Bahraini Minister of Oil and Environment Emphasizes Importance of Strengthening Joint GCC Environmental Efforts for Sustainable Development

Manama, October 11 (KUNA) -- Bahraini Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Deneen, emphasized today, Sunday, the importance of continuing to strengthen the trajectory of joint Gulf environmental efforts and developing coordination and integration among GCC member states. This, he noted, contributes to protecting the environment, preserving its natural resources, keeping pace with rapid changes and challenges, and enhancing environmental policies and programs that support the achievement of sustainable development goals.

The Bahrain News Agency reported that these remarks were made by the Minister of Oil and Environment during his chairing of the 28th meeting of the Committee of Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which included State Minister for Development and Sustainability Dr. Reem Al-Faleh.

He highlighted the importance of building on the achievements realized in the course of Gulf cooperation in the environmental field, enhancing the exchange of expertise and successful experiences among member states, and utilizing data and indicators to support the development of the environmental work system and measure the impact of its programs, thereby enhancing their efficiency and sustainability.

Bin Deneen also stressed that the upcoming phase requires continuing to develop joint initiatives and programs, strengthening partnerships, and integrating efforts among relevant authorities to support the achievement of common goals and consolidate Gulf cooperation in protecting biodiversity and conserving natural resources, as well as reinforcing unified positions at international forums.

The meeting discussed several agenda items and reviewed recommendations submitted by the 46th meeting of the Committee of Deputies Responsible for Environmental Affairs. It adopted the first edition of the Gulf Environmental Performance Index Methodology Document and the first report on the efforts of GCC member states supporting the Green Middle East Initiative, to be updated every two years.

Furthermore, the ministers approved updating the Convention on the Conservation of Wildlife and its Natural Habitats and submitting it to the Ministerial Council for approval. They also adopted the Gulf Program Plan for Coordinating Efforts to Conserve Falcons and Houbara Bustards, the Executive Framework for Falcon Ownership Transfer among GCC member states, and approved holding a periodic Gulf Conference on Wildlife every two years. They welcomed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s offer to host the conference in 2027.

During the meeting, the unified Gulf position regarding negotiations on the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, was reaffirmed. The meeting also reiterated the rejection of imposing a carbon tax within the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the intention to vote against it, while continuing coordination among GCC member states and mobilizing support for this stance.

Regarding the coordination of Gulf positions on international environmental issues, the meeting discussed approving the transmission of the draft unified system for substances controlled under the Montreal Protocol, completing internal procedures, and submitting it to the Ministerial Council and subsequently to the Supreme Council for approval.

The current session, presided over by the Kingdom of Bahrain, witnessed the launch of the GCC Environmental and Wildlife Award for the years 2026–2027, under the theme “Thriving Biodiversity for a Sustainable Gulf.” It also adopted the slogan “Our Natural Reserves: Pillars of Diversity and Sustainability” for the Gulf Wildlife Day on December 30, 2026, aiming to enhance environmental awareness and support conservation efforts for wildlife in GCC member states. (End) K.N.A.