Diplomacy for the world's hottest sea

Abstract

Countries that border the Persian or Arabian Gulf [hereafter, “Gulf ”] are adopting ambitious global commitments to protect their marine environments. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has committed to protecting 30% of its lands and waters by 2030, with other Gulf states expected to soon join. Gulf countries will not meaningfully meet these and other global commitments (such as the post-2020 biodiversity framework) without rebuilding trust, exchanging knowledge, and jumpstarting conservation coordination across their maritime boundaries. Gulf scientists have an overlooked role in this work.