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KUWAIT CITY, Oct 4: Torrents of seasonal rain have once again transformed sections of Kuwait’s arid terrain into flourishing green landscapes, marking a striking ecological shift that underscores the untapped potential of rainwater harvesting in desert environments.

What was once lifeless soil along the road to Al-Forda Market in the Sulaibiya-Kabd area now bursts with lush herbs and greenery, framed by pools of water lingering amid an otherwise drought-stricken region. This rare spectacle — barren land reborn through rain — is being hailed as a “glimmer of life” and a living testament to the powerful role that seasonal floods can play in restoring desert ecosystems.

This transformation traces its roots to the heavy rains and flooding of November 2018, which caused water to pool and form a giant lake, dramatically reshaping the landscape and prompting the spontaneous growth of vegetation. The event revealed how water, when harvested and managed properly, can breathe life into even the driest of soils.

Experts are now calling for Kuwait to seize this natural opportunity by investing in floodwater harvesting and sustainable water management techniques that not only preserve these green areas but also help mitigate the harsh impacts of desertification — a growing concern in a country where over 90% of the land is desert.

One proposed solution involves constructing reservoirs and engineered basins to channel and store rainwater. These would feed soil and vegetation during Kuwait’s blistering summers, using triple-treated or excess water where possible to maintain the environmental gains made during short rain seasons.

The establishment of such infrastructure is already underway. Earth dams and basins have been built to retain floodwater, allowing it to percolate and support desert flora. Experts argue that this strategy is essential to secure environmental and economic benefits from Kuwait’s limited rainfall—benefits that align with the country’s broader commitments to global sustainability and combating desertification.

In a statement to KUNA, Nouf Behbehani, Acting Director-General of the Environment Public Authority (EPA), emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting green areas through initiatives such as fencing off vital sites. These projects aim to preserve plant life, prevent overgrazing, and maintain groundwater recharge, all of which are essential in reducing desertification — a major environmental challenge for Kuwait.

“These efforts are part of a comprehensive national strategy to enhance the urban environment, improve ecological quality, and expand green zones,” said Behbehani. She also noted that protecting water surfaces formed by rain is key to soil conservation and responsible natural resource management.

Importantly, Bahbahani underscored the value of rain and floodwater as alternative water sources that can contribute to national water security. The EPA, she added, is coordinating with the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, the Kuwait Municipality, and environmental organizations to create actionable plans that align with the "New Kuwait 2035" development vision.

Jenan Behzad, Secretary-General of the Kuwait Environment Protection Society (KEPS), echoed these sentiments, describing rainwater harvesting as a “strategic solution” for addressing water scarcity in arid regions like Kuwait. Speaking to KUNA, she emphasized the need to store rainwater in reservoirs and basins, both to ease the burden on sewage infrastructure and to support climate adaptation, groundwater recharge, and environmental restoration.

She pointed to specific regions, such as Wadi Umm Al-Rumam, Wadi Al-Batin, and Sahl Al-Dabdaba—areas historically affected by flash floods during Kuwait’s rainy seasons, notably in years like 1967, 1997, 2009, 2013, and 2018. These valleys, she said, represent prime opportunities for rainwater collection and ecological revitalization.

Behzad further highlighted the importance of water formations such as "Khabari" and "Fayad", including the Julai’a well, where the availability of water directly influences the spread of vegetation and the formation of micro-ecosystems.

Scientific studies, she noted, validate the environmental benefits of rainwater harvesting. Research in arid and semi-arid zones has shown increased soil moisture and significant plant growth, attributed to higher levels of organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Even during Kuwait’s extreme summers, harvested rainwater has helped maintain vegetation, contributing to improved air quality and reduced dust storms.

These findings underscore the importance of raising environmental awareness and implementing smart water strategies to combat desertification and adapt to climate change. Experts advocate for replicating rainwater harvesting projects across Kuwait to maximize environmental impact and secure this seasonal natural resource for long-term benefit.

In a nation without rivers or lakes and one that relies heavily on seawater desalination, harnessing the fleeting bounty of rainwater could be key to building a more resilient and sustainable future.