Draft GCC environmental plan approved

Guf Coperation Council (GCC) environmental officials yesterday approved a strategic plan of action draft for the committee of ministers responsible for the Gulf environment for the period 2017-2021.

The one-day meeting also endorsed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), represented by the Regional Office for West Asia, as well as the Northern Gulf Gateway project on the environment.

Head of the Human and Environmental Affairs Sector at the GCC Secretariat Dr Adel Al Zayani said in a speech during the meeting that joint environmental action was launched since 1985, with the adoption of general policies and principles for environmental protection at the Muscat summit, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.

They are facing a new phase after the adoption of the environmental strategy of ministers responsible for environmental affairs by the 20th meeting of ministers, where the strategic plan was adopted, coordinating with many countries and international organisations, he added.

The Kuwaiti delegation to the meeting was headed by Chairman and Director General of Kuwait’s Environment Public Authority (EPA) Shaikh Abdullah Ahmad Al Humoud Al Sabah. Ministers from the Gulf region are due to hold their 21st meeting today to approve the decisions taken by the 39th meeting.