GCC wildlife committee meeting reinforces commitment to environmental protection

The Environment Public Authority (EPA) announced that the 22nd meeting of the Permanent Committee for the Convention on the Conservation of Wildlife and Their Natural Habitats in GCC member states demonstrates the region’s ongoing commitment to protecting the Gulf’s environmental heritage and enhancing cooperation on shared environmental challenges.

Acting EPA Director General Nouf Behbehani told the Kuwait News Agency that the meeting, held in Kuwait, is in line with GCC leaders’ directives to strengthen joint action in environmental protection, natural resource conservation, and biodiversity sustainability.

Those who attended the meeting included representatives from all GCC states, environmental experts, and the GCC General Secretariat.

• Updating the GCC environmental operational plan through 2030
• Kuwait’s proposal to form technical working groups for environmental agreements related to biodiversity
• Preparation for the first Gulf Wildlife Conference
• Approval of a unified logo and updated Gulf Wildlife Agreement
• Enhancement of the strategic environmental plan for the region

The meeting also explored new mechanisms for falcon ownership regulation and broader wildlife protection, including a unified framework for electronic CITES permits and plans for upcoming training workshops on species protection and ecosystem rehabilitation.

Eng. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Rubaie, Head of the Human and Environment Affairs Sector at the GCC General Secretariat, emphasized the meeting’s importance as a milestone in advancing regional wildlife conservation.

He commended Kuwait’s proactive role and its commitment to implementing international environmental agreements, noting that the collaborative work sets a strong foundation for sustainable development across the Gulf.