The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim Al-Budaiwi said the bloc is committed to improving marine and environmental safety, protecting marine ecosystems from pollution, and advancing Sustainable Development Goal 14 despite significant environmental challenges facing the region.
Al-Budaiwi made these remarks during his participation in the Third United Nations Ocean Conference held in Nice, France.
The event was held under the patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron and included leaders, officials, and experts from around the world. The conference was jointly organized by the governments of France and Costa Rica, reports Al-Rai daily.
Al-Budaiwi highlighted that the GCC region is surrounded by three, what he called, water bodies, with the Arabian Gulf — a semi-enclosed sea — under considerable environmental stress.
Despite this, the Gulf hosts vital marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and fisheries, which are crucial for the region’s food security, economy, and cultural heritage.
He pointed out that the Arabian Gulf is one of the world’s most important maritime routes, with over 40,000 ships, including oil tankers, passing through annually.
This underscores the region’s strategic role as a global trade and energy hub, making the protection of its marine environment a priority at national, regional, and international levels.
Al-Budaiwi outlined the GCC’s dedication to sustainable marine resource management through coordinated national and regional strategies aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 14.
He reviewed efforts to protect marine areas, combat pollution, manage fisheries, promote research and innovation, facilitate data exchange, and develop early warning systems to mitigate climate and marine risks.
He also stressed the need for collective action, innovation, and shared international responsibility to confront escalating ocean threats such as rising temperatures, acidification, pollution, and habitat loss.
In conclusion, Al-Budaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s firm commitment to sustainability and marine conservation to safeguard the oceans for present and future generations.
