KUWAIT CITY, Nov 8: Japanese Ambassador to Kuwait Kenichiro Mukai on Saturday affirmed his country’s readiness to support Kuwait’s environmental sustainability goals by sharing Japanese technology and expertise.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 26th annual “Operation Turtle” beach cleanup campaign at Shuwaikh Beach, Ambassador Mukai praised the initiative as “a symbol of friendship between Kuwait and Japan.” He commended the Japanese Society in Kuwait, the Environment Public Authority (EPA), Kuwait Municipality, and the Kuwait Environment Protection Society (KEPS) for their dedication to organizing the event.

Regarding the recent Japanese conferment of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun on His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammed Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Ambassador Mukai expressed deep appreciation for Sheikh Nasser’s distinguished contributions to strengthening Kuwaiti-Japanese relations.

Sharifa Al-Salem, representing the EPA at the event, said the campaign reflects “national unity and social responsibility in protecting biodiversity and ensuring a clean and sustainable environment for future generations.”

Deputy Director-General for Projects at Kuwait Municipality, Eng. Maysaa Boushehri highlighted the municipality’s commitment to sustainability through projects aimed at protecting natural resources and enhancing the quality of life.

Dr. Wajdan Al-Oqab, Chairperson of KEPS, said the campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of pollution and the importance of protecting endangered sea turtles. Dr. Al-Oqab noted that most of the waste collected during cleanup operations consists of single-use plastics, warning that by 2050, plastic could outweigh fish in the world’s oceans.

Launched in 2000, Operation Turtle is organized by the Japanese Society in Kuwait in cooperation with KEPS. The campaign annually attracts participation from government agencies and civil society organizations, including the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Kuwait Boy Scout Association, the Kuwait Girl Scout Association, Kuwait Oil Company, and the Kuwait Metal Detecting Club.

The event showcased Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to engage the community in environmental protection while emphasizing international collaboration to achieve sustainability goals.

Deputy Director-General for Project Sector Affairs at Kuwait Municipality, Eng. Maysaa Boushehri

Japan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Kenichiro Mukai

Japanese Ambassador participates in Operation Turtle campaign

Kuwait Scouts Association participates in Operation Turtle campaign

Group photo of participants in the Operation Turtle campaign.