The Environment Public Authority (EPA) is working to strengthen Kuwait’s marine environment protection system and improve national preparedness to respond to marine pollution incidents, including oil spills and the release of hazardous and harmful substances.
Dr. Lujain Al-Sayegh, head of the Seawater Monitoring Section at the EPA’s Water Quality Monitoring Department, said the authority was organising a two-day workshop on the National Emergency Plan for Responding to Marine Pollution involving oil and hazardous and harmful materials.
The workshop is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s capacity to manage marine pollution emergencies and ensure an effective response through cooperation among the relevant authorities. Al-Sayegh said the sessions would review the national plan’s key components and examine the technical and organisational requirements for its implementation. They would also clarify the roles and responsibilities of the agencies involved.
The workshop aims to improve coordination and cooperation among participating bodies, ensuring that national efforts are aligned and that responses to maritime accidents are organised and effective. It brings together relevant national authorities, regional organisations, experts and specialists, providing a platform to exchange knowledge and experience and examine established practices in preparedness for and response to marine environmental emergencies.
Al-Sayegh stressed that managing marine pollution incidents requires coordinated action among all relevant parties because of their potential environmental and economic consequences. She said advance coordination, clearly defined responsibilities and effective preparedness were essential to ensuring a timely and effective response.
She hopes the workshop will help participants develop a shared understanding of the requirements for implementing the national plan and strengthen institutional cooperation, supporting Kuwait’s efforts to protect its marine environment and preserve its resources.