Water, Environment Minister confirms protecting marine environment

[05/08/2024 02:12]

ADEN-SABA
Minister of Water and Environment Engineer Tawfiq al-Sharjabi has emphasized the importance of protecting the marine environment and enhancing environmental sustainability in the region.

In a speech during the workshop held in the temporary capital Aden under the title "Activating the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as special areas within the MARPOL Convention," Minister of Water and Environment Engineer Tawfeeq al-Sharjabi pointed out that the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden are considered among the vital and strategic maritime corridors globally, but they face serious environmental challenges as a result of marine pollution and increasing human activities.

He explained that activating this region as special areas within the MARPOL Convention represents a decisive step to achieve several strategic objectives, including reducing marine pollution, protecting biodiversity, and enhancing international cooperation.

Al-Sharjabi also referred to the incident of targeting the "Ruby Mar" ship in February 2024, which sank as a result of an attack by the terrorist Houthi militias, posing a major threat to the marine environment.

He stressed the importance of the MARPOL Convention to strengthen national capacities in monitoring and controlling marine pollution, obtaining international support, and achieving sustainable development.

The minister concluded his speech by thanking the organizers and participants in the workshop, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and exchange of ideas to achieve the protection and sustainability of the maritime region.

For his part, the Representative of the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Dr. Zaher Al-Egwan explained that the workshop activities are part of the joint cooperation between the Regional Organization and the Ministry of Water and Environment, and the Environmental Protection Authority.

He confirmed that the activities of the workshop are national focal point within the framework of the initiative to activate the declaration of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as special areas, which will play a significant role in protecting the marine environment according to the global MARPOL Convention.