Manama:The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Environment Authority, participated in the 28th meeting of the Committee of GCC Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

According to Oman News Agency, Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, represented Oman at the meeting. Key topics discussed included enhancing joint Gulf environmental efforts and coordinating positions at regional and international forums.

The meeting focused on the 2030 Action Plan set by the committee and a project to develop a GCC Environmental Performance Index. Other important issues included wildlife protection, biodiversity, the Middle East Green Initiative, and the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer. Discussions extended to the GCC agreement on the conservation of wildlife and natural habitats.

International environmental topics were also on the agenda, such as preparations for the 8th session of the UN Environment Assembly and strategies for GCC coordination in international negotiations on a legally binding instrument for plastic pollution. Carbon emissions in the maritime sector and proactive international environmental monitoring were also covered.

Oman proposed enhancing joint GCC efforts to manage marine oil pollution incidents. The ministers recommended that the GCC General Secretariat facilitate a meeting between Oman and the GCC Emergency Management Center to explore the proposal and draft cooperative mechanisms.