The Kuwait Environment Protection Society, through its member Dr. Wafaa Behbehani, affirmed that “celebrating the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, which falls on July 26th of each year, represents a global occasion to highlight the importance of these unique ecosystems and their vital role in protecting coasts, preserving biodiversity, and supporting efforts to confront climate change.”.
Dr. Wafaa Behbehani said that “mangrove forests are among the most productive coastal ecosystems, due to the multiple environmental and economic services they provide, noting that they act as a natural barrier that limits coastal erosion and mitigates the effects of waves and storms, in addition to their high capacity to absorb and store large amounts of carbon, which makes them one of the most important natural systems contributing to reducing the repercussions of climate change.”.
She added that “mangrove forests provide natural habitats for numerous marine organisms, birds, and fish, contributing to fish stocks and enhancing food security, in addition to their role in maintaining ecological balance and the sustainability of natural resources.” She pointed out that “protecting coastal ecosystems requires concerted efforts between government agencies, civil society organizations, and researchers, through the implementation of protection and rehabilitation programs, support for scientific studies, and raising environmental awareness about the importance of preserving these vital systems.”.
Dr. Wafaa Behbehani, a member of the Environment Society, concluded her statement by emphasizing that “celebrating this international occasion renews the call to promote social responsibility towards the environment and to establish a culture of preserving natural resources, in line with the goals of sustainable development and to ensure a healthy and safe environment for current and future generations.”.
