At the 26th meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministers responsible for environmental affairs in Qatar, delegates highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing environmental issues. The gathering focused on strategies to combat land degradation, enhance drought resilience, and promote sustainable development across the region.
Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, secretary-general of the GCC, stressed that environmental protection and climate change mitigation have become core priorities for member states. He noted that GCC nations are actively working to improve environmental policies, promote renewable energy adoption, and reduce carbon emissions while balancing economic development needs.
The upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP16) in December, to be held in Saudi Arabia, was identified as a significant opportunity to advance international efforts in reducing land degradation and combating drought. This event is expected to bring together global stakeholders to discuss and implement strategies for environmental conservation.
During the meeting, Saudi Arabia’s vice minister of environment, water, and agriculture, Mansour Al-Mushaiti, called for GCC nations to ratify the Middle East Green Initiative Charter. He encouraged member states to set national targets for tree planting and land rehabilitation, and advocated for increased support from national development funds for vegetation projects across the region.
The Kingdom’s National Environment Strategy was presented as an example of ongoing efforts in the region. This framework focuses on biodiversity conservation, prevention of land degradation, and advancement of global coral reef research. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has committed $2.5 billion to the Middle East Green Initiative to support environmental sustainability efforts across the region.
Other GCC states are also taking steps to address environmental challenges. The collective approach includes enhancing environmental policies, promoting renewable energy, and working towards reducing carbon emissions. These efforts aim to strike a balance between development and environmental preservation.
Al-Budaiwi emphasized that international cooperation has become essential in addressing climate change and other environmental challenges. He stated that GCC countries are actively contributing to global cooperation and providing solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change while preserving the environment.
The meeting served as a platform for regional leaders to discuss shared environmental concerns and explore collaborative solutions. As countries in the Gulf region face similar ecological challenges, such forums provide opportunities for knowledge exchange and coordinated action towards common environmental goals.
