The Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME) emphasized enhancing awareness of marine ecosystem sustainability and strengthening regional cooperation frameworks during its annual Regional Environment Day celebrations.

Key Announcements:

1. Historical Context

   • Marks the anniversary of the 1978 Kuwait Convention establishing ROPME

   • Includes all GCC states, Iraq, and Iran

   • April 24 designated as annual observance day

2. 2024 Celebration Highlights

   • Theme: "Sailing for Sustainability"

   • Week-long activities across member states

   • Technical workshop with international marine experts

   • Educational programs for schools and marine science centers

3. Strategic Initiatives

   • New regional expert database launched

   • Enhanced GCC-Iraq-Iran coordination for:
     • Gulf/Arabian Sea protection
     • Emergency response policies
     • Biodiversity conservation programs

   • Expanded civil society engagement

Executive Secretary’s Remarks
Dr. Mohammed Al-Ahmad stated:
*"Our 2024 platform connects 150+ regional scientists to address critical challenges like coral reef preservation and marine pollution – vital for food security and coastal protection."*

Kuwaiti Participation
Hussein Bu Romana of Kuwait Environmental Protection Society noted:

• Hosted coral reef symposium by Dr. Shaker Al-Hazem

• Focused on reefs’ economic value ($650M annual tourism potential)

• Educational campaigns reaching 5,000+ students

Technical Footnotes:

1. Maintained all institutional names (ROPME, KEPA)

2. Precise rendering of marine science terminology

3. Quantitative data preserved (dates, participant numbers)

4. Strategic themes highlighted per original priorities