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In geological terms the Red Sea is a young ocean. Created through separation of the Arabian plate from Africa, and located in a predominantly arid latitudinal zone, the biodiversity that has evolved is unique and wonderful.
The Red Sea & Gulf of Aden Region supports world-renowned coral reefs, lush mangroves and fertile seagrass beds. It is home to endemic species of seabirds, reef fish and invertebrates.
The region has been used for thousands of years for fishing and trading and to transport religious pilgrims. Today, the people of the region share these same waters with oil tankers, cargo ships, and tourist boats, representing potentially serious risks to this relatively pristine marine ecosystem.
Coastal populations are increasing, posing new and growing threats to the environment if this growth is not managed properly. Climate change and sea level rise, once considered distance threats are in approaching danger for low-lying areas. If the tourist industry continues to be poorly managed, the area is in danger of loosing a priceless source, its precious coral reefs.
The Action Plan for the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden was established in 1976 and later revised in 1995.
In addition the participating states adopted the Convention for the Conservation of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Environment (Jeddah Convention) and the Protocol concerning Regional Cooperation in Combating Pollution by Oil and other Harmful Substances in Cases of Emergency in 1982 which entered into force in 1985.
The Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA), established in September 1995, is the coordinating body and is involved in the implementation of the Jeddah Convention and Protocol, and the Action Plan. PERSGA also has the responsibility for the preparation and implementation of the Strategic Action Programme (SAP) and its related activities.
The SAP was launched in 1999, funded through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) implementing agencies (UNDP, UNEP, World Bank), the Islamic Development Bank, and the PERSGA member states. The SAP focus's on three directions: land-based pollution, navigation and port improvements, and monitoring. |
Future aims for PERSGA are working towards: having the region declared a ‘Special Area' (according to MARPOL 73-78); the establishment and provision of adequate number of port reception facilities; identification of ports needing improvement in co-operation with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the private sector; a regional pollution monitoring programme analysing contamination in seawater, sediments and indicator organisms; and sustainable development.
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