On the occasion of Regional Environment Day, which falls on April 24, Dr. Wijdan Aloqab, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Environment Protection Society and President of the Gulf Network of Environmental NGOs, announced the opening of membership applications to the Gulf Network of Environmental NGOs. Dr. Aloqab explained that “the Network is a Gulf-based organization with legal personality and is headquartered in the State of Kuwait. It has full capacity to conduct its business and achieve its objectives, which focus on strengthening and developing cooperation and coordination mechanisms among environmental institutions, and exchanging knowledge and expertise with relevant governmental and non-governmental bodies and international organizations.”.
In addition to “highlighting the efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in preserving the environment, and introducing the activities and roles of institutions directly related to the environment,” the statement regarding its most important objectives included: “cooperation to enhance joint projects for the protection, rehabilitation, and development of the environment in the GCC countries, and strengthening the confidence of GCC citizens in regulatory bodies and supporting them in carrying out their work and achieving their goals.”.
She explained: “Given the rapid regional developments and their accompanying potential environmental risks, particularly incidents involving oil tankers and threats to maritime navigation routes, and the resulting oil spills that threaten the safety of the marine environment in the Arabian Gulf, we are reminded of the environmental disaster that occurred in the Gulf following the 1991 Gulf War. We are now witnessing a repetition of this regional scenario three decades later, with the repercussions of current events. It is regrettable that such risks are resurfacing on this day, despite the level of environmental awareness in the region.“ In this context, Dr. Wijdan Aloqab commended the relevant authorities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries for strengthening their continuous environmental monitoring and analysis systems. This includes monitoring marine water quality, tracking oil pollutants, and detecting any indicators of radioactive contamination, using the latest scientific technologies and field measurement stations, to ensure the rapid detection and efficient and effective response to any pollution.
She emphasized “the importance of utilizing joint programs and initiatives within the framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as cooperation with relevant regional organizations, in order to unify efforts and enhance regional readiness to confront emerging environmental challenges and make decisions based on accurate scientific foundations, thereby strengthening confidence and integration in managing cross-border environmental crises.”.
Dr. Wijdan Aloqab, President of the Kuwait Environment Protection Society and the Gulf Network of Environmental NGOs, concluded by emphasizing the importance of civil society organizations and their roles, and announced the opening of membership in the network for environmental NGOs in the GCC countries to join.
