KUWAIT CITY, Feb 15: The Kuwaiti diving team from the Environmental Volunteering Group has completed the first phase of a major coastal cleaning project along the southern coast of Kuwait, collecting a staggering five tons of plastic waste, timber, and discarded fishing nets.

Team leader Walid Al-Fadhel spoke to KUNA on Saturday, detailing the cleanup of key areas such as Bnaider, Al-Zour, Al-Khiran, and Al-Nuwaiseeb. In addition to the waste removal, the team also removed three stranded buoys that were posing a threat to maritime navigation.

Al-Fadhel explained that the initiative was launched as a response to the impact of strong seasonal winds, which had pushed debris along the southern coastline. These winds caused high waves that carried various types of waste to the shore. Later, as the winds shifted northward, debris became anchored along the coastline, exacerbating the pollution issue.

The Environmental Volunteering Group's efforts are part of an ongoing project aimed at protecting Kuwait's coastlines and marine life from the harmful effects of pollution, especially plastic waste. Al-Fadhel emphasized the environmental dangers posed by plastic waste, referencing a United Nations report that underscores the devastating effects of plastic pollution. The report estimates that plastic waste causes the deaths of one million birds and a quarter of a million marine creatures annually, including endangered species such as turtles.

The cleanup project involved the use of specialized equipment, boats, and vehicles to remove waste efficiently. The team plans to continue its efforts across other regions of Kuwait, including areas like Al-Jadilyat and Al-Jahra Reserve, in close collaboration with the Environment Public Authority. Additionally, a dedicated beach cleanup campaign for students is set to take place every Tuesday, fostering youth involvement in environmental conservation.

Al-Fadhel also noted the team's ongoing efforts to retrieve abandoned boats and fishing nets from coral reefs, another significant environmental challenge. Beyond their direct cleanup activities, the team has committed to raising awareness about marine conservation through a series of educational campaigns, including lectures and the distribution of informational materials to all segments of society.

The Environmental Volunteering Group has worked closely with various governmental, private, and voluntary organizations, as well as relevant international entities across the Gulf region. Al-Fadhel emphasized the importance of such cooperation to exchange expertise and learn from successful projects, ultimately enhancing global marine conservation efforts.

He further emphasized the critical need for adherence to the Environmental Protection Law. Not only does this help prevent environmental violations, but it also plays a crucial role in protecting Kuwait's marine ecosystem for future generations.

This ongoing initiative highlights the importance of collective responsibility in preserving the natural environment and ensuring a sustainable future for marine life and coastal communities.