This session will focus on the climate impacts experienced in the ROPME Sea Area (RSA), the hottest and most anthropogenically affected sea in the world, commonly known as the Arabian/Persian Gulf. Regional experts will emphasize the importance of transboundary collaboration and fostering inclusive adaptation approaches. Drawing on lessons from environmental agreements such as the Barcelona and Cartagena Conventions, experts will explore key global frameworks, including the Global Biodiversity Framework's ‘30 by 30’ targets and the UN Decade of Ocean Science, to enhance scientific cooperation and develop effective cross-boundary policies.
The discussion will address the unique ecological, social, and political dynamics of the RSA. A second panel will examine the fate of biodiversity hotspots, particularly around offshore energy infrastructure, and discuss ecosystem-based regulatory approaches for a more resilient sea. This session aims to bridge the gap between science, policy, and society in addressing urgent environmental challenges facing the Gulf,
Expected Outcomes:
- Enhanced understanding of the role of scientific knowledge in policymaking for regional climate change related agreements.
- Raise awareness on the socioeconomic, environmental, and geopolitical value of a transboundary Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the RSA.
- Initiate new discussions on implementing ecosystem-based approaches for offshore decommissioning.
- Strengthened regional cooperation for scientific research and peer-to-peer diplomacy.
Agenda 11:00 – 11:05
Opening Remarks 11:05 – 11:55Panel 1: Science Diplomacy for the World’s Hottest Sea- Expanding grassroots science networks and fostering collaboration between Track 1 and Track 2 diplomacy.
- Understanding the unique ecosystems of the RSA: implications of globally sharing coral samples and restoration efforts.
- Next steps for the first transboundary Marine Protected Area proposal: enhancing cooperation and outlining actionable steps for key stakeholders.
- Coastal resilience and restoration: lessons from Louisiana's frontline experiences.
12:00 – 12:40Panel 2: Derogation or Deregulation? The Future of Decommissioning in the RSA- Strategic decisions for government and industry regarding offshore installations at the end of their productive life.
- A comparative analysis of international regulatory models, including the Oslo-Paris Convention and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
- Evaluating derogation criteria and ecosystem-based decommissioning strategies.
12:45 – 12:55Q&A Session 12:55 – 13:00Closing Remarks
Video will become available 10 minutes before session start
