Habitat Protection > Marine Conservation

K’S PATH concern for Marine C onservation goes back a few years when K’S PATH’s Managing Director John Peaveler independently led underwater clean-ups at Kuwait’s islands with a team of divers.

Years on, K’S PATH now has a comprehensive Marine Conservation program replete with dedicated Marine Conservation staff. Our program:

• Identifies stretches along the coastline and natural nesting grounds that are in need of conservation
• Conducts site surveys for assessment of waste, natural habitat degradation, and flora and fauna documentation
• Plans and conducts beach and island clean-ups and develops work methodology for these;
• Segregates waste collected at beaches/islands into different categories for recycling and propagates responsible waste management and purchasing decisions to reduce and eliminate waste at source.
• Mobilizes volunteers and the wider community to get involved   
• Develops and conducts educational sessions on marine conservation for schools, universities and youth group

Our sustained program also offers implementation consultation and planning for parties interested in marine conservation. For instance, K’S PATH is the implementation partner for Al Yaal, Kuwait’s first nationwide marine conservation initiative championed by en.v and Dow. As the implementation partner, K’S PATH developed Al Yaal’s marine conservation calendar and work methodology, undertakes site surveys, organizes beach and island clean-ups, engages volunteers, and develops and conducts educational sessions.

The need for marine conservation

Kuwait has a diverse and rich marine ecosystem, which has seen rapid degradation over the last few decades due to a host of factors including indirect and direct man-made waste, commercial over-fishing, irresponsible marine activities and over-exploitation of Kuwait’s depleting marine resources.

Critical areas in need of conservation stretch from Shuwaikh to Doha along the bay of Kuwait, as well as the islands of Umm Almaradin, Kubbar and Garoh. These areas are rich in marine life, coral reef and serve as natural nesting and flocking grounds for migratory birds and turtles. They also see high concentration of waste, mostly plastic, which pollutes these natural habitats and threatens the lives of many marine birds and fish. Furthermore, a lack of information on standards and guidelines on the part of well-intending independent groups that install reef-balls and buoys of sub-standard quality causes more damage than good to marine ecosystems when such materials leach hydrocarbons. The lives of migratory birds that flock along Doha and Sulaibikhat are at risk from people who hunt them for pleasure.

K’S PATH marine conservation program aims to address these and other aspects of marine conservation through education and advocacy, community engagement, conservation activities and co-operation with authorities such as the Ministry of Interior and the Kuwait Municipality.

What you can do to help?

• Sigh up as a marine conservation volunteer: We conduct up to 4 beach clean-ups and 1 island clean-up per month. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to register.
• Donate materials: We require trash bags, gloves, rakes, shovels, face-masks, drinking water and hand sanitizers. If you or your company would like to make a donation, please get in touch.
• Help spread the word: We can organize an interactive workshop or educational session for your school, university or group to promote marine conservation and waste management.
• Engage your group: We can organize a beach/island clean-up for your group, school or university. Please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to know how.
• Champion a program: If your company or institution would like to champion its very own marine conservation program, we can develop, plan and conduct one for you. Please write in to us for further information.
• Reduce, Reuse and Recycle waste: Managing waste at source in our schools, homes and offices can go a long way in protecting marine ecosystems and indeed many other natural habitats.