The Kuwait Environment Protection Society called on citizens and residents not to be upset by the application of laws, given their direct impact on the environment and public health in general. This coincides with the national holidays and celebrations of Independence Day and Liberation Day, as these national circumstances are the best time for us to practice our patriotism by adopting green celebrations, through preserving natural resources and avoiding environmental violations and transgressions.
This came in the words of Dr. Wajdan Al-Aqab, President of the Association, who stressed that “the existence of regulatory laws, guidelines and binding systems was not enacted and put in place to collect fines, but rather to preserve public safety and the environment.” She added: “It is the responsibility of the Association in this regard to define and raise awareness of the importance of commitment and social responsibility, so that they do not fall under the purview of the law, especially Environmental Protection Law No. 42 of 2014 and amending some of its articles No. 99 of 2015.”.
In this context, she praised the relevant authorities, whether in the Ministry of Interior, especially the Environmental Police Department and the Public Security, Operations and Traffic sectors, as well as the teams of the Ministry of Public Works, Kuwait Municipality and the Environment Public Authority, for the tasks they carry out during the national celebrations by monitoring violations and environmental transgressions such as water waste and other violations.
In the same context, she said: “The decision to ban water guns and balloons during national celebrations came for fundamental reasons, the most important of which is preventing the waste of water, which is a scarce resource that we have a duty to preserve, especially since Kuwait is below the water poverty line. The level is measured by the availability of water naturally, and in Kuwait, water is available through the costly desalination process. Despite its scarcity, unfortunately, the concerned authorities monitor annually the rates of wasting quantities of water estimated at no less than 10 million gallons, enough for 14,000 housing units for one day, as announced by the Ministry of Electricity and Water previously during the celebrations.”.
In the same context, Dr. Al-Aqab stated: “Regarding water balloons, banning them is consistent with the Environmental Protection Law by preventing plastic pollution,” noting that “balloons are among the most dangerous wastes that can enter the marine environment. Although launching balloons takes only moments, they may take hundreds of years to decompose. Over time, these balloon pieces become smaller and smaller and eventually turn into microplastics.”.
She added that “commitment to disciplined environmental behavior would protect the environment and its components, including natural habitats, wildlife, and environmental elements. Working to improve environmental behavior and promote environmental citizenship requires development at the cultural and social levels. The current behavior associated with national holidays raises concerns about a disruption in behavior related to environmental culture.”.
Dr. Al-Aqab considered that “one of the manifestations of environmental citizenship is reducing water waste and being wise in its use, and guiding our dear children towards a green celebration that does not waste our natural resources and does not leave pollutants that burden our environment with their negative effects,” stressing that “such guidance must have a positive impact on our future, especially with the belief and conviction of members of society that the Environmental Protection Law was established to preserve our environmental rights in a better environment, health and future.”.
