The ROPME Sea Area
The ROPME Sea Area is bordered by the eight countries of the ROPME S.A. (Bahrain, I.R.Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and U.A.E). A variety of natural and human–induced impacts threaten the region’s unique and highly diverse coastal and marine environment. Following the discovery of oil, population and economic growth have contributed to increasing pressure from activities such as dredging and filling operations, disposal of domestic and industrial waste, and disproportionate use of limited freshwater resources. Recreational and tourism industries are experiencing rapid expansion, contributing to the over-exploitation of living marine resources.
The term “ROPME Sea Area” was coined by Plenipotentiaries of the Member States to achieve unanimity in denoting the area covered by the Kuwait Regional Convention of 1978.
ROPME is among the 18 organizations of the International Regional Seas Program that were established by UNEP. These regional seas and oceans are managed through various conventions and action plans tailored to address their specific environmental issues, promoting regional and national cooperation and sustainable management of marine and coastal resources.
ROMPE Sea Area (RSA) covers approximately 461,000 km² and is divided into three main marine areas:
a. The inner RSA, about 236,000 km²
b. The middle RSA, about 113,000 km²
c. The outer RSA, about 112,000 km²
The ROPME Sea Area (RSA) was declared as a Special Area by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), (Resolution # 168(56) adopted on 13 July 2007). The MEPC Resolution #168 (56) prohibited the discharge of many types of wastes into ROPME Special Sea Areas according to regulations 15 and 34 of MARPOL Annex I and regulation 5 of MARPOL Annex V for the Gulfs area (RSA) Special Area.
ROPME Objectives
The organization aims to
ROPME aims to coordinate efforts among member states
Maintain the safety and quality of marine waters in the RSA
Preserve ecosystems and aquatic life,
Reduce pollution resulting from various development activities in the countries surrounding the region.
ROPME also plays a fundamental role in unifying the efforts made by the M/S to protect the marine environment
Monitoring the actions taken by each country in this field.