A report by the World Bank has shown that while economic and social indicators in many Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries have improved over the last three decades, the regionโs blue natural assets, including clean air, healthy seas and coastlines โ have continued to degrade.
According to the report, air pollution levels in the regionโs cities are among the highest in the world as is marine plastic pollution; and coastlines are fast eroding.
โThese combined challenges threaten local communities, livelihoods and economies,โ the report said.
Titled โBlue Skies, Blue Seas: Air Pollution, Marine Plastics and Coastal Erosion in the Middle East and North Africa,โ the report focuses on the impact of this degradation, estimating that the economic cost of MENAโs deteriorating skies and seas is more than 3% of GDP per year in some countries.
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The report also offered policy recommendations and solutions for governments to reverse the threat to this vital natural capital, some of which include Informing stakeholders about the sources of these challenges, and providing incentives that improve environmental outcomes for the public and the private sector.
Others include strengthening institutions to lower air and plastic pollution and to mitigate uncontrolled development and erosion on coastlines Investing in abatement options and promoting sustainable solutions.
The report also explained that restoring MENAโs blue skies and seas will benefit the health, livelihoods and incomes of residents as there will inevitably be trade-offs.
โBut choosing a path of green growth will create jobs, diversify economies โ and make the region a better place for current and future generations,โ the report said.
Story was adapted from the World Bank.
