The Kuwaiti Society for Environmental Protection participated in the “Deserts” conference, organized by the Sahara and Coast Group in cooperation with the Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED), with the participation of a select group of Arab and international experts. Professor Dr. Raafat Misak, the Society’s representative at the conference, said, “In appreciation of the conference, I opened the proceedings on behalf of Professor Dr. Hossam Shawky, Head of the Desert Research Center in Egypt, who welcomed the participating Arab and international experts.” He announced that “the conference included scientific lectures, discussions, seminars, and documentary films.” Dr. Misak explained that he “presented a scientific lecture entitled ”Improving Resilience to Sand and Dust Storms in North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula,“ in which he reviewed the dangers of sand and dust storms, including their impact on roads, farms, homes, air bases, camps, and other infrastructure. He also discussed methods of resilience against these storms, including green belts and early warning systems.“ He noted that he ”discussed with the international experts participating in the conference the lessons learned and success stories in combating desertification and drought and mitigating the risks of encroaching sand dunes in a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia, China, and Kuwait.” At the end of the conference, Dr. Raafat Misak, a member of the Kuwaiti Society for Environmental Protection, was honored, receiving the Leadership and Excellence Award in the development of valleys and sand dunes in recognition of his scientific achievements over 62 years in the fields of sustainable development, preservation of natural resources, and maintenance of biodiversity.
