TEHRAN – Shina Ansari, the head of Iran’s Department of Environment, recently met with Emine Erdoğan, Turkey’s First Lady, and Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Ecology Minister. Their discussions focused on boosting cooperation in environmental matters during the global Zero Waste Forum in Istanbul.
The forum took place from October 17 to 19 and aimed to foster dialogue and share experiences in tackling environmental issues. Erdoğan emphasized that collaboration can pave the way for peace between neighboring countries. She praised Iran’s environmental efforts and expressed Turkey’s eagerness to work together.
Ansari highlighted that waste management is a critical priority for Iran. She proposed closer ties to protect biodiversity and natural reserves. Babayev echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for ongoing discussions and action to protect the Hyrcanian forests from climate change.
The Zero Waste Forum brought together experts to discuss turning policies into action, mobilizing resources, and forming global alliances to combat waste. It’s an excellent opportunity for Iran to strengthen its environmental interactions with other nations.
Understanding Environmental Diplomacy
Environmental diplomacy is crucial in addressing cross-border environmental issues. It involves negotiations between countries to resolve shared challenges, like water conflicts and pollution. Given that many nations share the same environment, diplomatic efforts can help mitigate disputes over resources and climate impacts.
For instance, sand and dust storms affect multiple countries in West Asia, including Iraq, Turkey, and Iran. These storms pose serious health risks and disrupt daily life, such as closing schools and affecting air travel. By collaborating on environmental policies, these countries can work together to tackle such challenges.
Furthermore, initiatives like the Tehran Convention, which protects the Caspian Sea, show how countries can unite to safeguard their shared resources. Strengthening environmental policies is essential for Iran and its neighbors to navigate climate change and ensure sustainable development.
To further this goal, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs could collaborate with other departments to establish a center focused on environmental diplomacy. This center would aim to improve living conditions by addressing environmental issues through coordinated efforts.
Emphasizing the importance of environmental collaboration can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes for all involved. Engaging with experts and following successful international models can help ensure lasting positive change in environmental policies.
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Iran,Department of Environment (DOE),Turkey,Azerbaijan
