The Kuwait Environment Protection Society considered that “the joining of a national scientific elite to the team of trainers of its educational and awareness program “Green Schools”, which it organizes in coordination with the Ministry of Education, enhances the work axes of the 14th season of the current academic year, and represents, alongside the current accredited trainers, an addition of training at the highest standards of efficiency and competence, in the Society’s endeavor to provide all the requirements for the success of the program according to its advanced methodology in the fields of extracurricular education, supporting the educational plans adopted in the Ministry of Education schools and private education schools.”.
In this context, the association organized a scientific lecture at Arwa Bint Al-Harith School in the Hawally Educational District, presented by Samira Al-Khalifa, head of the photography and photographic documentation team at the association, entitled “Photography and Environmental Awareness,” during which she explained that “environmental monitoring documents wildlife and nature, records data in annual reports, and participates in presenting them on scientific grounds.”.
Samira Al-Khalifa emphasized that “environmental monitoring is considered an indicator of sustainable development through knowing the state of the environment and a means of early warning of changes that may occur in the ecosystem in light of rapid changes and pressure on the environment from natural and human sources. Moreover, it contributes to raising the scientific, technical and administrative capabilities of volunteers, through monitoring and collecting samples when needed for documentation and writing reports.” She pointed out that monitoring is characterized at the local level by a wide temporal and spatial range, in monitoring birds and wildlife, both plant and animal, terrestrial and marine.
Through interaction with the lecture's topics, the participants learned about the types of environmental documentation in land, air, and underwater documentation. Samira Al-Khalifa drew attention to the role of photography as a tool for environmental awareness, explaining that "environmental photography is a type of photography that focuses on capturing natural beauty and the environment around us. It aims to highlight the beauty of the natural world and the importance of preserving the environment and maintaining biodiversity. This type of photography can be powerful in conveying messages about the need to care for and protect the environment.".
She stated that “environmental photography can be a great way to connect with the public and raise awareness of the importance of environmental conservation, and this type of photography can inspire and motivate people to take action to protect planet Earth.”.
Samira Al-Khalifa concluded by reviewing how to use the image as a message for environmental awareness, and said: “The image can be an effective means of conveying a message and raising awareness of the importance of protecting the environment, by choosing the appropriate image, adding text that expresses the topic, interacting and participating, displaying the image, participating in environmental exhibitions or events, participating in environmental photography competitions, and working with environmental organizations such as the Kuwait Environment Protection Society. The image may be useful to environmental organizations in their campaigns and activities to raise awareness of environmental issues.”.
