The Persian Gulf's Importance in Maritime Trade
The Persian Gulf has been a central focus of maritime trade since ancient times. Archaeological evidence shows that early trading centers such as Dilham (modern Bahrain) and Madgan (Oman) linked Mesopotamia with the Indus Valley in South Asia. The gradual growth of elaborate trading relationships facilitated the development of cities and ports that served as suppliers, middlemen, and destination points along this complex network of commerce.
Ecological Importance of the Persian Gulf
The coastal region of the Persian Gulf is an important breeding ground for sea birds and other migrating species. It also provides important habitat for commercial fishing stocks. It contains extensive coral reefs and saltmarshes.
Petroleum Pollution in the Gulf
Petroleum pollution is a major problem in the gulf. The high concentrations of heavy fuel oil and other pollutants emitted by ships, tankers, and oil exploration and production platforms create adverse environmental effects throughout the region. The gulf's shallow, limited fresh water supply makes it especially susceptible to pollution and to the destruction of its natural resources.
Threats to Gulf's Marine and Coastal Ecosystems
A large, diverse ecosystem, the gulf's marine and coastal areas contain a variety of ecosystems that are vital for the long-term survival of local communities and for ensuring economic and social stability. These include mangrove forests, saltmarshes, and seagrass beds. Despite the importance of these ecosystems, they are threatened by the rapid and unregulated development of the marine and coastal industries in the Persian Gulf and its adjacent countries. The gulf's coastal environment is particularly vulnerable to erosion and land degradation caused by development.
Air Pollution and Health Risks
The gulf is also highly susceptible to air pollution. The gulf's air quality is ranked among the worst in the world for particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. The airborne chemicals that have been released into the gulf's atmosphere by petroleum drilling, processing, and transporting activities can pose serious health risks for personnel in the coastal region. Exposure to nerve agents used by the Iranian and Iraqi armies during the Persian Gulf War exacerbated this threat.
Safeguarding the Gulf's Ecosystems
As oil is the primary energy source for most of the gulf states, it is important that its production and transport is managed in a way that will protect the gulf's ecosystems. The region's unique coastal flora and fauna, including mangrove forests, coral reefs, and sandbars, are particularly vulnerable to pollution from the petroleum industry.
Solutions to the Pollution Problem
There are a number of ways that the pollution problem can be managed and addressed. Managing the flow of waste from oil platforms is an essential first step, and other measures such as improved wastewater treatment and disposal can also help to limit damage to the marine and coastal systems. Another important solution is to reduce emissions by reducing or eliminating the use of petroleum. This can be accomplished through improved environmental controls on offshore drilling and production operations, relocating gas pipelines to safer locations, and imposing other environmental regulations on industrial activity.
Promoting Sustainable Development
In addition, there are efforts to develop renewable energy resources for the gulf, such as solar power and wind turbines. There is also a growing awareness of the environmental and economic importance of the marine environment of the gulf. In this respect, the United Nations Environment Programme has launched a program to promote environmentally friendly development of the gulf's oceans, coastal areas, and land.
