Sand, sand and more sand. That is the stereotypical image most people
have of the lands of the Arabian Peninsula. However, this image
is only partially true for Kuwait. Along the seacoast, the land
is made up of coastal deposits of a nature less dry and desert-like
than the interior. These lands are punctuated with and even demarcated
from the rest of Kuwait by medium-sized coastal hills, while the
interior parts of Kuwait are essentially sandy.
Kuwait's wild plant-life is one of its unique natural heritages.
Plants are adapted to survive in the harsh conditions and extreme
temperatures. Unfortunately, they suffered under the intense pressure
caused by grazing, collection of fuel, etc.
Kuwait is home to numerous species of insects, animals and birds.
Among the diverse insects the most attractive group is that of
butterflies. Several beautiful varieties are found here and the
best time to see them is spring.
A sad by-product of Kuwait’s rapid growth and socio-economic
developments, has been deterioration in the natural eco-systems.
Prior to the discovery of oil there were natural checks and balances
which protected environment. Today things are no more the same.
The worst environmental devastation occurred with the Iraqi invasion
of Kuwait. The Iraqis unleashed the worst kind of environmental
terrorism the world had ever witnessed - the burning oil wells,
creation of thousands of oil-lakes, oil slicks, million of land
mines -- all of which severely damaged the vegetation, marine
life and other flora and fauna.
Even though, the war is over and substantial damage control has
been done, the real magnitude of the impact of war is yet to be
assessed, and its results will be borne by many generations to
come.
The Environment Public Authority is the premier Kuwaiti organisation
working in the field of environment protection.
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