Renewing Marine Conservation programme in Kuwait by Dow Chemical and en.v

The DMCP's main objectives are to preserve Kuwait's coastal habitats and marine ecosystems, promote environmental awareness amongst the country's youth and foster the development of a new generation of Kuwaitis who have a thorough understanding of sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.

DMCP is an integral component of Al Yaal, a nationwide marine conservation initiative to protect Kuwait's rich marine ecosystem and is in line with Dow and en.v's ongoing commitment to promote marine conservation in the State of Kuwait.

Scheduled to commence in February, DMCP will implement community awareness and engagement activities on a monthly basis, for the next 12 months. Programme activities will include seven beach clean-ups along Kuwait's bay, one island clean-up and several other initiatives.

"The Dow Marine Conservation Programme is a true testament to the combined efforts of our partners and more importantly, the local Kuwaiti community," stated Jamel Attal, Managing Director, Dow Chemical in Kuwait.

"At Dow, we commit to preserving the communities in which we operate through promoting and implementing sustainable practices. We've witnessed great successes with this programme last year and are pleased to play a leading role in supporting an initiative that aims to conserve Kuwait's coastal habitats and marine ecosystems," he added.

As part of its continued efforts to engage volunteer groups, government agencies and educational institutions, DMCP will organize four public awareness events and conduct an educational roadshow across local schools and universities to encourage members of the community to become active participants in protecting Kuwait's marine environment.

"The DMCP witnessed unprecedented success last year and has without a doubt attracted the interest of various members of the Kuwaiti community," said Zahed Sultan, Managing Director of The en.v Initiative. "We are excited to build upon last year's efforts and successes and continue to set an example of how businesses can play a significant role in promoting environmental consciousness and making a meaningful difference," he added.

"We are pleased to be part of the DMCP this year. Its fruitful successes last year are a result of the boundless potential that the young people of Kuwait hold," said Ayeshah Al Humaidhi, Executive Director of K'S PATH. "These initiatives will continue to play an important role in protecting the coastal environments in Kuwait and will continue to engage more community members wishing to make a positive impact," Ayeshah added.

Since its launch in April 2011, Dow's Marine Conservation Programme has collected over nine tonnes of waste from over 84,000 sq.m. of Kuwait's shoreline, engaged close to 400 volunteers and educated over 2000 students. The programme's concentrated efforts continue in order to protect and restore the rich marine ecosystem of beaches along Kuwait's bay.

These areas are abundant in marine life and coral reefs and serve as natural nesting grounds for turtles and migratory birds. Their fragile balance is endangered by indiscriminate disposal of direct and indirect man-made waste.