1 September 2024 - In a significant step to increase environmental conservation, the State of Kuwait has officially become a Signatory to the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation and Management of Marine Turtles and their Habitats of the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia (IOSEA Marine Turtle MOU). The signing, which was done on 27 June 2024 during the 9th Meeting of the Signatory States in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, takes effect today.

The IOSEA Marine Turtle MOU is an international framework established to safeguard marine turtles, which are among the most endangered species in the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia. The agreement is designed to enhance cooperation among nations to protect and manage the habitats of marine turtles, ensuring their survival for future generations. It is one of several specialized agreements under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).

Kuwait’s participation in this MOU marks a new chapter in the nation’s commitment to marine conservation. By joining the MOU, Kuwait aligns itself with 35 other Signatory States across the IOSEA region to work collaboratively on addressing the threats faced by marine turtles.

Kuwait's coastal waters are home to the Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). These species utilize Kuwait’s waters for various stages of their life cycle, including feeding, nesting, and migration.

Key sites for marine turtles in Kuwait include the offshore islands of Qaru and Umm Al-Maradim. These islands are known to be significant nesting sites, particularly for the Hawksbill Turtle, which is critically endangered. They return to these islands during the nesting season to lay their eggs on the sandy beaches. Protecting these nesting sites is crucial for the survival of the species.

The waters around these islands also provide critical feeding grounds for both Hawksbill and Green Turtles. Green Turtles rely on these areas for feeding on seagrass and algae. By grazing on seagrass beds the turtles play a vital role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem, which helps sustain biodiversity.

In addition to these islands, the coral reefs along Kuwait’s southern coast are essential foraging habitats, especially for Hawksbill Turtles. The reefs provide abundant food sources and are integral to the life cycle of these turtles, supporting them from juvenile to adult stages.

Both species face significant threats due to habitat destruction, pollution, and accidental capture in fishing gear. As effective conservation measures are introduced, they are likely to deliver wider benefits for other marine species as well, contributing to the overall health of the marine environment.

As a Signatory State, Kuwait gains access to a dynamic and collaborative international network. This will allow increased interaction with counterparts in other countries, exchange of information, and technical expertise on conservation challenges. The MOU provides Kuwait with a platform to demonstrate its commitment to marine conservation on a regional and global scale, further enhancing its environmental credentials. Additionally, Kuwait will benefit from support in developing partnerships or collaborative activities with inter-governmental organizations, and non-governmental organizations. The agreement also offers the opportunity for Kuwait to influence the orientation and priorities of the MOU.

The inclusion of Kuwait in the IOSEA Marine Turtle MOU is expected to bring about significant advancements in the conservation of marine turtles within the North-Western Indian Ocean Sub-Region. As effective conservation measures are introduced, they are likely to deliver wider benefits for other marine species as well, contributing to the overall health of the marine environment.

Kuwait’s proactive approach to marine conservation, as evidenced by its signing of the IOSEA Marine Turtle MOU, underscores the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and the protection of its natural heritage.