27 January 1992
MULTILATERAL ISSUES
REGIONAL COOPERATION: THE ENVIRONMENT
The past few years have brought an increased world-wide awareness of
environmental issues. Many conferences have been convened to discuss
global environmental problems such as expected changes in climate, the
threat to the earth of a deteriorating ozone layer, the disposal of
toxic waste, pollution and disease control, and more. These issues are
not confined within the arbitrary borders of individual countries, but
rather they span the borders of many nations. Therefore, it is necessary
for all parties to create a framework for strategic cooperation by which
to cope with regional problems.
The following are regional environmental topics which would benefit from
institutionalized mechanisms for multilateral cooperation.
PROTECTION OF NATURE
It is suggested that a joint committee be established to develop and
manage natural landscape reserves, protect endangered species and repair
damaged ecosystems.
AIR QUALITY
Air pollution is not confined by the boundaries of any country.
Pollution from the port of Haifa can reach Jordan in a matter of hours,
given the proper weather conditions, and phosphorus dust from the
Jordanian port of Aqaba easily reaches the shore of Eilat with the help
of an eastern wind. Air quality deterioration is both a health threat to
humans as well as a threat to vegetation and buildings.
SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING
It is suggested that joint disposal and recycling plants be established.
DUMPING SITES FOR TOXIC WASTE
Toxic waste disposal is a problem which all developed countries must
face. The solution involves a suitable site, the proper technology and
adequate funding.
Separate dumping sites and duplication of technology are both costly and
unnecessary. It is suggested that regional dumping sites be combined in
order to improve disposal technology and share disposal costs.
MOSQUITOES
Mosquito breeding sites such as those in the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea
area are not simply local problems which are contained within the
immediate area of the site. They create a serious nuisance to the
economic activities (especially tourism) for surrounding area, as well
as pose a threat of disease.
It is suggested that a multilateral committee be established, which will
convene regularly and maintain direct contact all year long. Such a
committee will coordinate mosquito control activities, inform each other
of existing breeding sites and conduct anti-malaria research.
CLIMATE CHANGES
Every country in the Middle East is affected by climatic changes in the
region. Experts have already observed warning signs portending the
drying out of the deserts which will, in turn, result in extension of
the desert regions. Such an eventuality is a threat to all the
inhabitants of the area. The only way in which to combat such an awesome
challenge of nature is through cooperation.
It is suggested that a joint research team be established to study the
problem and make suggestion for the development of advanced technology,
agriculture, construction adapted for desert conditions and climate
manipulation.
MEDITERRANEAN REGION
Ocean pollution control is an issue which necessitates the cooperation
of all the countries which share waterway and fishing rights. Proposals
in this field call for:
The establishment of an Eastern Regional Center for Marine Pollution
Abatement, comprising an emergency response unit and a monitoring
network;
The setting up of a project for defining and implementing principles
for coastal environmental planning, including the use and application of
GIS (Geographic Information System) and EIS (Environment Impact
Statement) and a network for the monitoring, surveillance and
safeguarding of coasts;
The establishment of a regional project to evaluate climatic changes.
SOIL ENRICHMENT BY ORGANIC WASTE
Cooperation in soil enrichment programs has the potential for both
economic and environmental improvements. Possible projects include: the
establishment of joint factories; the establishment of joint
land-monitoring stations; and the joint disposal of solid waste and
recycling of materials.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS
Common standards, institutional and legal frameworks for regional
environment and management;
Joint environmental research, education and information centers;
Joint "think tanks" for a coordinated policy on the environment;
Rehabilitation and preservation of ancient cities and other sites of
historical and cultural importance;
The establishment of a regional monitoring network for environmental
radiation;
Cooperation in the preservation of historical sites, and exchanges
between archaeologists and other experts.