Kuwait to host environmental impact assessment conference

Kuwait faces numerous environmental issues that needs to be rectified urgently. To address this issue, the GEO Environmental Consultant Office will organize a conference and exhibition entitled 'The Role of the Private and Public Sector in Development, Environment and Sustainability,' scheduled to be held between April 23 and 25, 2012. Speaking at a press conference convened to announce the planned event, committee spokespersons encouraged specialized institutions to participate in the three-day session. It was also announced that the conference will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamed Al-Sabah, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Environment. Professor Mohammed Al-Sarawi, Chairman and General Manager of the GEO Environmental Consultant Office, elaborated on the themes and objectives of the conference, explaining that, "The evaluation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is the main theme. The conference will cover subjects relating to environmental issues, impact assessment and sustainable development, methods of environmental monitoring, mitigation and control measures, environmental risk, rehabilitation health and safety, and environmenta l authorities, legislations and standards. The conference hopes to bring together scientists, research scholars, environmentalists, managers, engineers and policy makers at the local, regional and national levels. Al-Sarawi added optimistically that, "We are expecting government authorities and departments, universities, academic and research institutions, representatives from the oil, petroleum and petrochemical industries and construction contractors to participate in this important event. They are free to present scientific papers or to sponsor the event or the exhibition. The three-day conference will be convened around three sessions-each with its own focus and subset of subjects to cover-in an effort to maximize input and return from the diverse academic, commercial and public sector representation it is due to attract. 'Environment and Sustainability,' will cover a wide range of pertinent issues. It will highlight the role played by private and public sectors to create sustainable development. It will explore ongoing and future projects that will be implemented in Kuwait. It will give an opportunity to discuss the involvement of national and international institutions and their contribution towards protection of environment that will be supported by education, training and awareness.