KUWAIT, Dec 12 (KUNA) -- Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) has proposed solutions to confront the environmental crises facing urban areas in Kuwait through a study titled "Crisis Management and Decision Support for Sustainable Smart Cities." Engineer Dana Al-Enezi, from KISR's Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, explained to KUNA Thursday that the study was presented at the recent International Conference on Smart Management and Innovation for Sustainable Cities.
The study, which involved Dr. Ali Al-Dousari, Dr. Abdullah Al-Enezi, Dr. Ahmad Hassan from Matrouh University in Egypt, and specialist Ahood Al-Enezi from the Ministry of Health, proposes an integrated decision-support and early warning system to enhance environmental risk management strategies, she said.
Key solutions presented include installing sensors in rainwater drainage networks to detect flood-prone areas early, applying earthquake-resistant building standards in northern and southern Kuwait, and using remote sensing and satellite technologies to monitor environmental changes, she explained.
The study also recommends developing a comprehensive database that combines spatial, geotechnical, geological, topographical, environmental data and other information, she noted.
The main goal of the study is to guide efforts toward building smart, sustainable cities that can adapt to the desert environment while balancing urban expansion with environmental preservation, she said, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to confront climate change, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure sustainable development for future generations.
Al-Enezi also noted that the study examined the impact of environmental crises such as dust storms, floods, and earthquakes on property prices across various governorates.
The data revealed that Ahmadi was the most affected, with property prices falling despite it having the highest sales during the study period, she mentioned.
The study analyzed 3,415 property records, filtering them to obtain precise data on 2,814 sold properties, showing that weak infrastructure, poor facility management in some southern areas, and recurring environmental crises significantly impacted the real estate market, she added.
Regarding the impact of environmental crises on quality of life and urban development, Al-Enezi emphasized that dust storms and heavy rainfall present major challenges to the country's environment and infrastructure, necessitating stronger urban development plans to tackle these challenges. (end) md.amh.lr