Iran Engages in 38th ROPME Executive Committee Meeting in Kuwait

Iran, represented by Ahmad-Reza Lahijanzadeh, participated in ROPME’s 38th Executive Committee meeting in Kuwait, focusing on marine environmental protection. The meeting emphasized the need for regional cooperation, with significant discussions about biodiversity initiatives and pollution management strategies, highlighting Iran’s vital role in these efforts.

Ahmad-Reza Lahijanzadeh, a representative from Iran’s Department of Environment, attended the 38th Executive Committee meeting of the Regional Organization for the Protection of Marine Environment (ROPME) in Kuwait. ROPME, established in 1979 and ratified by seven member states including Iran, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, aims to safeguard the marine and coastal ecosystems of the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman.

Chaired by Kuwaiti Minister of Oil and Environment, Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Dainah, the meeting emphasized enhancing regional cooperation for marine environmental protection. The Minister remarked that coordinated efforts among member states are essential for ensuring environmental sustainability and addressing challenges that threaten marine resources.

During the previous ROPME meeting, Iran proposed establishing a regional center for biodiversity. Mojtaba Zoljoodi from the DOE expressed Iran’s longstanding collaboration with ROPME in protecting the marine environment and stated the need for innovative strategies to combat environmental issues more effectively. He noted that a strategic plan has been developed in consultation with ROPME, which aims to outline clear goals moving forward.

In April 2024, Iran’s ambassador to Kuwait, Mohammad Toutounchi, discussed perspectives on enhancing environmental cooperation with ROPME’s Secretary General, Mohammed Al-Ahmad. He articulated Iran’s concerns regarding environmental pollutants due to the heavy daily traffic of oil tankers, which present risks to marine life and local communities. Toutounchi expressed Iran’s readiness to work alongside ROPME to prevent potential environmental crises and improve pollutant monitoring.

Al-Ahmad acknowledged Iran’s crucial geographical influence over the Persian Gulf coast and the Sea of Oman. He expressed optimism in creating effective pollution management strategies through enhanced cooperation and leveraging the expertise of Iranian professionals, aiming to address environmental pollution and restore the health of marine and coastal ecosystems.

In summary, the recent ROPME meeting in Kuwait highlighted Iran’s active participation and commitment to regional environmental cooperation. The discussions underscored the importance of collaborative approaches to tackle marine pollution and protect valuable ecosystems. Iran’s proposed strategies to enhance biodiversity and environmental sustainability illustrate its dedication to these pressing issues, ensuring a coordinated effort among member states.

Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com