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| Monday, Dec 09,2024 |

The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) plays a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of dust, sand, and dust storms in the State of Kuwait.


 


 

The State of Kuwait faces significant challenges from frequent dust and sand storms, which are driven by a combination of natural and human-induced factors. These storms have become a major environmental, health, and economic concern. According to data from the Meteorology Department, Kuwait experiences an average of 137 dust-related days per year between 2000 and 2021, with dust storms, suspended particles, and raised dust being most prevalent during the summer months. These storms, which originate from eight primary wind paths, deposit up to 60 tons of dust per square kilometer, leading to substantial annual economic losses, estimated at 190 million Kuwaiti dinars. The far-reaching impacts of these storms are felt across various sectors, including air quality, public health, infrastructure, and agriculture.

In response to these challenges, KFAED has funded and supported several key initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes and mitigating the effects of these transboundary dust storms. A notable example is the Adaptation and Resilience Project to Combat Transboundary Sand and Dust Storms, which targets soil stabilization in southern Iraq—specifically in the Dhi Qar and Muthanna provinces. These areas, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and 250 kilometers from the Kuwaiti border, are significant sources of dust storms that affect Kuwait. The project, with an investment of approximately 4 million Kuwaiti dinars, aims to reduce dust crossing into Kuwait by up to 40%, thereby improving air quality and alleviating the health and environmental impacts of these storms. The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with international partners, including the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-HABITAT), as well as various Kuwaiti institutions such as the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and the Environment Public Authority.

KFAED’s efforts extend beyond direct project funding, fostering international collaboration to enhance the effectiveness of regional dust storm management. In October 2023, the Fund, in partnership with the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), organized a workshop titled “Confronting and Mitigating the Effects of Cross-Border Sand and Dust Storms between the State of Kuwait and the Republic of Iraq.” This workshop aimed to raise awareness about the importance of practices that mitigate the impact of sand and dust storms and to promote joint efforts to address the challenges posed by these environmental hazards. It provided a platform for experts from Kuwait, Iraq, the UK, and international organizations to share knowledge and discuss innovative solutions for dust storm management. The workshop focused on techniques for monitoring dust storms, nature-based solutions for storm reduction, and the development of early warning systems to combat desertification.

The partnership between the Kuwait Fund, the United Nations Human Settlements Program, and the British government underscores the significance of international collaboration in addressing climate-related challenges. As emphasized by Mr. Walid Shamlan Al-Bahar, Acting Director General of the Kuwait Fund, strengthening such partnerships is essential for advancing sustainable environmental practices and improving resilience to cross-border sand and dust storms. Furthermore, the Regional Director of the UK Met Office for the Middle East and North Africa, Ms. Helen Ticehurst, highlighted the crucial role of accurate weather and climate forecasts in providing early warnings, which are essential for mitigating the impacts of these storms.

Through its financial support, technical expertise, and collaborative partnerships, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development continues to play a key role in reducing the adverse effects of dust and sand storms in Kuwait and the wider region. These efforts not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also support public health, economic resilience, and regional cooperation in combating the growing threat of desertification and climate change.

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