US embassy cable - 05KUWAIT1859

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 
--------------------------------- 
 
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 
-------------------------------------- 
 
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 
--------------------------------------------- ------- 
 
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