Ahmad-Reza Lahijanzadeh represented Iran at the 38th ROPME executive committee meeting in Kuwait, focusing on marine environmental protection. Chair Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Dainah stressed regional cooperation. Iran seeks to establish a biodiversity center and enhance strategies against marine pollution. Discussions continue between Iran and ROPME to address environmental challenges, particularly concerning oil tanker traffic in the region.
On Thursday, Ahmad-Reza Lahijanzadeh, an official from Iran’s Department of Environment (DOE), represented Iran at the 38th executive committee meeting of the Regional Organization for the Protection of Marine Environment (ROPME) held in Kuwait. Established in 1979 and ratified by seven member states, including Iran, ROPME is dedicated to safeguarding the marine and coastal ecosystems of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.
The meeting was chaired by Kuwaiti Minister of Oil and Environment, Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Dainah, who emphasized the necessity for enhanced regional cooperation to protect the marine environment. He stated that coordinated efforts among member states are vital for sustaining environmental health and addressing existing challenges that threaten marine resources.
At the previous meeting, Iran expressed a desire to collaborate with ROPME to establish a regional center for biodiversity. Mojtaba Zoljoodi, a DOE official, reiterated Iran’s long-standing commitment to marine environmental protection over the past four decades, advocating for a strategic approach to effectively manage marine pollution.
Zoljoodi detailed the development of a strategic plan, crafted with the support of ROPME and the committee’s representatives, aimed at improving marine environmental management. He indicated that this document would guide member states in achieving common environmental goals and was submitted for acceptance prior to the meeting.
In a separate context, Iran’s ambassador to Kuwait, Mohammad Toutounchi, engaged with Mohammed Al-Ahmad, the Secretary General of ROPME, to discuss enhancing collaboration on environmental issues. He identified the challenges posed by oil tanker traffic through the Persian Gulf as a significant concern affecting both marine life and coastal inhabitants.
Toutounchi stated that Iran is eager to work with ROPME to mitigate environmental hazards, conduct relevant research, initiate training workshops on pollution measurement, and establish monitoring stations. Al-Ahmad recognized Iran’s critical geographical position in the region and expressed optimism for collaborative efforts in developing effective pollution management strategies.
The 38th executive committee meeting of ROPME highlighted the commitment of member states, particularly Iran, to advance marine environmental protection. Iran has made significant strides in developing strategic approaches and fostering cooperation to manage marine pollution challenges. The ongoing discussions between Iran and ROPME demonstrate a unified effort to safeguard the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman ecology, ensuring environmental sustainability for the region.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
