Background and Theoretical Foundations: Persian Gulf marine pollution has been a longstanding regional and global challenge. Given the region's economic and environmental sensitivity, any emergency poses a significant threat to its ecosystem. Oil spills, in particular, have caused irreparable damage to marine environments and coastlines. In response to marine emergencies and oil spills, international maritime law has established specific frameworks for environmental protection and crisis management. Regional organizations have also played a significant role in protecting the Persian Gulf environment. One key regional institution in combating oil and other harmful substances in the Persian Gulf is the Regional Cooperation Council for Combating Marine Pollution (MEMAC ). As part of international and regional cooperation, the MEMAC plays a crucial role in facilitating coordination among member states. Through the establishment of rapid response and information systems, the MEMAC has increased the region's preparedness for environmental crises. However, challenges remain. These include the continued occurrence of oil spills and the failure to fully implement international commitments. The lack of adequate financial and technological resources further hinders the region's ability to manage environmental crises. The overall objective of this research is to protect the Persian Gulf environment in emergency pollution situations. Through international cooperation and sustained efforts, it is possible to prevent such incidents and mitigate their harmful effects. This article examines the role of the regional MEMAC institution in addressing marine emergencies in the Persian Gulf using a library-based approach and a review of regional conventions. The article further explores the role of the MEMAC and provides recommendations for protecting the Persian Gulf environment during emergencies.
Methodology: This research is conducted using a descriptive-analytical approach. By examining the role of the RCCP institution in emergencies, this study is based on library research and references to documents and records. Based on the library research method, after source analysis and data collection, notes will be taken using the relevant fiches and forms, and finally presented.
Findings: Given that the countries of the region have established international and regional institutions, such as MEMAC, to protect the sensitive marine environment and mitigate the adverse impacts of marine emergencies in the Persian Gulf, it is surprising that this institution, despite its legal and operational framework, has fallen short in significantly reducing oil and other environmental pollution in the region. Although Samieh Aghaeipoor's article examines the role of the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Mutual Emergency Assistance Center at Sea, it primarily focuses on MEMAC's position. Similarly, Dr. Jamshid Momtaz's book, Iran and International Law, offers only brief mentions of MEMAC. This analysis, drawing upon previous research, reveals a gap in the literature. While numerous studies have explored the roles of regional marine environmental protection organizations, there is a dearth of in-depth, comprehensive assessments of MEMAC's performance in addressing marine pollution
Conclusion: Since marine emergencies involve incidents that lead to severe pollution or an immediate threat of pollution to the marine environment, governments, while having extraordinary powers to deal with the crisis, are obliged to respect their international obligations in the field of human rights and environmental protection. The Regional Cooperation for Combating Pollution (MEMAC ), as one of the key regional institutions for combating oil pollution and other harmful substances in the Persian Gulf, plays a crucial role. By facilitating cooperation among member countries and establishing information and coordination systems, this center has been able to improve the region's ability to respond to environmental crises. However, challenges such as the complete failure of MEMAC and related organizations to protect the marine environment in the region still exist. To address these challenges more effectively, there is a need to strengthen regional cooperation and more rigorously enforce international obligations. |
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