GEO-6 Regional Asssement for West Asia
Ecosystem-based management
Ecosystem-based management is a comprehensive strategy for the integrated management of land, water and living resources that promotes conservation and sustainable development. This approach aims at achieving sustainable use of ecosystem goods and services and maintenance of ecosystem integrity. It considers the cumulative impacts of various sources and the balance of conflicting uses, and includes multiple factors such as pollution, coastal development, harvest pressure and other ecological interactions.
Generally, integrated coastal zone and ecosystem-based management are broadly consistent in promoting holistic and adaptive approaches to natural resource management and contributing to sustainable development in coastal areas. However, integrated coastal zone management tends to focus more on the institutional and governance aspects of the coastal zone, while ecosystem-based management tends to present a long-term ecosystem perspective (Haines- Young and Potschin 2011) (More...14).
Legal frameworks and environmental impact assessment
A range of environmental legislation related to the protection of the marine environment in West Asia has been developed on the basis of a range of national, regional and international laws, regulations, protocols and conventions. However, the appropriate enforcement of this legislative body is a critical challenge for the region.
Environmental impact assessment is considered a standard tool for decision-making in most countries throughout the world and is frequently used in coastal planning and management. It is increasingly contributing to overall environmental policy and the promotion of sustainable development in West Asia (Naser 2015).
However, several shortcomings need to be addressed in order to further strengthen current assessment systems. These include lack of adequate legal and regulatory frameworks,
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limited public participation, inadequate guidelines on the assessment procedure, and lack of provisions related to cumulative impacts and strategic environmental assessment. Further integration of environmental considerations related to coastal zones in higher-level decision-making processes may enhance understanding of the consequences of coastal development for the integrity of coastal and marine ecosystems.
Applying the best available technologies to prevent pollution is an essential strategy for protecting coastal and marine environments. These may include adopting environmentally sound technologies for dredging and reclamation to minimise habitat destruction, sedimentation and pollution; installing technology to reduce corrosion during the desalination process; and limiting the environmental impacts of refinery facilities.
Restoration and rehabilitation of degraded coastal and marine ecosystems
Restoration and rehabilitation of degraded coastal and marine ecosystems are important approaches to enhance marine biodiversity and productivity. The approaches may include deployment of artificial reefs and plantation of mangroves. Abundant and diverse communities of reef fish, coral and benthic organisms can develop on artificial structures (Feary at el. 2011). Successful mangrove plantation programmes have been reported in Kuwait, Qatar, and in the United Arab Emirates. Large-scale cultivation programmes have been initiated in Abu Dhabi, UAE to mitigate environmental impacts of coastal developments (More...15).
Marine protected areas
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are recognized as effective tools for protecting and conserving marine biodiversity. Designation and effective management of MPAs are critical for the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems. Several MPAs have been designated or proposed in the West Asia region. About 38 designated MPAs (18 180 square kilometres) have been established in the ROPME Sea Area, (Van Lavieren
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