SDG15: LIFE ON LAND
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, "Life on Land," focuses on the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems, promoting the conservation of biodiversity and combating desertification. In Kuwait, a nation with unique desert landscapes and sensitive ecosystems, and at GUST, there is a growing recognition of the importance of preserving life on land.
Conservation Efforts in Kuwait:
Kuwait has implemented various strategies to protect and conserve its terrestrial ecosystems:
1. Desertification Control: Kuwait is actively addressing desertification through sustainable land management practices, afforestation initiatives, and soil conservation measures.
2. Protected Areas: The country has designated protected areas and nature reserves to safeguard its diverse flora and fauna.
3. Biodiversity Conservation: Kuwait is taking steps to preserve its unique biodiversity, including the Arabian oryx and several species of migratory birds.
4. Environmental Education: Educational programs and campaigns promote environmental awareness and encourage responsible land use.
GUST's Contribution:
GUST actively promotes the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems:
1. Research and Education: GUST conducts research on local ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation. Faculty and students engage in projects that contribute to the understanding and protection of terrestrial life.
2. Campus Sustainability: The university promotes sustainability on its campus, including green spaces, native plantings, and waste reduction programs, showcasing responsible land management practices.
3. Public Awareness: GUST organizes educational events, seminars, and awareness campaigns to inform the community about the importance of land conservation and biodiversity.
4. Collaboration: The university collaborates with governmental bodies and environmental organizations on land conservation projects, afforestation efforts, and wildlife protection initiatives.
Supporting Land Ecosystems Through Education
GUST promotes the protection of land ecosystems by integrating environmental awareness and hands-on learning into student activities. Through educational events, field cleanups, and community-focused initiatives, the university encourages students to understand the importance of preserving natural habitats and caring for Kuwait’s desert landscapes. These experiences help build a culture of responsibility and highlight how individual and collective actions can support the long-term health of land ecosystems in line with SDG 15.2.
Sustainability Week at GUST
In November 2025, GUST hosted a Sustainability Week event, organized by the PR Club, to promote responsible environmental practices and the sustainable use of natural resources. The event featured interactive stations that encouraged students to engage in activities connected to land conservation, such as proper waste disposal, recycling, and reducing the amount of plastic and solid waste that ultimately reaches landfills and natural areas. By teaching students how everyday choices affect soil health, land pollution, and overall ecosystem integrity, the event emphasized the importance of protecting Kuwait’s natural landscapes through mindful consumption and sustainable habits. Through this awareness-driven programming, GUST actively supported SDG 15.2.1 by organizing an event that educates and empowers the community to conserve land resources and minimize human impact on wild and urban land environments.
Sustainable use of Land - Dessert Cleanup
In March 2023, GUST supported the conservation of Kuwait’s natural landscapes by organizing a desert cleanup at the Al-Ahmadi Desert in collaboration with the Marketing Club and College of Business Administration at GUST. Students, faculty, and public volunteers came together to remove waste and debris from the area, helping restore the desert environment and protect the wildlife that depends on it. The event encouraged participants to understand the importance of preserving wild land ecosystems and promoted responsible land use through direct, hands-on involvement. This activity aligns with SDG 15.2.1, demonstrating GUST’s commitment to supporting land conservation and sustainable stewardship of natural habitats.
Maintaining Kuwait's Ecosystem Biodiversity
In November 2023, GUST students took part in a community tree-planting initiative organized in collaboration with the Mishref Cooperative Society and the Kids Valley Club. Volunteers of all ages—from preschool children to university students and local residents—joined together to plant trees across the Mishref Oasis area. The event also included a short motivational talk to inspire participants and highlight the importance of restoring green spaces in Kuwait’s desert environment.
Tree-planting activities like this play a direct role in extending plant biodiversity within fragile desert ecosystems and improving habitats for local wildlife. By increasing vegetation in areas that face soil degradation, heat stress, and limited natural greenery, the initiative helps strengthen the ecosystem’s resilience and contributes to long-term environmental recovery. Through hands-on participation and community collaboration, this activity aligns strongly with SDG 15.2.3, demonstrating GUST’s commitment to supporting and expanding local ecosystems and promoting biodiversity in regions under environmental pressure.
Courses on Ecosystems at GUST
GUST offers courses that provide students with a strong understanding of natural ecosystems, wildlife, and the conservation of land-based habitats. Courses such as BIOL 103 – Environmental Biology introduce students to the structure and function of ecosystems, including topics like plant and animal interactions, habitat loss, species extinction, and the human pressures that threaten biodiversity. Students learn how wild flora and fauna respond to environmental change and explore practical strategies for maintaining healthy terrestrial ecosystems.
Similarly, ENVR 103 – Weather and Climate helps students understand how climate patterns influence terrestrial habitats, vegetation zones, and wildlife populations. By examining atmospheric processes and environmental change, students gain insight into how land ecosystems evolve and how they can be protected from long-term degradation.
These courses act as accessible educational programs that equip students with knowledge about ecosystem dynamics, conservation challenges, and the importance of protecting biodiversity. Through them, GUST fulfills SDG 15.2.4 by offering structured educational opportunities that deepen community understanding of wild flora, fauna, and sustainable ecosystem management.
Educational Visit for Ecosystems & Sustainable Agriculture
GUST supported environmental learning and community outreach by organizing a visit to the Shamiya Greenhouse, a local sanctuary dedicated to agricultural, environmental, and social awareness. During the visit, students and community members received a guided tour through the greenhouse, where they learned about native and locally adaptable plant species, how various plants are grown in Kuwait’s climate, and the techniques used to maintain healthy green spaces in an arid environment. Participants were taught practical skills such as soil preparation, watering methods, plant care, and the types of vegetation that can thrive sustainably in Kuwait.
This hands-on experience provided a clear understanding of how ecosystems function and how green spaces contribute to environmental health, aligning with SDG 15.2.4. At the same time, the focus on planting techniques, sustainable land use, and responsible agricultural practices supports SDG 15.2.5, as the visit offered meaningful educational outreach on sustainable land and agricultural management for both students and the wider community.
Park Cleanup for Sustainable Land Use
In March 2024, GUST students and community volunteers took part in a full-day cleanup at Shuwaikh Park, a public recreational area regularly used by families, visitors, and tourists. Participants worked together to remove litter and restore the park’s natural surroundings, helping ensure that the space remains clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone who uses it. The activity highlighted the impact that waste can have on shared public landscapes and encouraged responsible behavior among visitors, supporting the sustainable management of community green spaces in line with SDG 15.2.6.
The cleanup also represented a meaningful collaboration between the university and the local community, as students and volunteers jointly cared for a shared land ecosystem that plays an important role in neighborhood well-being. By working side-by-side to maintain a public natural area, the initiative supported SDG 15.3.5, demonstrating GUST’s commitment to preserving shared land environments and fostering community participation in environmental stewardship.
Local Biodiversity in GUST's Campus
GUST incorporates local biodiversity into the planning and development of its campus by prioritizing the use of native and desert-adapted plant species across all landscaped areas. These plants, which are naturally suited to Kuwait’s environment, reduce water consumption, support local wildlife, and help maintain a stable and resilient campus ecosystem. Green spaces are deliberately included in new development projects, ensuring that trees, shrubs, and open planted areas remain part of the campus layout as facilities expand. Outdoor seating areas, pathways, and community spaces are designed to integrate greenery that reflects Kuwait’s natural landscape.
To maintain these ecosystems sustainably, GUST uses smart irrigation technologies such as Rainbird automated controllers, which regulate watering schedules and prevent unnecessary water waste. In addition, newer campus buildings, such as the College of Engineering and Architecture, incorporate energy-efficient design practices that minimize environmental impact and complement the university’s broader approach to responsible land management. Through these combined efforts, GUST ensures that local biodiversity is consistently considered in construction, landscaping, and long-term campus development, aligning with SDG 15.3.3.
Water Discharge Guidelines and Standards
GUST upholds strict water quality standards to ensure that any water discharged from campus systems meets safe environmental guidelines and does not contribute to pollution that could harm local ecosystems. The university conducts monthly water quality checks on its cooling towers, boilers, chilled-water systems, and raw water supply. These reports track real indicators such as pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, chlorine levels, and bacterial growth.
When any reading falls outside the recommended range, corrective actions—like adjusting conductivity settings, modifying blowdown rates, or applying biocide treatments—are taken to keep the water stable and prevent contamination. These steps ensure that the water leaving campus systems does not carry pollutants that could affect surrounding environments through Kuwait’s drainage infrastructure.
By consistently monitoring and adjusting its water systems, GUST maintains clear standards for water discharge and supports the protection of surrounding land ecosystems, wildlife, and public health in alignment with SDG 15.4.1.
Reducing Plastic Waste at GUST
GUST has introduced several effective measures across campus to reduce plastic waste and encourage more responsible consumption among students and staff. Among them include how the university has installed water dispensers in academic buildings and common areas, helping reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles. In addition, recycling bins are placed throughout campus to make it easier for students and employees to properly dispose of plastic and other recyclable materials.
Alongside these practical measures, GUST regularly organizes awareness activities to reinforce the importance of reducing plastic waste and adopting sustainable habits. These initiatives remind the campus community of the impact of plastic pollution and promote simple lifestyle changes that collectively support cleaner and healthier environments.
One example is Sustainability Week held at GUST during November 2025, where students were encouraged to bring plastic bottles to designated collection displays placed around campus. All collected bottles were sent for recycling at the end of the week. The event also included several activities and seminars focused on waste reduction, recycling habits, and the long-term effects of plastic on ecosystems. Through these ongoing actions, GUST continues to build a culture of sustainability and supports SDG 15.4.2 by reducing plastic use and improving recycling behavior on campus.
Hazardous Waste Management
GUST maintains clear procedures for the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials across campus. The University has an official toxic waste disposal contract with a licensed private contractor, who collects hazardous waste on a regular schedule to ensure that all toxic substances are removed, transported, and disposed of in compliance with national environmental regulations. This formal partnership guarantees that harmful chemicals and materials never enter public land or water systems, aligning directly with SDG 15.4.3.
In addition to contracted toxic waste removal, GUST follows established monitoring and treatment procedures for hazardous liquids generated through its cooling towers, boilers, and chilled-water systems. These systems are checked monthly, and chemical levels are adjusted when needed to prevent contaminated water from being released into municipal drainage. The University manages electronic waste responsibly as well, with outdated computers and equipment delivered to certified e-waste recycling facilities. Periodic campus-wide e-waste drives allow students and staff to participate in proper disposal efforts.
Together, these policies, routine monitoring practices, and contracted disposal services ensure that hazardous materials at GUST are managed safely and sustainably.
GUST joins the GREEN Movement
The Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) hosted an environmental awareness seminar conducted by Khalaf Al-Enezi, a young Kuwaiti engineer and environmental activist. The main purpose of the presentation was clear: we, as inhabitants of this Earth, must take the necessary steps to protect the environment around us.
Among the things that Eng. Al-Enezi discussed were ways to reduce fossil fuels, lower green gas emissions and increase the use of natural resources. He also put together a presentation that listed a number of goals of the green technology initiative, namely the five ‘R’s: rethink, recycle, renew, reduce and be responsible.
The crowd was introduced to numerous green initiative innovations from around the globe, including green cities and neighborhoods in China and an eco-friendly library in Singapore. There are a number of ways we can take responsibility for our surroundings, starting by rethinking the way we live and behave on a daily basis. Mr. Al-Enezi urged the crowd to strive for a lifestyle that alters the way we use the energy and natural resources available to us. The presentation concluded with Mr. Al-Enezi stating that every individual can make a difference for a better world.
The seminar was followed by a Q&A session, where a number of questions were directed towards the presenter. Ms. Graham, an Art teacher at GUST, commended Mr. Al-Enezi for his eco work. A relevant statement, considering GUST is in the process of creating its first Global Awareness Club, slated to start recruiting members as of next fall, with Mr. Al-Enezi acting as supervisor. All in all, it was an enjoyable afternoon and a great learning experience for all those in attendance.
GUST hosts the founding general meeting of the Kuwait Green Building Council and the launch of “Mustadam” Initiative
GUST hosted and supported the launch of the Kuwait Green Building Council (KGBC). The KGBC is a national, non-profit organization that is committed to developing a sustainable property sector for Kuwait by encouraging the adoption of green building practices.
The launch started with a reception and an opening speech by founding members: Dr. Sulaiman T. Al-Abduljader, Founding Chairman and Assistant Professor of Real Estate and Finance at GUST, Abdullah Al-Mutairi, Founding Vice Chairman, Eng. Mohammad Al-Dowaisan, Founding Secretary, Eng. Hamad Al-Qattan, Founding Treasurer, Nora Zehery, Founding Board Member and Eng. Abdullah Fahhad, Founding Board Member.
Dr. Sulaiman Tareq Al-Abduljader, said in his opening remark, “We are honored today to launch the Kuwait Green Building Council (KGBC) after 15 months of committed team work with the founding members.” The KGBC aims topromote sustainable buildings by illustrating the positive effects on climate protection, resource consumption, health, quality and efficiency, the economy, and the labor market. The green building market currently has exceeded $600 billion in value and is expected to grow at double digit rates due to its economic feasibility in addition to its contribution to substantially reducing energy consumption. It is, therefore, the KGBC’s mission to encourage and engage both public and private sectors to adopt sustainable measures in the development sector in Kuwait.
Further, Mr. Abdullah Al-Mutairi said “KGBC is also committed to become the independent median to link green related technologies to the market. Al-Mutairi talked about the KGBC pre-establishment and the procedures and research that had to be perfected for the launch. While Mr. Hamad Al-Qattan, touched on that scientific/technical findings, reports about practice, and the projects implemented and certified shall be published to reach a broader audience.
Ms. Nora Zehery clarified the KGBC vision, to drive the transition of the Kuwait property sector towards sustainability by promoting green programs, technologies, design practice and operations as well as the integration of green building initiatives into mainstream design, construction and the operation of buildings.
The Founding Members also discussed the “Mustadam” Initiative which entails a country wide campaign involving government authorities, private sectors, academia, media and individuals collectively endorsing the green-related projects and initiatives in Kuwait. The campaign shall incorporate the social, economic and cultural benefits and effects of supporting green buildings on our lives and society in general. It is expected that a large media campaign shall accompany the initiative to underline the individuals and reputable institutions endorsing the initiative.
The founding board members also thanked the corporate founders for supporting the development of the council in its early stage. The corporate founding members are GUST, National Technology Enterprises Company, Al-Argan International Real Estate Company SignDesign, and Remas Group.
GUST is proud to support initiatives and establishments that believe in and help in the development of its grander community, as it does.
