KUWAIT SUPPORT FOR MUSCAT-BASED ESTH HUB

UNCLAS KUWAIT 001859

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV TSPL TBIO AMGT KU ZR
SUBJECT: KUWAIT SUPPORT FOR MUSCAT-BASED ESTH HUB

REF: A. KUWAIT 1830

B. DOHA 733

C. SANAA 918

D. 04 MUSCAT 274


1. (U) Embassy Kuwait strongly supports the establishment of
an environment, science, technology and health (ESTH)
regional hub in Muscat. Although the Gulf countries confront
many of the same challenges as their counterparts in the
Levant and Maghreb, there are many ESTH concerns that are
unique to the sub-region. Embassies Muscat, Sanaa and Doha
have already raised a number of reasons that such a hub
should be considered (refs B-D). We agree with their
assessments, and add a few additional items for consideration.

Hydrocarbons: Blessing and Curse
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2. (U) The majority of Gulf economies depend heavily on
hydrocarbon exploitation. While essential to these
countries' economic well-being, hydrocarbons exert tremendous
pressure on the fragile Gulf ecosystem. The challenge,
therefore, is to reduce the pollutants generated by petroleum
and gas production by improving environmental standards and
developing cleaner technology. Like all oil producers, the
Gulf countries must struggle with this apparent dichotomy
between economic development and protection of the
environment. Until recently, most favored the former -- oil
and gas exploitation -- over the latter. It would be
extremely useful to have a regional ESTH officer,
particularly someone with expertise in petroleum issues, who
could help guide these countries toward more environmentally
sound policies and techniques.

Water: New Technologies, New Problems
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3. (U) Water scarcity is a real problem throughout the
Arabian peninsula, one that the wealthier countries have
partly resolved by using desalination. Desalination
technology in the Gulf is among the most advanced in the
world, and could be an area in which GCC scientists and
experts could provide advice to other nations with water
supply problems. At the same time, however, the relatively
large quantities of water that desalination provides -- and
the irrational water pricing system in most countries -- has
led to significant abuse of water resources. This is readily
apparent in most GCC capitals, which are beautified with
heavily irrigated, non-drought resistant landscaping. The
net effect of these policies has been a disruption in the
water tables and the development of a culture of serious
overconsumption. Water management is also a huge issue as
Kuwait moves to exploit different petroleum deposits, using
water and chemical injection techniques.

Strong, Non-Political Opportunities for Cooperation
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4. (U) As reported ref A, Kuwaiti scientists, policymakers
and citizens who are concerned with ESTH matters are eager to
expand their ties with the U.S. These individuals recognize
that U.S. scientists, technology and expertise are among the
best in the world, and they are anxious to take advantage of
any opportunity to collaborate. Indeed, the recent opening
of science and technology-oriented universities in the
region, many of which have ties to U.S. institutions
(Kuwait's Gulf University of Science and Technology,
Cornell's medical school in Qatar are two examples),
demonstrates that there is a thirst for U.S. knowledge on
science, technology and health issues.


5. (U) In Kuwait, our interlocutors have identified a number
of areas in which they would like to enhance cooperation:
exchange programs for scientists, seminars and exhibits to
showcase new technology, and technical assistance to
strengthen laws and regulations. Reporting from other posts
suggests that similar demand exists throughout the Arabian
peninsula. In a region that can be hostile to U.S. foreign
policy initiatives, increasing contacts on issues of common
interest -- like ESTH -- would foster greater mutual
understanding , dispel mistrust and further strengthen
bilateral and regional relationships. A Gulf-based regional
ESTH officer could serve as an important resource for such
information and scholar exchange programs, and for increasing
U.S. cooperation with the states of this key region.
LEBARON