GEO-6 Regional Asssement for West Asia
sea level, the 0.4-metre rise projected by the IPCC (2013) under the least emissions scenario (RCP 2.6) has not been exceeded. Seawater intrusion in the GCC countries and Yemen has been minimised by coastal protection measures and sustainable management of groundwater resources. Communities whose livelihoods are sensitive to climatic changes, such as small-scale agriculture, have been made more resilient through income-diversification and capacity- building programmes. The continuous development of innovative technologies in early warning and risk assessment has increased the adaptive capacity of the region. Countries are cooperating to control climate-induced migration and secure livelihoods for displaced people. Jordan, UAE, Qatar and Yemen have contributed to global efforts to reach a binding agreement on the basis of common but differentiated responsibilities.
3.7.6 Life below water
Countries in West Asia continue to place high priority on the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources in the ROPME Sea Area, Red Sea and eastern Mediterranean. Marine life that has suffered from the various conflicts is now fully conserved. The GCC countries increasingly rely on clean modern technologies in desalinising water to meet their demand. Agreement between countries has been ratified to transfer water through a marine pipeline across the ROPME Sea Area. Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are implementing the joint programme for the protection of marine resources. Bahrain has a state-of-the-art marine and biodiversity research centre. Qatar continues to reaffirm its commitment to the Global Alliance for Drylands to Combat Desertification and Drought. West Asian governments have agreed on a framework to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems from land-based pollution, as well as to address the impacts of ocean acidification. Sustainable use of marine resources is now implemented through enforcing agreed international laws and regulations. As a result, the region has succeeded in protecting the life cycle of marine habitats that was previously disrupted. Countries are now continuously regulating harvesting to end
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overfishing and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the ROPME Sea Area, Red Sea and eastern Mediterranean.
3.7.7 Life on land
West Asian countries are effectively implementing laws and regulations to conserve and restore the use of terrestrial ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, drylands and mountains, particularly after the devastating effects of armed conflict – now resolved – that occurred in the region and led to massive destruction of habitats and high rates of biodiversity loss. Iraq, Oman, the UAE and Yemen have established a programme for protecting and fostering terrestrial ecosystems. Combating desertification and restoring degraded land and soil, including land affected by desertification, drought and flood, are also high on countries’ priority agenda and are reinforced through land-use laws. The mobilisation and increase in financial resources as well as involvement of the private sector are effectively ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems. Many countries encourage the private sector to achieve zero net deforestation in agricultural commodity supply chains, resulting in the reduction of natural forest loss.
3.7.8 Peace, justice and strong institutions
Promoting just, peaceful and inclusive societies is now the overarching priority of all West Asian countries. The region managed to significantly reduce earlier death rates resulting from domestic and armed conflicts and violence. Peace and security prevail in the entire region as a result of peace agreements and bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation. Institutions are functioning efficiently to assess and monitor the state of the environment and keep it under review. Governments give full public access to environmental information and civil society groups are playing a major role in monitoring environmental change. Freedom for all citizens is maintained according to national cultures and legislation. Citizens are now participating in the environmental decision- making process at all levels. The prevailing equal access to
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