Iran Takes Center Stage at 38th ROPME Executive Committee Meeting: A Key Player in Regional Environmental Cooperation

In a significant development for marine conservation, Ahmad-Reza Lahijanzadeh, a representative from Iran’s Department of Environment (DOE), participated in the 38th executive committee meeting of the Regional Organization for the Protection of Marine Environment (ROPME). This crucial meeting took place in Kuwait, emphasizing the collaborative efforts needed to safeguard the marine and coastal ecosystems of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

ROPME, established in 1979, is a vital organization comprising seven member states: Iran, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The primary focus of ROPME is to protect the marine environment and ensure the sustainability of marine resources in the region.

During the meeting, which was chaired by Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Dainah, the Kuwaiti Minister of Oil and Environment, the importance of regional cooperation was underscored. Bin Dainah emphasized that collaborative efforts among member states are essential for achieving environmental sustainability and tackling the challenges facing marine resources.

• Strengthening Regional Cooperation: The discussions highlighted the need for enhanced collaboration to address marine environmental issues.
• Joint Coordination: The meeting acknowledged that coordinated efforts among member states are crucial for environmental sustainability.
• Addressing Challenges: The participants focused on various challenges threatening marine resources and the need for unified strategies.

At the previous committee meeting on January 29, 2024, Iran proposed the establishment of a regional center dedicated to biodiversity. Mojtaba Zoljoodi, another official from the DOE, stated, “We have been cooperating with ROPME for the protection of the marine environment of the region for more than 40 years.” He also emphasized the necessity of adopting new approaches to tackle marine pollution more effectively.

Zoljoodi articulated the importance of a strategic roadmap, a comprehensive document that outlines essential directions and goals for marine conservation. “Happily, this strategic plan has been developed under ROPME guidance and the cooperation of all executive committee representatives,” he noted, highlighting the collaborative nature of the initiative. The draft document was submitted to ROPME before the meeting and is anticipated to receive acceptance from other member states.

Iran-Kuwait Environmental Cooperation

In a related development, in April 2024, Mohammad Toutounchi, Iran’s ambassador to Kuwait, engaged in discussions with Mohammed Al-Ahmad, the Secretary General of ROPME, to explore avenues for enhancing environmental cooperation between the two nations. Toutounchi emphasized the importance of addressing regional environmental challenges, particularly concerning the daily transit of numerous oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, which pose risks to both marine life and coastal communities.

• Managing Environmental Challenges: Iran is keen to collaborate with ROPME to tackle environmental pollutants resulting from maritime activities.
• Preventing Environmental Disasters: The discussions included strategies for disaster prevention and the establishment of monitoring stations.
• Conducting Research and Training: Iran expressed readiness to support research projects and training workshops on pollution measurement.

Al-Ahmad acknowledged Iran’s significant role in managing environmental issues, given that it controls a substantial portion of the Persian Gulf coast and the Sea of Oman. He emphasized ROPME’s 45 years of continuous monitoring of oil tanker traffic, which aims to mitigate environmental pollution in the region.

He expressed optimism about developing effective strategies to combat pollution and restore the beaches and marine environments through enhanced cooperation among member states, leveraging the expertise of Iranian professionals.

The discussions at the 38th executive committee meeting illustrate a strong commitment among ROPME member states to protect and preserve the marine environment. As environmental challenges continue to evolve, the collaboration between Iran and other nations will be vital in ensuring the sustainability of marine ecosystems in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.

This ongoing cooperation signifies a critical step towards a healthier marine environment, reflecting a shared responsibility among member states to safeguard their natural resources for future generations.