatno waves exceeded the northern wave barrier under all testing conditions.However, during one of the experiments related to the possible highwaves expected in the next 50 years, which could reach more than 3.8meters, a slight excess of waves was noticed above the southern barrierbut without inflecting any damages to the barrier. Some of the importantobservations of this study is that, placing the main protective units in thecorrect position is very important. Therefore, some of the most importantrecommendations of this study were to properly supervise and observethis process and ensuring the use of proper quantities and theirinterference, especially during the erection of the head of each of thesouthern and northern barrier as well as the outer sector if the southernwave barrier.

Studying the use of numerical modelling to forecast the movementpatterns of sediments along the coast of Kuwait.

Jin Min Lu, Yahya Marmoosh, Laila Raad and Khalid Al-salim

A numerical model was developed for the movement of coastal sedimentsin order to forecast the changes that could occur to the Kuwaiti coasts dueto waves. The model contains two main elements: numerical models forwater circulation near the shore and another numerical model to estimatethe quantities of coastal sediments. The first model is used to forecast thewave heights and sea currents using waves’ data of the deep waters andthe depths of waters at different points of the study area. The results ofthe numerical study of the water circulation model were used as the maindata for the second numerical model for the movement of the coastalsediment. Therefore, the changes in the shape of the study area can beforecasted. This study is considered the first study to try to develop acomplete numerical model to forecast the quantities of sediments alongthe Kuwaiti coasts. The numerical model can also be used for futureplanning and design purposes of the coastal projects. The numerical


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model was implemented in the study of sediments movements in RasAzzor area to determine the erosion and accretion areas.

Evaluating the movements of coastal sediments for thedevelopment of Bnaider coastal area project

Jim Min Lu, Khalid Al-salim and Lail Raad

Establishing a new slipway was suggested for Bnaider coastal project.There was a concern about the negative impact of building this newslipway on the movement of sediments and coastline, due to the fact thatthere are rapid changes in the waves in the shallow waters due to waterlevel change. Energy, amount of movement, and water mass is transferredto the shore after the breaking of the wave and cause the movement ofsediments. Sea currents parallel to the shore carry these sediments. Twonumerical models were used in this study to determine the spread ofwaves and the movement of sediments in order to select the properslipway design and to avoid any negative impact it may have in thecoastline of the project. Therefore, the establishment of slipway onvertical columns was recommended.

A laboratorial study to protect the water intakes of the powerstations and ports from oil contamination and invertebrates.

Jin Min Lu

Laboratorial experiments were conducted to test the efficiency of usingaerated, floating, and cascading barriers in limiting the advance of oilpollutants and invertebrates based on various currents, winds, and wavesconditions. It was found that using individual floating barriers can with-hold the advance of oil pollutants if currents’ speed is less than 0.15m/s for mixed oil, 0.25 m/s for non mixed oil. Using two cascaded floatingbarriers presented high capabilities in preventing the advance of oilpollutants. Using two barriers located at distance 16 times the depth offloating barrier can hold the advancement of mixed and unmixed oils ifthe speed is less than 0.25 m/s. The use of barriers with floating barrierssupported with equipment to collect invertebrates, will reduce the amountof these invertebrates in the intake passages. Based on the results of thisstudy, three different methods were recommended to protect the waterintakes and port entrances from oil pollutants and invertebrates.

Analysing the costs and benefits of efficient lighting systems forenergy use

Deena Al-naqeeb and Gobal Maheshoori

Artificial lighting in modern buildings is considered the main electricityconsumer and one of the main factors for the increase of electrical load,


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especially on air conditions, at present time where buildings have highefficiencies in the use of energy. Additional energy efficient systems canfurther reduce the cooling load for building and therefore reduce energyconsumption. This analysis presents a method to estimate the savings thatcould be attained by using suspensions of high energy efficiency andcompact fluorescent lights as well as electronic control equipment.

Evaluation of the evaporation cooling system in Kuwait

Fotooh Al-rogom, Gobal Maheshoori and Rajendra Soori

The minimum temperature that be reached in the direct commercialcooling systems in the State of Kuwait using the evaporation method, islimited by the ambient temperature. Lower temperatures can be achievedby combining two stages, direct and indirect, of the evaporation cooling.This paper presents the performance evaluation of the direct and indirectevaporation cooling system selected during the summer season in Kuwait.

Modern standards for categorizing walls and ceilings used inconstruction projects

Eisam Eisam, Gobal Maheshoori and Rajendra Soori

Air conditioners are considered the main consumer of electrical energy inthe countries located in desert areas. The maximum electrical demand inthese countries is during the first hours of the afternoon and reduces by15% with evening time and 25% in the early morning hours. The shiftingof cooling periods of building into the evening hours, rather than peakhours, will reduce the need to establish new power stations. Thisrecommended shift is called “Heat retarding or lagging” and could be achieved by selecting proper construction materials with suitablethickness for the ceilings and walls. This paper presents the newlydeveloped standards that directly control the shifting process.

Evaluating the heat performance of different building types inKuwait and calculating the quality factor of the hired workers

Eisam Asim

This study shows the advantages of using energy simulation systems inbuildings. It is now possible to determine the impact of hiring qualifiedworkers on energy conservation measures in buildings. This factor isusually ignored based on the assumption that energy conservation is doneproperly. Based on this study, it was seen that this assumption does nothold/exist in the current construction practices in the State of Kuwait.There are effective supervision means that should be considered in orderto ensure the effective implementation of energy conservation efforts.


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Using the storage cooling system in air conditioning for energyconservation in buildings

Gobal Maheshoori, Rabia Al-murad and Mohammad Sebzali

The implementation of energy conservation standards in Kuwait startedin 1983 through the practical implementation of the regulations related toenergy conservation. For the first time in Kuwait, computer programmeswere used to simulate heat in buildings and for many products andtechnologies that support energy conservation. Storage cooling system isalso used to shift the peak electrical demand. Currently, these standardscan be used to reduce the air conditioning capacities by 75%, whichreduces the peak demand in electrical energy by 70% in addition toreducing total annual energy consumption by 50%.

The estimation of the relative inefficiency in the public health caresystem in Kuwait

Nadeem Berni

Based on cross-country comparative analysis, an evaluation study wasperformed to assess the relative efficiency, or inefficiency, of the publichealth care system in Kuwait. Many trials were conducted to calculate theassociated cost of inefficiency. The two indicators that show lowestinefficiencies are the Bed Occupancy Rate (BOR) and the Nurse-to-Bed-Ratio. The cost associated with the lowest inefficiency was reasonable forthe government, which is estimated by 18% of the total allocated budgetfor the health sector.

Energy demand model for Kuwait

Naji Al-toni

An energy demand model for Kuwait was built in this research. This canbe used to analyse and evaluate the expected impacts of the availablepolicies and to forecast the future energy demand based on variouspatterns. These forecasts will supply decision makers with importantinformation to assist them in preparing effective economic policies. Thesimulation results showed that if energy prices stay unchangedaccompanied by conserved economic growth, energy consumption for thenext years would grow at the same rates like previous years. If energyprices increase, however, a sharp decline in energy consumption rateswill be noticed. It should be noted that a comprehensive energy pricereview should be performed to avoid any replacement of energy resourcesthat could lead to unwanted consequences.


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A detailed study of the hydrocarbons in light Kuwaiti crude oilsample

Andre Hawser, Fatima Ali and Ali Al-sayegh

In a study performed on a sample of Kuwaiti light crude oil, the maincomponents of two distillation products (Gasoline 15-80 degrees Celsiusand Naphtha 80-170 degrees Celsius) were identified. Nuclear magneticresonance method was used for the radioactive carbon 13 and hydrogen 1.Combined gas chromatography method in the infrared radiationequipment was also used as well as combined gas chromatography formass identification equipment. Eighty-two compounds of the twomentioned components were identified.

Comparing and evaluating three extraction methods andidentification of pesticides residues in some food samples thatcontain fat

Ali Al-Omair, Ali Al-Sayegh, Nezar Ahmad and Tahani Al-Sharrah

Three extraction methods were compared and residues of two types ofpesticides were identified, that contain phosphorus and chlorine, insamples of white cheese pies. The three methods are:1. Partitioning by using esther and acetonitrale.2. Isolation by gelat. chromatography.3. Extraction by using HPLC. This last method is considered thefastest and gives best results.


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Annex 3A summary of environmental research completed by KISR,

(1996-1998).


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A summary of environmental research completed by KISR

During the period 1996-1998.

Evaluating sand dunes movement by their natural movementrelative to sand particles size

Shabeer Shahid, Sameera Omar and Samir Al-ghawas

Soil movement due to winds is considered one of the main reasons forsoil deterioration in the State of Kuwait. Three means that cause soildriftage based in their sizes, which are: surface drift for sand particleslarger than 500 microns, sand movement for particles of sizes between63-500 microns, and movements of particles of sizes less than 63microns. This causes the loss of soil nutrients and most of its silts andmud contents. This paper explains the means of which sand dunes movesin the State of Kuwait in addition to presenting some recommendationsthat could contribute to reducing these phenomena. The results showedsoil driftage by winds in the State of Kuwait occurs for sand that havesand particle size of 63-500 microns, followed by surface movement ofsand particles larger than 500 microns, and finally for sand particles thatare less than 63 microns.

Evaluating the growth of "Polonia" types in Kuwait dry coastalclimate

Habeba Al-munaia, Nareena Pat and Emad Al-zelzelah

An evaluation qualitative study was conducted in two different coastallocations, an open area in the sea front and a protected site of KISR inShuwaikh. This was to determine the response of growth, greening, andlandscaping of five different types of Polonia plants. The growth rateswere observed and indicated that the first five test types of this plant areable to grow and survive in dry coastal conditions, despite of the fact thatthe general conditions and plant activities in the open areas are notacceptable for landscaping, especially during summer season. The plantsstayed alive between December and March and produced attractivecolours between March and April. They have bigger greening effectduring the spring and early summer seasons. Based on recorded data forthe response of these plants, it is recommended the se these plants ingreening work in protected areas. In addition, combining them with othercompetitive plants.

Selected model farms soils by the PAAFR.

Shabeer Shahid, Sameer Al-ghawas and Sameera Omar


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A soil survey was conducted based on the categories of the USDA (firstgrade) for three model farms in Wafra, Abdali, and Shgaya areas. Thesefarms include different types of soil that are spread in the State of Kuwait.Shegaya farm have consodilated layer at depths less than one meter fromsurface, called locally ”Gatch”. It also has large concentrations of gypsum and salt layers. This type of soil presents a physical and chemical barrieragainst soil fertility needed for plant growth. Soils in the Wafra farm aresandy and are vulnerable to driftage by winds. Caring for this type of soilrequires the installation of barriers and adding soil improvement agents inaddition to frequent irrigation with small amounts. Abdali farm hasdifferent soil, than Wafra and Shegaya. It is more stable than Wafra’s soil and contains gypsum and salt layers within the first meter of depth. Thesoils of Shegaya and Abdali are considered within Aridisols category fordry soil. Wafra’s soil fall within the category of Entisols newly formed soil. The use of these sites for agriculture will show the suitability ofthese soils for agriculture production, which will benefit the farmers’ sector in improving land use.

Using the "Rotten white fungus" as a treatment tool for oilpolluted soil.

Awatif Yateem, Mohammad Balba’a, Ameen Al-nawawi

and Nader Al-awadi

The white rotten fungus has a great ability to treat many environmentalpollutants using peroxides enzymes. The abilities of three types of thisfungus were tested, which are: Pleuorotus Ostreatus, CoriolusVeriscolor, and Phanerochaetee Chysosporium. The tests included theability to crack oil in the polluted soil, by designing a small environmentof the polluted soil to study the effect of the dose used and addedNitrogen on the efficiency of bio treatment process. Results showed thatmaximum decomposition occurred when using Coriolus Veriscolor; oilhydrocarbon concentrations were reduced from 32 g/km within 12months. Oil hydrocarbons degradation rates increased noticeably byincreasing this fungus. It was also noticed that providing nutrient richenvironment assists the growth of germs in the soils, which in turn assiststhe white rotten fungus in degrading various oil compounds.

Treatment of oil polluted soils by using soil accumulation andmixing techniques

Reyadh Al-dhaher, Nader Al-awadh, Mohammad Balbaa and AmeenNawawi

Many biotechnologies/remediation methods were used to treat oilpolluted soils in the State of Kuwait. One of these techniques is the soil


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accumulation and rotation technique. It was evaluated in the field andexperiments started in November 1992 at Burgan field. Accumulatedsoils were prepared by adding additives to improve soils’ properties. These accumulations were then irrigated with water and ventilated bymixing the soil continuously. To measure the hydrocarbon degradationrate, samples were collected from treated soils every month to measurehydrocarbon and multi-chain aromatic contents. Results show that thisprocess is very effective and remove pollutants in 10 months. This paperexplains this technology and displays some results.

Bacillus T. Bacteria isolation from the soil of Kuwait to study theproperties and toxicity levels in order to eliminate local insectsepidemics.

Yousef Al-shayji, Mohammad Saleem, Sami Al-amad, Nabeela Shaheen,Ibtisam Mohammad and Mamdooh Ibrahim

Agriculture activities in Kuwait suffer from large financial losses due toinsects’ epidemics. Kuwaiti farmers and vegetable producers use large quantities of chemical pesticides to combat insects. Chemical pesticidescan have harmful impacts on the environment and can pollute other areas.They also appear in food chains. The main objective of this study is toidentify and evaluate the biological terminators that work efficiently inthe local environment. Samples were collected from soils and deadinsects from various parts of Kuwait. These samples were used to isolateBacillus T. bacteria. About 93 types of these bacteria were identified, 27of them grow at temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius and 3 chains only(F9, F2, and Aa13) can grow at 55 degrees Celsius and could produce atthe same time toxic proteins that kill insects. Results show that theisolated toxin has high efficiency in eliminating white flier insect. Also,locally isolated biological terminators have the ability to degrade mostpesticides used currently in the local agriculture and greening programs.

Developing technologies to enlarge the DNA (RAPD/PCR) and toevaluate the degree of genetic stability in tissue cultures palmtrees.

Mohammad Saleem, Yousef Al-shayji and Sami Al-amad

A new accurate method was developed that can contribute to theguarantee of stability, or genetic purity, of palm trees planted in stages.This will assist in identifying the different types of palm trees. Thismethod depends on RAPD/PCR technology. 164 DecomerOligonucleotides were studied using isolated DNA from parent trees.Results show that enlarging isolated DNA from Calles and Plantlets willgive same DNA results as the parents. Results also show that using


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RAPD/PCR can contribute accurately to obtaining information related tosimilarities and genetic differences in the various stages of tissueculturing, which can not be obtained by any other method.

Improving the "Bulti" fish hatchery and increasing theproduction of its larvae.

Mohammad Redha, Emmanuel Cruise and Abdulaziz Ameeri

A pure parentage of Oreochrmis Nitloticus was imported from the UnitedStates of America. The project aims at increasing the production of larvaeof the "Balti" fish and the selection of water recycling system used in"Bulti" fish hatchery, Department of Mariculture and FisheriesResources, and to identify the technical problems associated with them.The study showed increase in larvae production and as follows:

A. Production rates of larvae exposed to the longest photic-period, 18hours/day, with additional high light intensity higher than those exposedto moderate or short periods of light exposure, 15 and 12 hours/day,respectively.

B. Production rates at lower fish density (4 fish/m2) are higher than athigher density (8 and 12 fish/m2). The monthly fish change increasedlarvae production. Specification concentrations in new water recyclingsystem were lower than the concentrations caused fish kill. Cost ofproducing larvae were also lower using this method. To achieve bestproduction-cost benefit, some modifications should be made such asusing compressed air instead of pumps in water recycling and theproduction of larvae by 0.5 grams.

Growth and aging of some important fishes of Kuwait

Mohsen Al-husaini, Saud Al-ayoob, Ali Al-baz, Jamal Dashti

And Salah Al-jazzaf

A study was conducted to estimate the ages and growth of someimportant fish in some of Kuwait’s fishing areas and for the first time byusing the annual growth in the the fish Otolith. To accurately estimateKuwait fish stock, least square method and Bootstrap statistical methodwere used. The study showed that the estimated growth indicators Loo,K, Tmax for the following fish are: sivery grunt (62.29, 0.853, 23),Promfret (38.56, 0.25, 6), "Kanad" (166.7, 0.225, 14), spotted Spanishmackerel, (154.44, 1.63, 8), Mullet (22.4, 0.25, 5), large-scalet mullet(26.16, 1.5, 4), and finally river shad (43.8, 0.853, 5). The study alsoshowed that the estimated ages of silvery grunt and "Kanad" are higherthan previous studies that used fish length. Higher growth rates were also


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estimated for spotted Spanish mackerel, large-scaled mullet, and rivershad fish.

Ecological impact assessment of the changes in Shat Al-arabwaters of the northern Arabian Gulf waters.

Faiza Al-yamani, Jim Beshop, Khlood Al-refai, Wafa’a Ismail, Amani Al-yagoot, Talaat Saeed, Laila Al-omran, Andi Koratnic, Abdulnabi Al-

ghadhban, Jamal Dashti, Alin Linux and Waleed Al-zakari

The project is considered the first phase of a programme that focuses onstudying the northern area of the Arabian Gulf to monitor theoceanographic and ecological changes of this area. The research teamconducted marine trips for 10 months to measure the oceanographicindicators of the northern area. Preliminary results show that Subbya Bayand the northwestern water of Failaka Island became less saline (27 partper thousands and 34 parts per thousands, respectively in 1995/1996).This is due to the diversion of waters from the the Euphrates River to thethird sea that pours int Al-Zubair and Aubbya bays. This diversion couldhave resulted in another source of brackish water rich in nutrientsdissolved at the northern environment of the Arabian Gulf. In addition, tothe Shat Al-arab waters that pours into the northern area of the ArabianGulf east of Bubyan Island.

Oceanographic dynamics of the northwestern waters of theArabian Gulf: ecological importance for the marine food chain.

Faiza Al-yamani, Soba Rao Dorsilva, Wafa’a Ismail, Khlood Al-refai,Terki Al-saeed, Amani Al-yagoot and Laila Al-Omran

The main objective of this project is to study the controlling processes inthe energy paths through the surface marine food chains in the State ofKuwait. Approved laboratorial methods were used to measure thephysical, chemical, and biological information from nine stations in theKuwaiti waters. During the first stage of the study (between 1996-1997),the importance of Subbya bay and the northwestern area of Failaka islandbecame obvious as ecological environment because they are effected bypouring waters from the third river from southern Iraq. Compared thisstudy with previous ones, it was apparent that land use, changes in freshwater levels, and available nutrients concentrations are totally reflectedon the plant barriers, primary production, and density of bacteria. Theprimary organic production of plants in the northern Kuwaiti watersexceeds the required carbon by bacteria. This shows the possibility ofproviding the organic materials to marine species.


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Description of larvae development for one type of mullet species

Wafa’a Ismail, Khalid Al-abdulilah and Faiza Al-yamani

Male to female ratio was 1.538:1. Standard length for males and femalesranged between 150-180 mm and 180-210 mm respectively. Fourmaturity stages were identified which are: larvae, mature, partiallyconsumed, and consumed. The average weight factor ranges between8.737+3.512 and 5.004+2.451 for females and males respectively. Theserates were previously lower at 4.414+1.183 for females. Eggs diameterswere collected for the mature, partially consumed, and consumed stagesand ranged between 0.1 to 0.8 mm. Natural hatching of Liza carinata fishwas possible in captivity, this hatching occurred between December andFebruary and the average diameter of fertilized egg for this fish is0.838+0.051 mm. Hatching occurred after 36 hours and at 23 degreesCelsius. Average length of the larvae was 1.959+0.179 mm.

The exploitation of intertidal mudflats by the juveniles of theshrimp M. affinis.

James Beshop and M. Khan

Trawling was carried-out every three hours for two hours during the lowand high tides cycles at depths of 0.6, 1.0, and 2 meters. This was achivedby dividing the intertidal zone of Kuwait Bay into three sections. Trawingwas carried-out during 4th-5th and 25th-26th of June 1989. Shrimp fishingrates, for shrimp type M. affinis, for every five minutes differs accordingto depth and time. The rates were higher during the night time (103) thanduring day time (45). Such shrimp can also be found at depths rangingbetween 0.5-1.0 and more in depths of 2 meters. M. affinis larvae areconsidered one the residing larvae in the muddy flats that enters this areaduring the high tide and leaves during the low tide. The availability of M.affinis in the traps depends on the time and location. This shows theimportance of preparing standards for sample collection beforeimplementing any sampling collection programme. The area north ofKuwait Bay is protected because of its isolation. However, due to thespread of power stations in Ras Subbya area, this area will no longer beisolated.

Simulating hydro-geological impacts of the reduction in groundwater level by using a mathematical model

Adnan Akbar, Mohammad Al-murad and Hisham Ghunaim

Ground water level increase in and around Kuwait city. It is one of thedangerous problems that face the country since three decades. This studyuses a mathematical model to simulate the hydro-geological effects of thereduction process of these ground water levels. The results can then be


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evaluated to forecast its possible future use. The study used many deepwells and horizontal drains in order to reduce ground water level up to 1.5m below earth surface. The study area suffers from the availability ofground waters at different levels, between the surface level and 3 metersbelow it. Many scenarios were used during the simulation to control thepumping system and the hydrogeology of the area. Simulation resultsusing MODFLOW show the effectiveness of horizontal drainages inreducing groundwater levels to the required level is much higher than thedeep wells.

Laboratory study for the suitability of injecting desalinatedwaters in Dammam formation reservoir in an experimentallocation in Kuwait

Amithaba Mo Kobadhai, Iman Al-awadi, Mohammad AL-sanafi andPakerik Smith

The success of any artificial injection project for ground water reservoirsdepends on the impacts of injected water on the reservoirs’ properties. A study was conducted to identify the suitability of the desalinated waterswith the ground water and rock formation for Dammam reservoir in atesting location for this charging selected for this study. Results show thatwater flow through the samples without negative effects on the reservoirproperties. The geo-chemical simulation did not reveal any cracks thatcould be caused by the mixture of desalinated waters with Dammamformation. Based on the results obtained from the mercury tool tomeasure permeability, the study recommends that filtration of the injectedwaters in order to remove any suspended particles that have diameters of1.5 microns or higher in order to avoid clogging of these openings in therock composites.

Groundwater contamination in northern Kuwait

Merio Cambot Faizonatahn, Mohammad Al-senafi, Amithaba MuCobadhai, Arasheshlag coditoaqua and Khalid Al-fahad

Northern Kuwait has fresh drinking ground waters, the amount of thesewaters is very low compared with the requirements and demand ofKuwait for fresh waters, However, this small amount play an importantrole, especially during emergencies. As a result of the second Gulf war,oil pollutants covered large areas of the earth surface in groundwaterfields’ areas causing contamination of some of them. Modern studies showed that these contamination levels will increase with time causingthe waters of some of these areas inedible. It is therefore necessary totreat the sources of these pollutants in these areas as soon as possible.


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A study of the performance of Reverse Osmosis membranes in ahybrid system between multi-stage flash (MSF) distillation andReverse Osmosis.

Eisam Al-sayed, Sadeq Ibrahim, Mahmood Abduljawad

And Ahmad Al-saffar

The main objective of this study is to prove the possibility of obtainingbenefits in production rates of waters and to test the performance of theReverse Osmosis (RO) stations that use hybrid system of Multi-StageFlash and RO. All experiment were conducted in the desalination testingstation in Doha using an experimental RO unit specially designed toproduce 20 cubic meters of water a day. This unit was linked with anotherunit that works on MSF principle in the Doha East Power Station. Thehybrid system was tested during the winter season and lasted for 1800hours continuously. The temperature of the water intake reached between24 to 31 degrees Celsius. Readings that were recorded includedtemperatures, pressures, flow rates, salinity levels, suspended particlesindicators, and pH level for all lines. Results show that implementing thismethod increased production rate, compared with the reverse osmosis, by49%. Also, water recovery increased to 48% compared with RO. It wasalso noticed that during these tests, suspended particles indicatorsincreased and the filter washing increased as well. Also the use ofchemical substances increased in addition to reduced efficiency of somemembranes.

Tertiary sewage water treatment by using microscopic filtering

Sameer Buhamad and Sadeq Ibrahim

Tertiary treated sewage waters are considered one of the main sources ofwater in the Stat of Kuwait. This resource was not exploited properly dueto the presence of pollutants and diseases’ producers. Microscopic Filtration is expected to produce high quality waters that could be usedfor irrigation. This technology has unique technical and economicaladvantages over other treatment methods. This project will use thistechnology in treating the tertiary treated sewage water under theconditions of the State of Kuwait. Another aim for this project is tocompare the technological and economical return of this technology withtraditional technologies. Work on this project started in July 1997,according to suggested plan; and the first and second tasks werecompleted, which include the preparation of equipment and staff. After500 operating hours, the SDI value reached 2.5% and the microscopicfiltration equipment is capable of treating the sewage waters to obtain


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pure water free from any bacteria in a continuous pattern without theaddition of any sterilizing substances.

Additional treatment of treated sanitary waste water by usingReverse Osmosis

Mahmood Abduljawad and Saud Al-Shemmeri

It is possible now to produce waters of the same quality as drinking waterwith a reasonable cost if RO technique is used to treat the tertiary anddual treated sewage waters. If implemented. this will allow Kuwait togain many benefits including meeting the growing demand of qualitywaters free from any disease to be used for agriculture, industry, andhomes. Other benefit are to preserve strategic natural water resources,reducing environmental pollution caused by discharging of tertiary andsecondary treated sanitary wastewater into the sea, and meeting thedemands during emergencies caused by shortage of water productionfrom desalination stations for domestic use. The main objectives of theproject are to evaluate the technical and economical feasibility forimplementing the RO technology in additional treatment of the treatedsanitary wastewater. This paper describes the preliminary treatment,research tools, and the results of the sewage water desalination using RO.

Basic evaluation of the sediments properties of northern Kuwaitenvironment

Abdulnabi Al-ghadhban, Ali Al-dosari and Hasan Al-meshri

Marine sediments are considered sediment pool for pollutants that enterthe marine environment. This study is aimed at identifying the sedimentproperties of the sediments in the northern Kuwaiti environment. Resultsshow the presence of newly formed sediment from mud compared withprevious study that was performed in 1980. The distribution of thesediments was effected by the current movement, counter clock wise, inthe area. Therefore, results showed that Kuwait’s bay area could be considered sedimentation area. The drying processes of the marshlandscould have produced these sediments. It is expected that these sedimentswill affect the hydrographical nature of the area.

Risk assessment related to polyaromatic hydrocarbons producedby oil lakes

Talat saeed, Sami Al-yagoob and Dhari Al-ajmi

A mathematical model was designed to assess the risks of acquiringcancer through inhaling particles of PAHs compounds produced by oillakes. In this study, a mathematical model was used to assess the risksbased on a chain of events starting from identifying hydrocarbon levels in


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oil lakes, exposure, dust suspension, transport to the atmosphere andpolluting the air then exposure of human in residential areas throughinhalation. Unsure possibilities were treated using Monte Carlotechniques. To identify exposure time, different exposure times were used(10, 20, 40, and 70 years). It was found that the critical period is after 40years of exposure. Based on these results, it was found that it is possibleto remove 0.218 million cubic meters per year. It was also found that thenorthern oil lakes contribute to health risks.

The response of the biological indicator in the local fishes to PAHscompounds in the Arabian Gulf region

Merza Beige, Khalid Abdulailah, Putin Purackel Jackob, Khaleeq Beige,Majid Bahlol and Khalid Al-matrook

The study aimed at identifying the biological indicator for PAHscompounds in selected fish samples such as the yellow finned blackporgy, known locally as "Sheim", which is widely spread in the ArabianGulf region. The fish used in this study was farmed in the Maricultureand Fishery Resources Department at Kuwait Institute for ScientificResearch, therefore, it could not be exposed to toxic substances. Testswere conducted on mature fish when exposed to Benzo(A)Pyrene and theassociated increase in the production of P450-IAI enzyme in the livertissues of the fish. It was found that these rates depend on that dose takenand the increase in enzymes is related to energy activities through theimplementation of the two tests EROD and ELISA. The particle mass forthe fish liver protein 55Kua can be determined by using Western Blotting.Results show that the biological indicator in the yellow finned blackporgy can be used to measure the quality of environment, by linking theliver enzymes with basic levels. Accordingly, polluted areas in theArabian Gulf region can be identified accurately.

Evaluating the sources of non-ionized radiation and their impactson public health

Abdulhadi Al-otaibi, Dhari Al-ajmi, Merza Beige and Tariq Al-obaid

A general field survey was conducted to determine the intensity ofelectromagnetic radiation produced by cellular phone bases used by theMobile Telecommunication Company in the State of Kuwait. Fieldmeasurements were taken from 26 receiving stations that receivefrequencies originated by phones for 6 minutes. The results of the studyshow that the intensity of the radiation field produced by these stationsand exposed to by the public range between 0.05 to 1.13 v/m. Theselevels are within 400 to 800 times lower than the allowable limits set by


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European standards for the human exposure of electromagneticradiations.

A study of the toxicity of the Kuwaiti crude oil and the partiallyburnt oil on marine organisms

Merza Beige, Talat Saeed, Mohammad Motwali, Khalid Abdulilaah,Bothenior iskal Jackob, Reham Al-reshaid, Khalid Al-matrook

and Majid Bahlol

The report presents experiments performed on crude oil and partiallyburnt oil to observe the toxicity on two types of fish i.e. the yellow finnedblack porgy "Sheim" and mullets "Maid". These two types were farmedbefore conducting the experiments in a laboratory. A list of chemicalanalyses and samples of partially burnt oil, were prepared by the burningof crude oil for different periods of time to obtain less VOCs and higherPAHs compounds. A study was performed to examine the acute toxicityof the crude oil and the partially burnt oil dissolved in water. It was foundthat concentrations that lead to fish mortality of the yellow finned blackporgy "Sheim" and mullets "Maid" were 2.3 g/l and 1.0 g/l, respectively.The study also showed, that the concentrations of the lethal dose of thepartially burnt oil depends on the burning periods and on the samplecontents of toxic compounds.

Properties of discharged sanitary wastewater in Shuwaikh area

Saleh Al-muzaini, Musaed Al-mutairi, Kamal Muslumani, Amal Al-bloushi, Ibrahim Corin and Tariq Al-obaid

The aim of this study was to evaluate the properties of the dischargedsanitary wastewater in Shuwaikh area. The programme included thecollection of samples from 11 locations within Shuwaikh area. Physicaland chemical analyses results of samples, taken during the low and hightides, showed that they exceed the allowable limit. The study suggestspresenting proper solutions that can reducepollutants’ levels in Shuwaikh area and rehabilitate it in order to be used for future developmentprojects.

The distribution of VLHs compounds in Kuwait marineenvironment

Talat Saeed, Hosni Al-khardaji, Amal Al-bloushi and Huda Al-hashash

The study aimed at assessing the levels of the Volatile LiquidHydrocarbons (VLHs) and volatile halogen compounds in the marineenvironment of Kuwait, especially near by the water desalination stations.The levels and distribution of these compounds were determined atspecific locations. Results show that these pollutants are always present


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in the coastal waters of Kuwait and their levels are close to the levelsfound else where in the world. However, the level of some compounds’ were high in some areas and should be addressed, such as Benzenoidswhich is estimated to be 70% from the total liquid hydrocarbons present.Also, bromoform represented 84% of the total trihalomethanes.Sulaibikhat Bay contributes to the highest levels of pollutants from thesecompounds. Also water desalination stations pollute the marineenvironment with these compounds. The need to rehabilitate and torecycle these waste waters is highly encouraged.

Water dissolving derivatives of crude oil and refined oil products:chemical composition and toxicity

Talat Saeed, Lolwa Ali, Merza Beige, Maha Al-mutairi, Huda Al-hashash, Tariq Al-obaid and Amal Al-bloushi

The study aimed at conducting a detailed analysis for water dissolvingcrude oil derivatives, volatile refined oil products, and PAHs compounds.The latter, formed the largest compounds that dissolves in crude oil,especially benzene, toloine, and dimethylbenzene with concentrationsranging between 0.7 to 3.8 milligrams/l and at 25 degrees Celsius. Allsamples collected contained PAHs, in which naphthalene and itsderivatives were the dominant. The concentrations of these compoundsvaried between 0.041-2.09 mg/l. Results showed that the toxicity of thedissolved part of "premium benzene" is high compared with Kuwaiticrude oil and fuel oil.

Studying the control of sand encroachment on Kuwait OilCompany facilities in the operation areas in the southeast, west, andnorth of Kuwait.

Mani’a Al-sederawi and Rafaat Maisak

This study was conducted for the Kuwait Oil Company in order to protecttheir oil facilities from sand accumulation and encroachment in theiroperation areas in Burgan, Manageesh, and Rawdatain oil fields. Worktook 36 months and included detailed field studies to assess theenvironmental situation in the operation areas and their surroundings.Activities included field surveying, preparing location maps using remotesensing technology and aerial and satellite images, laboratorial studies,mathematical modelling, and environmental and economic assessment.This study presented protection methods from sand accumulation andencroachment. Some of these methods were tested in the field. Anintegral and comprehensive system was prepared based on the economicand environmental assessment that were carried for these methods. Theyinclude installing mechanical barriers (walls), biological barriers (green


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belts), and soil stabilizers. It is expected that the proposed programme, ifimplemented, will remain effective for around 28 years and will savemillions of Kuwaiti Dinars that can be spent on sand removal. It will alsoimprove work conditions in these vital oil operation areas.

Evaluating the impacts of volatile organic compounds producedby human activities on air quality in Kuwait

Ahmad Eisa, Mane’a Al-sederawi, Hadya Al-yafawi, Laila Al-awadi,Yousef Al-otaibi, Abdulrazzak Al-shammerri and Mohammad Rashad

Emphases on the assessment of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) inthe air are increasing every day due to the active role these materials playin increasing the ozone gas concentrations and due to their toxicity andcarcinogenic effects. The study aimed at performing a comprehensiveassessment of the effects of VOCs on air quality in the State of Kuwait.37 samples were collected and analysed. Samples were takencontinuously for 24 hours bu using Summa Passivated Canister for aboutone year.These samples were analysed by using GC/MS & Preconcentrator equipment. Thisreport includes the results of pollutants’ measurements in the atmosphere at the fivegovernorates of Kuwait. In addition, to populated areas and around oil lakes thatspreading in the desert. The results showed an increase in the concentrations of someof these pollutants due to their close location to the source or due to various weatherconditions. The report also included a statistical analysis for the prevailing climateconditions during the study period, which suggested that there is a relationshipbetween pollutants’ concentrations, their sources, and winddirections during themeasurement period.


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Annex 4

Research funded by the Kuwait Foundation forAdvancement of Sciences

Research Projects Department-Projects related to theenvironment


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Research funded byKuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences

Research Projects Department-Projects related to the environment

Environmental balance is considered as one of the essential requirementsto implement applied and technological studies, as most of scientificcentres carry-out research related to this aspect. The foundation sponsorsresearch related to studying changes occurring the the coastal, desert andair environment of the State of Kuwait.

A high level committee was established for water programme projectsand related issues to ensure water security and development in watertechnologies and their applications. The committee with the assistance ofthe MEW and KISR prepared a strategy for water researchs programme.The strategy includes an agreement statement between the partners, aprogramm for research projects concerned with the water sector anddevelopment plans for national research in cooperation with internationalexpertise. The research projects elements include four main sectors.These are:

1. Water Resources Management.

2. Desalination.

3. Sanitary waste water treatment.

4. Groundwater.

The scientific committee follow up the programme activities,periodically, after agreeying on the programme implementation. As foraccomplished/completed projects and the new projects, the following is alist of projects summary, the sector where the researchers belong to andthe research date.

Over consumption of water and electricity in State of Kuwait


Ghanem Sultan Aman. Science Research Priority Program: WaterResources Development.( Completed, 04/ 06/1998)

This research aimed at studying the over consumptive patterns in waterand electricity in different sectors in the State of Kuwait with an attemptto set recommendations to limit this phenomena. This is important whenconsidering the limitations of these resources and the huge expenses spentby the state to provide water & electricity with a very low charge. Theresearch also aimed to recognize the effect of the geographical factorsand the role of the urbanization factors in the size and pattern of theconsumption through the year. The study came into two parts i.e.


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theoretical and practical and each part has its own hypotheses. Examplesinclude literatre review, improving electricity and water consumption inKuwait, the geographical distribution of power plants in the country andrate of consumptions. However, for the practical section, it containedmany issues such as the study sample, collection and data statisticalanlaysis. The study used statistical analysis methods such as Chai Squareand critical Ratios and Factor analysis. The study ended withrecommendations that might help and support water and electrictyconsumption in Kuwait.

Trace metals pollution in relation to water quality andfemtoplanktons and nanoplanktons in the coastal waters ofKuwait.

Kuwait University

Abdul Hadi Easa Boualwan. (Completed, 6/5/1995)

The objective of this research is to study the effect of sanitary wastewater and trace metals i.e. nickel, vanadium, cupper, lead, mercury, andcadmium on the femto and nanoplanktons populations. Biological testswere carried-out to assess the levels of toxicity and concentration of theheavy metals, resulting from industrial and domestic activities on selectedsamples of phytoplanktons. Seven locations on the seashore weresampled i.e. Al-Subiya, Al-Doha, Kadhma, Kuwait Towers, Salmiya,Fahaheel, Khiran, 1-7 respectively. Sampling, and later on analysis, werecarried-out in order to know the effects of trace metals on the micro andnanoplanktons, of sizes 20-200 micrometer. Samples were collected andanalysed during the summer and winter seasons. It was found thatlocations 4-7 were the most polluted areas. Location 2 contained thehighest concentration of metals, however, the phytoplankton count waslow. Location 1 contained a high amount of phytoplanktons populationand low metal concentrations. It was found that micro fauna such asMilisoria, Esterionella, and Resosolinia, which were found in highconcentrations in all locations, were an indicator of industrial and oilpollution. Toxicity tests revealed the relation between metalconcentrations and the availability of oxygen in high amounts. All testsindicated that there are no danger indication at the present time, but theissue should be dealt with sooner, specially with growing industrialactivities.

Sciences that control photodegradation of oil pollutants in theKuwaiti sea water

Kuwait Scientific Institute for Scientific Research

Sheikh Tala'at Said. (Completed, 4/5/1997)


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This study aimed at knowing the effects of temperature, light, quantity ofdissolved oxygen, availability of photosensitizers, on thephotodegradation process of the oil contaminants in the sea. Accordingly,laboratory changes and calibrations were done to control the abovefactors. Dissolved petroleum compound samples were prepared throughthe usage of two methods, spectroscopy to separate volatile compoundsand the use of gas chromatography for aromatic compound separation.For research purposes, three different light concentration and temperaturelevels were used as well as four types of dissolved oxygen and under twoconditions. The first, when there is a presence of light and the second is inits absence. The study showed that the volatile compounds and thearomatic compounds vary in their degradation. Volatile compounds don’t dissolve under normal conditions, where the increase in light intensity,temperature and percentage of dissolved oxygen favors thedecomposition of other compounds. The results of the study showed thatthe average rate of degradation of the aromatic compound is related tocertain conditions or environmental factors. With low light intensities andlow temperature and lack of dissolved oxygen, the decomposition rate isminimal. As light and temperature increase the rate of decomposition isenhanced even if dissolved oxygen level is minimal or nill.

Freshwater needs/demand in the State of Kuwait.

Kuwait Scientific Institute for Scientific research (KISR)

M.N Feezowanetan- Science Research Priority Program: WaterResources Development Centre. (Completed, 2/6/1999)

For the past years the MEW aimed at providing information onconsumption patterns in different sectors and then by using thisinformation through new and advanced methods then it future projectionfor water needs would be very precise. The main aim of this project is toimprove water projection need plan for different times by using anaccumulation model. The advantage of this model that it is adaptable thechanges that occur to water consumption needs or usage, clear evidenceshowed that there was an increase in water consumption since the Iraqiinvasion. There were sharp differences evident this increase may be dueto the provision of new water systems provided to the citizens, and therise of new domestic facilities.

Models were developed to show the relationship between average dailyindividual water consumption per month and consumption in any daywithin the year with different factors. Data of weekly freshwaterconsumption were collected in 48 domestic units between Oct 1998- andnov1999, in addition to some information concerning the residentialunits. Kuwait’s consumption of freshwater is comparatively high to other


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countries. According to some assumptions on population growth,economic growth, immigration rates in the State and individualconsuming patterns, it was possible to measure a proximate need of thecountry of water until 2025, where the amount will vary between 226-668imperial gallons. The water plants’ capacity to maintain the daily maximum needs is about 565-970 imperial galloons/day. Thesemeasurements are susceptible to changes if any environmental,economical population or any other factors changes. So the safest methodto predict the water need is by depending on economical analysis that isconcerned with the long time measurement of water consumption.

Sanitary wastewater quality changes through the use of SoilAquifer Treatment (SAT)

Kuwait Scientific Institute for Scientific research (KISR)

Iman Abdullah Al-Awadi - Scientific Research Priority Program: WaterResources Development Center. (Completed, 1/6/1997)

Treatment and reuse of sewage wastewaters considered an importantsource of water, especially in arid countries suffering water resourcesscarcity such as Kuwait, especially in fast growing and highly urbanizedpopulations. This study searched for the possibility of using the aquifersoil for the treatment and to improve the quality of sanitary wastewater tomeet international standards for water used in irrigation. Soil sampleswere prepared to study the quality of wastewater upon the passage ofwastewater through a column of different types of soil. The samples werecollected from Al-Sulibyia, Al-Jahra, and Al-Riqa. Soil mineralogical andpetrologic characteristics were studied. Also, the particle sizes, porosity,and weight percentage were studied. At first desalinated water was usedto reach (control) reference values for leachate levels and hydrologicalconnection for the soil columns. After that the soil columns were floodedwith treated sanitary wastewater from the Sulibya Treatment Plant. Each1-liter of water coming out of these columns was collected periodically.The results showed that the SAT technology enhanced the quality ofwastewater under normal operational conditions. This technology wasefficient in decreasing the COD, BOD, phosphates, ammonium nitrateand nitrite and bacterial count. Based on the results of these experimentsAl-Sulaibiya was recommended as a field pilot area for theimplementation of this technology.


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Atlas of the State of Kuwait from Satellite Images

Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS)

and the Remote Sensing Centre of Boston University

Farouk Al-Baz and Mohamed Al-Saraoui - Development and RemoteSensing. Special Funds Project. (Completed, 1/5/1993)

The project aimed at preparing Kuwait Atlas based on satellite imagesincluding environmental features illustrating damages from Iraqiinvasion, as well as geographical, geological, meteorological and marineinformation through the use of remote sensing. The first part of the atlaswas dedicated to give basic information and brief description about thetypes of the images and the methods of taking them through spaceshuttles. The second part of the atlas deals with the environmentalcharacteristics of the State of Kuwait, whether they were physical due toits location, or other features that rose due to humans’ activities. Also the second part of the atlas shows the environment’s destruction and the geological impacts of the Gulf War especially on desert surfaces. Someresults show a new perception for the desert area and its sensitivity forthese impacts. It is hoped that the pictures of Kuwait’s geography after the Gulf war would be useful in assessing the changes. Also the studyaims at reaching some recommendations according to the status of thesechanges, especially that the environment is continuously changing andsome of the impacts of the destructions are not evident, as deeply buriedoil in the deserts due to sand translocation and wind.

Development of a mathematical model for Seasonal prediction ofrainfall in the State of Kuwait


Hassan Ali Nasrallah. (Completed, 5/5/1996)

Most of the rainfalls in the winter season are between December andFebruary in Kuwait. The amount of rain varies according to place andtime. The purpose of developing a mathematical model, which is able ofpredicting the seasonal amounts of rainfall, is due to its importance inagricultural production, water resources, wildlife, recreational activitiesand improving wind and sand storms. Using sea surface temperature inthe Aden and Oman Gulf, South September fluctuation indicator, WestPacific September indicator, East Pacific November indicator, and theGold Tong indicator for the sea surface temperature for East Pacific, themathematical model for annual rainfall prediction was developed. Thismodel provides 70% of the winter rainfall changes in State of Kuwait. Itconstituent a correct basis for meteorological and theoretical models sincechanging factors related to the scientific predictors are well classified in


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its contribution relative to the major components for rain fall, humidityand movement of wind in the gaseous atmosphere.

Marine sediments toxicity assessment through Isolation.


Mirza Omar Beik. (Completed, 5/5/1997)

The study concentrated on knowing the pollutants in the marinesediments in the Al-Shuaiba Industrial area, which is about (12.5 x1.5km²). Organic carbon, volatile organic compounds petroleumcompounds aromatic compounds; heavy metals i.e. cadmium, chromium,nickel, lead, vanadium, copper, zinc. All were all measured by isolationand laboratory analysis in addition to analyzing their toxicity in livingcreatures. The results showed that the pollutant were concentrated in thearea in front of Al-Ahmadi Refinery Port and Al-Shuaiba Port.Comparing these results with permissible levels showed that the levels ofthese pollutants are beyond limits especially heavy metals andhydrocarbon compounds. It was also found that upon isolation there werehigh levels of toxicity was due to the interaction with other compound.The living organisms showed no levels of toxicity, which means that thepollutants weren’t released to bottom sea sediment. The pollutants mainlyhad effects on small water creatures. The study recommended that theauthorities in the Shuaiba Industrial should set stringent rules, whichminimizes the pollutants in the heavily polluted areas, to regulate watermovement and to prevent the discharge contaminants to seawater directlyfrom the source.

Biological accumulation, fouling, metals and alloys corrosion inthe waters of the Arabian Gulf.


John Carro. (Completed, 2/4/1996)

Bioaccumulations are considered one of the major problems in marineenvironment leading to equipment and establishment’s corrosion for oil bases and power plants. These bioaccumulations depend on many factorssuch as geographical location, temperature levels, water configuration,current movement, water depth, sea bottom characteristics and a numberof marine pollutants. The aim of the research is to study the susceptibilityof the metals used by local industry to corrosion and bioaccumulation.Ten metals (?) were studied after being in contact with seawater atdifferent locations of the Gulf coast from June 1998 to May 2000. Inorder to determine the level of corrosion and bioaccumulation the resultswere compared with those that were collected after 12 months. The study


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demonstrated that ? Showed high levels of corrosion in all sampleslocations.

Environmental Impact Assessment for drying up the southernof Iraq marshes and for associated sediments and pollutants innorthern parts of the Arabian Gulf.


Abdul Nabi Ghadban. (Completed, 2/5/1996)

The Northern territorial water in Kuwait is considered a basin for thesedimentation of particles and pollutants coming from Shatt Al-Arab.Also it has a biological and economical importance as a fish resource andcommercial transport. Hence, it is expected that the dry-up of the wetlandin Al-Ahwar will have negative impacts on the ecological environment inKuwait. These impacts are illustrated in the increase of sedimentation rateaccompanied with oil and non-oil pollutants and the changes in thehydrological nature of the Northern area in Kuwait, which would lead topollution. This study aimed at knowing the level that the dry-out (up) andthe increase in water quantity in Khor Al-Zubier, the Third River, throughconstat sedimentation and associated pollutants had affected the marineenvironment The first part of the study consisted of updating the availableenvironmental information of the northern area. The second part studiedthe sedimentary, mineral, ecological characteristic of bottom sediments.The third part consisted of studying the pollutants accompanying thesediment. The studies also aimed to revealing the results with suitablerecommendation and an understanding of the true situation resulting fromthe dry-out.

Newly found sediments were reported and the distribution of thesediments was affected by prevailing bottom currents. Kuwait Bay can beconsidered as sedimentary basin. Oil pollutants presence in Khor Al-Subiya is associated to the dry-out process and transport of pollutant fromsouthern Iraq to the Northern part of the Gulf. Also the movement of oiltanker affects the South East area of Failaka Island. Sedimentarypollutants were found in that area because of the dry-out. Ecologicalstudies for the distribution of foraminiferida showed that the area is understress due to the decrease in their kinds and numbers. Accordingly, anegative impact is expected on the quality of the ecological environmentin the study area. Hence a quick action should be taken for periodicalmonitoring, detail studies of the area and then take necessary actions tominimize the negative effects of the wetlands of southern Iraq "Al-Ahwar" dry out.


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The effects of petroleum hydrocarbons on thePicophytoplanktons, Synechococcus, in the Arabian Gulf.

Kuwait University,

Rida Hassan Al-Hassan. (Completed, 3/8/1995)

This study is aimed at studying the relationship between the Picoplanktons and the fate of spilled crude oil in the Gulf water. Through thestudy it was discovered the impacts of the crude oil on the physiology ofselected samples of Synechococcus.

Environmental public awareness in Kuwait

Kuwait Environmental Protection Society (KEPS)

Mishal Abdullah Mishal. (New project, 1/5/2000)

This study aims at indicating the levels of environmental publicawareness of Kuwaiti citizens, for the objectives of improving some ofthe attitudes towards the environment. Measuring the level ofenvironmental awareness is helpful in identifying the way Kuwaiticitizens interact with their environment, determining the positive andnegative aspects in this interaction and their priorities towards theenvironments. Environmental awareness will be measured by threemethods i.e. questionnaires, personnel interview and workshops.

Seasonal changes effects and influence on inorganic pollutantsand the production of unwanted phytoplanktons in Kuwait Bay

Kuwait University

Abdul Hadi Bou Alian. (New project, 2/5/2000)

This study aims at studying the influencing effects of the inorganicpollutants especially the trace metals in Kuwait Bay at depths of 2 and 4m, micro fauna, fish scale and the nutrients (PO4, SiO2, NO3) in thestudy area and the relation with the seasonal changes, in addition to thehydrological factors and their effect on marine environment. The studyconcluded several precautionary steps against toxicity of inorganicpollutant found in marine organisms consumed by humans. Also,precautionary steps against the unwanted phytoplanktons were suggestedThis study will enable different organizations in making precautionarysteps against the fast growth of unwanted micro fauna and some advisorysteps on the times where eating marine organisms is favored and safe.

Evaluating the quality of bottom sediments in Kuwaitterritorial waters (The second phase: Coastal areas south of RasAl-Ardh and northern areas of Kuwait territorial Waters).



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Nusrat Yar Khan. (New project, 5/5/2000)

Bottom sediments are of significant importance in the ecological waterproduction sites since it is considered areas for marine colonization, yet itis always susceptible for pollution concentration, which is caused byhuman activities. This project comes as a projection for a previous studythat was funded by KFAS completed in 1998. Three independent factorswere present in the study. They are the chemistry of sediments, toxicitylevels, and the effect of the bottom marine organisms. The study showedthat the levels of cadmium and nickel were beyond the acceptable levelsin the bottom sediments. Also, the study showed that the coastal areaslocated Southern Raas Al-Ard is affected by the discharged sewagewastewater and that industrial wastes have polluted Al-Funtas, industrialShuaiba and Al-Khiran areas. As for the northern areas, it discharge itsagricultural, industrial waste and sanitary wastewater in Shat Al-Arab andthe waters of Khor Al-Zubeir. This study will use the same method thatwas used in the first part to evaluate the environmental situation inaddition to developing some bottom sediment analysis (360 samples) thatare related to toxicities and would be applied in this study for betterresults.

Evaluating the effects of air emissions from Hospitalincineration on hospitals and environment surroundings.

EPA and KISR

Maneh Mohamed Al-Sudirawi.(In progress, 2/5/1998).

Hospital incinerations pose a serious environmental problem due to itsemission of toxic air pollutants such as cadmium, lead, dioxin, which areconsidered one of the most dangerous toxic pollutants for theenvironment and human health. The study aims at evaluating the effect ofthe air contaminant coming from the incinerators stacks on the hospitalitself and the surrounding environment. Testing sample measurements isdirectly from the incineration by the use of stacks samplers and otherequipment to carry out the necessary analysis for these evaluations.

Evaluation of alternatives for municipal waste collection andtransport in State of Kuwait.

Kuwait Municipality

Ousama Ibrahim Al-Daaej. (Continuing, 1/4/1998)

This study aims at evaluating the current situation in collection andtransporting wastes and knowing its efficiency through assessing thefinancial, health and environmental factors. After such assessment, thenthe study would put forward recommendations for best alternative


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disposal method taking into consideration financial, feasibility. Inaddition, to increase the efficiency in waste collection and transport in theState of Kuwait.

Laboratory studies for the compatibility of desalinated andtreated sanitary waste water by using Reverse Osmosis withKuwait Aquifers.


Omtab Mokobady, The Science Research Priority Program: WaterResource Development Center. (Continuing programme, 2/6/1998).

Artificial charging of the two main aquifers in the state of Kuwait is oneof the alternatives to manage the available local water resources. So it isimportant to detect the compatibility of the charged water as a first stepfor the success of the project. The first step is to recommendi a laboratorystudy to check the compatibility of the desalinated water and sanitarywastewater with Kuwait Group aquifers. Changes can be detected bytaking rock samples of "Kuwait Group" and testing them under differentanalytical methods. Other techniques include porosity and permeability ofthe samples. Also, susceptibility for calcification levels would be testedand checked in addition to the analysis of the mixtures of the above kindsof water, sanitary wastewater and desalinated water, with the originalaquifer water.

Stereotype study for treating and reusing ground water in theresidential areas in Sate of Kuwait


Youssef Jasem Alwazan. (Continuing project, 4/6/1994).

A previous study done by KISR, on the problem of ground water risinglevels in residential areas, recommended that this water could be pumped/discharged through deep wells to decrease the groundwater levels andmaintain it within suitable depth. The study also recommended that thiswater could be used for greenery irrigation by decreasing its salt content,through small RO units built in future locations of wells. This facility willbe evaluated in this study as well as its economical feasibility throughinspecting the performance of these reverse osmosis units under specialbiochemical condition related to this kind of water before transferring thistechnique to all wells’ locations in residential areas.

The use of satellite images in environmental assessment andland use in the State of Kuwait


Andy Quarting. (Continuing project, 1/5/1997)


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Satellite images presents information in analyzing and supervisingenvironmental components. Those images can present information aboutthe topography, surface hardness or the humidity conditions. In addition,the long waves used by the radar can penetrate the dry surfaces such assand to know the under surface conditions. The main goal of the study isto evaluate the desert environment with the interest of using the multichannel radar to prepare earth unit maps and also monitor the desertenvironment. The “Introduction to changes” studies will be used for the preparation of annual maps representing the environmental changescaptured by the satellite images.

The impact of the Iraqi invasion on the coastal balance andwater quality

Kuwait University

Mohamed Abdul Rahman Al-Saraoui. (Continuing project, 1/3/1992)

The Kuwait coast suffered from the heavy equipment movement, spilledoil, trenches filled with oil, transport of huge quantities of sediments andmarine ordinance during the liberation of Kuwait in 1991. Sedimentlevels increased in locations and decreased in others. Several oilpollutants affected the quality of the coastal water and its sediments. Thisstudy is concerned with the monitoring the various geological andchemical changes in selected areas along the Kuwaiti Coast.

Diagnosis of the "Malta Fever" causing agent through the useof Genetic DNA Fingerprints


Sabah Hassan Al-Mumin. (Completed project, 5/4/1997)

The "Maltese Fever" is considered one of the most spreadable and mostaffecting diseases on cattle. Hence, it is important to diagnose this diseaseaccurately and fast as prevention and precautionary steps and to increasecattle productivity. The 131-1300 genes, which was isolated in a previousstudy, was tested and showed strong association with Brussella Bacteria.The gene was isolated and replicated, cloned, to show its formation mapto study its molecular properties. According to that two sets of randomarrangement were produced which were used to minimize the size of thegene to 700 bp (B1–700). This genes was studied in its minimize size ofthe genes for the diagnosis of Brussella to check milk, blood and animaltissue samples. It was found that B 1-700 was strongly associated withBrusella. Hence, this gene was taken as a new method of Bruselladiagnosis in infected samples.


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Erosion map of the State of Kuwait

This project aims at accomplishing a metal corrosion map for the State ofKuwait. Metals are used in large quantities in Kuwiat such as aluminumand copper. This map will identify areas where corrosion increase anddecrease due to weather conditions. The information obtained will behighly beneficial for governments and industrial establishment.

Increasing the density of desert plants. Part two: Improvingtissue culturing technology.

This project aims at increasing four kinds of wild trees in Kuwait. Thisstudy also aims at growing a large number of a particular tress in theexperimental farm of KISR to study and evaluate the developmentprogress of these plants. These results showed that it was possible toimplement the sophisticated mass production for each of the selectedplant species. This project also provides a major contribution inimproving agricultural methods implementation to increase the wild plantgrowth that can be use in greening uses and rehabilitation of the desert.This method can also be used to sustain the biodiversity of the wild lifeKuwait’s environment.

Practical evaluation of salinity resistant crops

KISR

Mahd Saleh Abdal. (Continuing Project, 3/6/199)

Gulf area agriculture usually suffers from several natural factors such astemperature increase, lack of irrigation sources and salt accumulation inthe soil. Production maybe increased in the area under those difficultnatural conditions, by two available sources of water, of which the first is,desalinated water that is expensive source for the agricultural sector.Therefore, the use of groundwater as an alternative to desalinated waterneeds a scientific assessment on the new kinds in complying them withlocal conditions.

The search for salt-resistant plants to include in agricultural productionneeds an assessment study on these plants and crops from differentagricultural sources through the world. These plants should be tested forits convenience and its ability to bear salinity under local productioncondition. The study is hoped to cover good local agricultural impact inKuwait and Arab Gulf region.


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New directions to enhance and increase reproduction rates of Al-Naaemi sheep and crossing it with other Naaemi types and Marinosheeps.

The study should comparative information about the mating generationsunder strict conditions. During the project real tested naeemi sheep areengaged in mating processes. This process increases the cattle population,proper food strategy, and other uses.

Plantation of Avicennia Marina for protection and developing ofthe Kuwaiti coast: Second phase

The Avicennia marina is considered one of the renewable naturalresources. It is able to grow in saline conditions, oxygen absent soil landsand it is able to tolerate high temperature. This study aims at plantation ofAvicennia Marina on the coastal line to improve the coastal appearance.The second phase of the project is for surgical codification, to be able toproduce big quantities of the plants, special arboretums, and to improvethe technique of the plant production according to Kuwait’s climate. Considerations before implementing the project will include theenvironmental impacts of growing Avecinnia Marina along the coastalline.

Primary treatment of water used in desalination plants, by specialfilteration

Desalination methods include separation of salt water from the pure waterand by this, the ionic salts increase in the separated salty water. Thoseionic-non-soluble salts would be sediment on the pipelines and surfaces.Chemical methods, chemical compounds and ionic exchange are used toremove the sedimentation. The project suggests at establishing ananometric filter and connecting it to the reverse osmosis units. Thesystem will be operated for one year to have enough information, aboutthe efficiency of the nanometric filters, and to evaluate the impact of theproduced water by this method and also to look at its economical impacts.

Classification of petroleum distilled products of Kuwait oils.

Increased demand on transport oil, forced the oil refineries on improvingthe quality of the their distilled products and the remaining products toproduce light fuel with increased uses. New laws related to the qualitiesof gas oil, sulfur low- diesel is considered a challenge for oilestablishments. Hence, petroleum engineers are seeing the complexity ofheavy petroleum compounds. This study aims at improvement,differences allocation and analyzing the compounds of gas oil from theselected samples.


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A comprehensive survey for shrimps fishing grunds in the GCCConts.

KISR and the Public Committee of GCC Countries

Sulaiman Moh’d Al-Matar. ( Continuing Project, 2/4/1997)

Complete survey for shrimp fishing grounds in Gulf cooperation areacommercial shrimp fishing started in the Arab Gulf Region at the end ofthe 1950’s where now each country of the Arab Gulf owns its fleer. Each country manages its shrimp resources on the basis that it is isolated stocksfrom its neighbouring countries which lead conflicts during fishingseason’s competitiveness and fish ban in each country whereas the shrimp stock is common for all countries. This project determining water scanprogram for the Arab Gulf. It aims at collecting information related toshrimp stocks and to put the essential requirements for managing thesestocks on a regional basis.

Clinical and field investigation of cattle’s mortalities in Kuwaitand their effects on producing dairy products

KISR and PAAFR–

Mohd Abdul Razzak Mohd. (Continuing Project, 8/4/1996)

Mortality in cattle’s causes a big problem for the dairy sector in Kuwait. The info related to the cause of death is not satisfactory, implementationof better plans and special programs were called for dealing with thisproblem. The study will include the origin and size of the problem andefficient methods to investigate. Afterwards, a sample explanatoryprogram to control the major causes of death will be established.Thorough analysis for the available info to pinpoint the problem-causingfactors will be established.

The accumulated effect of corrosion inhibitors on materials underproduction activities/operations

KISR

Ahamd AbdulNabi Hassan. (In progress, 14/2/1998)

The Kuwait Oil Company plans to build several plants, for waterinjections in oil fields that are located in the northern, western andsouthern Kuwait in order to increase oil production. Seawater orproduced water, or even a mixture of them will be used for aquiferinjection purposes. The aim is to enhance oil recovery and ensuring thatwater treatment additives will not cause future problems. knowing thequality of water that is planned to be used will be carried-out through labtests.


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The hazard impacts of earthquakes on buildings

KISR

Omaru Wajih Sadiq. (In progress, 2/9/1998)

The importance of this study is that it discusses the impacts ofearthquakes on buildings that are not built to resist earthquakes. Theactions of these buildings under earthquakes need to be known andstudied, especially that it is not predicted. The aim of this study is toknow the exact impacts of earthquakes on buildings from the engineeringpoint of view; also it evaluates the destruction ability of earth quakeresistant-buildings. The study suggests on establishing an electronicsystem that detects the impacts of earthquakes and its consequences, andhow to improve buildings’ resistance.


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Annex 5A list of research conducted by Kuwait University


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A list of research conducted by Kuwait University

The effects of inorganic pollutants, seasonal changes and abundanceof some undesired phytoplankton in Kuwait Bay. Abdulhadi Bu-olayan, 1/8/2000.

The use of radioactive isotopes in the study of respiratory system ofpeople exposed to smoke from oil well fires. AzuwuikeOwunwanne, 3/1/1992.

Evaluation of scientific reports presented to the government ofKuwait about air pollution during oil well fires. Mubarak Soud Al-obaidi 1/2/1993.

Producing esthers by using iron compounds. Husain A. Al-Khaiat,1/2/1991.

Studying contamination by trace metals and related water quality,phytoplankton, and nanoplankton in the Kuwaiti coastal waters.Abdulhadi Bu-Olayan, 1/2/1997.

Identifying causes of environmental allergies responsible for asthmaand allergies in the State of Kuwait. Charles I. Ezemuzie, 1/11/1996.

The biology of marine turtles and their marine environment inKuwait. Salim y. Al-mohanna, 1/3/1997.

Effects of air pollutants on health in Kuwait. Mohammad ShafyAbdullah, 1/5/1992.

The effects of the Iraqi invasion on the residential environment inKuwait. Ajeel Turki Al-thaher, 1/3/1992.

The environmental and economical effects of industrial pollution inthe State of Kuwait. Abdullah Al-kandari, 3/1/1992.

A preliminary evaluation of public health in the Kuwaitienvironment. Huda Jaffar Taher Mohammad, 1/1/1997.

Planning and designing environmenta urban complexes in Kuwait.Elsayed M. Amer, 4/6/2001.

Controlling air quality in closed areas. Walid Saleh MohammadBuhamra, 1/10/2001.

Measuring air pollutants in industrial and residential areas in Kuwait.Walid Saleh Mohammad Buhamra, 15/9/1998.

A support system for funding the control of pollution. Ali El-kamel,1/7/1997.


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Performance of epoxy repaired concrete in the Kuwaiti environment.Moataz Maher Al-hawari, 1/12/1993.

Noise pollution in the urban areas in Kuwait: A preliminary study.Parviz Amir Koushki, 1/12/1997.

Environmental waste management of construction and demolishedbuildings in Kuwait. Nayef Z. Al-mutairi, 1/5/2001.

Measuring and analyzing construction noise pollution. Parviz Amir,Koushki 1/1/2000.

Evaluating air quality in Kuwait. Walid Saleh Mohammad Buhamra,1/10/1994.

Radionuclide Pulmonray functional imaging studies of personsexposed to environmental petroleum pollution resulting from theburning oil wells in Kuwait. Azuwuike Owunwanne, 1/3/1992.

Evaluating environmental pollution in sea, land, and air of Kuwait.Jassim Mohammad Al-hassan, 15/9/1995.

Marine environment of Kuwait: the impact of various pollutants onmarine life. Lamya J. Hayat, 1/3/1997.

Pollution levels in sediments of Kuwait marine environment and inneighboring countries after the Gulf war oil spill. Mohammad SamirMassoud, 15/3/1995.

Pollutants’ dispersion and transport in the air. Ismail Ali Taqi,1/7/1998.

Responses of Phytoplankton from the Arabian Gulf to oil pollution.Reda Hasan Al-hasan, 1/9/1989.

Plant collection for biomonitoring environmental pollution inKuwait, Ghanima A.S. Malallah. 1/3/1992.

Monitoring by bio-methods for environmental pollution in Kuwait.Ghanima A.S. Malallah, 1/2/1993.

Micro-fungal response to acute stress conditions in the environmentincluding increased salinity temperature and oil pollution. JackLeroux Mulder, 1/9/1994.

The impacts of crude oil pollution on the accurate and disectivecomposition of leaves of fava beans plants. Youssef Farag El-banna,1/10/1995.

A study of the ability of small species to activate natural treatment ofhydrocarbon pollution. C.O.Obuekwe, 15/9/1997.


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Annex 6

A list of research projects


591

A list of research projects

Environmental sciences A study of fresh water requirements in Kuwait. Kuwait Institute forScientific Research. M.N.Fezoanathan. (Completed, 6/2/1997). Studying the biological accumulations and metals and mineralalloys’ corrosion in the Arabian Gulf waters. Fieldstudy. Kuwait Institutefor Scientific Research. John Kawer. (Completed, 14/2/1996). The changes occurring on snitary wastewater quality by using abovereservoir soil treatment method. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research.Iman Abdullah Al-awadi. (Completed, 6/1/1997). Evaluation of benthic marine sediments toxicity using isolationmethod. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Merza Ameer Bek.(Completed, 5/5/1997). Factors controlling photosynthesis process of oil pollutants in theKuwaiti seawaters. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Sheikh TalatSaad. (Completed, 5/6/1995). Pollution by trace metals in relation to water quality, phytoplankton,and nanoplankton in the coastal waters. Kuwait University. AbdulhadiEisa Al-otaibi. (Completed, 5/6/1995) Atlas of the State of Kuwait from satellite images. KuwaitFoundation for the Advancement of Sciences and the Center of RemoteSensing, University of Boston. Farooq Al-baz, Mohammad AbdulrahmanAl-sarawe. (completed, 5/1/1993). Assessing the environmental impact of the dehydration ofmarshlands in southern Iraq on the sediments and associated pollutants inthe northern Arabian Gulf. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research.Abdulnabi Abdulla Al-ghadhban. (Completed, 5/2/1996). Developing a mathematical model to forecast seasonal winterrainfall in the State of Kuwait. Public Authority for Applied Educationand Training. Hasan Ali Nasrallah (Completed, 5/5/1996). The effects of hydrocarbons on pico-phytoplankton in the ArabianGulf waters. Kuwait University. Redha Hasan Al-hasan. (Completed,8/3/1995). Evaluation of air pollutants emitted from hospitals’ incinerators onthe surrounding atmosphere and environment of hospitals. TheEnvironment Public Authority and Training and Kuwait Institute forScientific Research. Mane’a Mohammad Al-suderawi. (Completed,5/2/1998). Measuring environmental awareness of the Kuwaiti citizen. TheKuwaiti Society for the Protection of the Environment. Meshal AbdullaAl-mashaan. (New project, 5/1/2000).


592

Effects of inorganic pollutants related to seasonal changes andabundance of undesired phytoplanktons in Kuwait Bay. KuwaitUniversity, Abdulhadi Eisa Buolayan. (New Project, 5/2/2000). Assessing the quality of sediments in the Kuwait regional waters(Second phase: coastal areas south of Ras Al-Ardh and the northernareas). Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Naser Yar Khan. (Projectin progress, 5/5/2000). Evaluating alternatives for domestic wastes collection andtransportation in the State of Kuwait. Kuwait Municipality. OsamaIbrahim Al-duaij. (Project in progress 14/1/1998). Laboratorial study for the suitability of navigation waters and treatedsanitary wastewater by using Reverse Osmosis with Kuwait’s group reservoir. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Ametab Mocobadi.(Project in progress, 6/2/1998). A study of the treatment and reuse of ground waters in the residentialareas in the State of Kuwait. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research.Yousef Jasim Al-wazzan. (Project in progress, 6/4/1994). The effects of the Iraqi invasion on the coastal balance and coastalseawater. Kuwait University. Mohammad Abdulrahman Al-sarawi.(Project in progress, 3/1/1992). Th use of satellite radar images in environmental impact of land usein the State of Kuwait. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. AndiKwarting. (Project in progress, 5/1/1997).

Agriculture science and veterinary Studying progress of rottening of plant offsets in palm trees inKuwait. Kuwait University. Patris Sulaiman (Completed, 4/7/1996). Dense increase of desert plants (Second phase: developingtissueculturing technology). Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research.Mohammad Mustafa Abu-alneel. (Completed, 3/3/1996). Studying finfish resources’ stock. Kuwait Institute for ScientificResearch and the Public Authority for Agriculture and FisheriesResources. Mohsen Mohammad Al-husaini. (Completed, 4/7/1993). Diagnosis of Brucella Bacteria that causes the Maltesian fever byusing DNA. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Sabah Hasan Al-mo’amen.(Completed 4/5/1997). Performance evaluation of the salinity resistant in agricultural crops.Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Mahdi Saleh Abdal. (Project inprogress, 4/3/1999). A comprehensive survey of shrimp fishing areas in the GulfCooperation Council Countries. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Researchin collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Gulf CooperationCouncil. Sulaiman Mohammad Al-matar. (Project in progress, 4/2/1997).


593

Field and laboratorial determination of the causes of cowsmortalities in the State of Kuwait and its effects on milk production.Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and the Public Authority forAgriculture and Fisheries Resources. Mohammad AbdulrazzaqMohammad. (Project in progress, 4/8/1996). Ideal guiding standard for the production sheep hybrid by usingNaemi sheeps and mating them with Naemi and Marino sheep. KuwaitInstitute for Scientific Research and the Cattle trade and transportCompany. Ramish Malik (Project in progress, 4/1/1997). Planting mangroves to protect and develop Kuwaiti coasts (secondphase). Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Fasial Khodar Taha.(Project in progress, 4/5/1996).

Engineering Sciences A corrosion map for the State of Kuwait. Kuwait Institute forScientific Research. Hamdi Morad Shalabi. (Completed, 8/3/1993). The mechanism of applied techniques in natural gas pipelines:Dynamic analysis. The Public Authority for Applied Education andTraining. Yaqoob Fahad Al-obaid. (Completed, 8/1/1998). Developing a model for the flow of polymers porous media. KuwaitUniversity. Ali Amer Qaroosh. (Completed, 8/2/1994). Issuing a daily newspaper for the Kuwaiti Blind Society by usingBreal method. KFAS Blinds Network. Kuwait Institute for ScientificResearch and the Kuwaiti Blinds Society. Noura Jaber Al-ghrair. (Projectin progress, 13/3/1997). Preparing of advanced catalysts for the hydrogen cracking by usingnew and enhancing process. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research.Khalda Mohammad Al-delama. (New project, 8/2/2000). Preliminary treatment of feed water of seawater desalination units byusing filtration technology. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research.Yousef Mohammad Al-wazzan. (New project, 6/4/2000). Studying the use of "Filler" powder as a road filling compounds.Natioanl Industries Group. Ahmad Homood Al-jassar. (New project,8/1/2000). The role of asphaltyne in stabilizing oil and water produced fromKuwaiti fields. Kuwait University. Adel Mohammad AL-shergawi. (Newproject, 9/2/2000). Studying the economic feasibility of air conditioning systems thatuses solar equipment with new improved materials instead of regularglass in Kuwait. The Public Authority for Applied Education andTraining. Ali Hussain Abdullah. (New project, 10/2/1999).


594

Compression factor for natural gas containing non-hydrocarbongases. Kuwait University. Adel Mohammad Al-shergawi. (New project,9/9/1999). The use of oil contaminated soils to produce construction materials.The National Industries Company and Kuwait Institute for ScientificResearch. Naji Mohammad Al-mutairi. (Project in progress, 3/1/1993). Measuring the efficiency of the evaporator/condenser made fromspecial sheets. The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training.Faisal Mohammad Mandani. (Project in progress, 9/1/1999). Evaluation earthquake risks on buildings in the State of Kuwait.Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Amr Wajeeh Sadeq (Project inprogress, 9/2/1998). Laboratory study of the minimum amount of cross enforcement insteel reinforced concrete bridges. Kuwait. Khalid Saad Al-shaleh.(Project in progress, 9/3/1999). Using multimedia technology in enhancing construction education.Kuwait University. Nabeel Abdulfattah Qortom. (Project in progress,9/2/1999). Petroleum distillers and using Kuwaiti oil. Kuwait Institute forScientific Research. Zahida Hameed Khan. (Project in progress,14/1/1997). The effects of corrosion prevention materials and bio-materials onthe corrosion of carbon steel under petroleum production conditions.Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Ahmad Abdulnabi Hasan.(Project in progress, 14/2/1998). Studying and testing materials used in media that containmoisturized Hydrogen sulphide. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research.Hamdi Morad Shalabi. Scientific research priorities programme- Oil andPetrochemical sector. (Project in progress, 8/4/1995). Studying the factors affecting the formation of sediments in theoperation of hydrogen cracking in Kuwaiti oil wastes. Kuwait Institutefor Scientific Research. Antoni Stanslos. Scientific research prioritiesprogramme-Oil and Petrochemical sector.(Project in progress, 9/9/1996). Treatment and prevention of corrosion in oil wells and operatingunits. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. John Caro (Project inprogress, 14/1/1995). Evaluating Kuwaiti raw materials for the production of Portlandcement. Kuwait Cement Company and Kuwait Institute for ScientificResearch. Homood Sulaiman Al-hamdan. (Project in progress, 8/3/1994). Evaluating the performance of some protection systems againstoxidization in concrete installations in the State of Kuwait. KuwaitInstitute for Scientific Research. Soad Khalid Al-bahar. (Project inprogress, 9/2/1997).


595

Developing and evaluating new desalination equipment that operatesusing the multi flash evaporation system. Kuwait Institute for ScientificResearch. Osama Mohammad Al-hawwaj. (Project in progress,9/4/1992). Developing and evaluating emergency services in the State ofKuwait using artificial intelligence. The Public Authority for AppliedEducation and Training. Ahmad Saleh Al-hameed (Project in progress,15/2/1997). Developing a database for car accidents in the State of Kuwait.Kuwaiti Medical Association. Abdulrahman Abdullah Al-awadi. (Projectin progress, 11/8/1997).

The End