While economic and social indicators in many Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries have improved over the last three decades, the region¡¯s blue natural assets ¡ª clean air, healthy seas and coastlines ¡ª have degraded virtually everywhere. Air pollution levels in the region¡¯s cities are among the highest in the world as is marine plastic pollution and coastlines are fast eroding. These combined challenges threaten local communities, livelihoods and economies.
The report, , focuses on the impact of this degradation, estimating that the economic cost of MENA¡¯s deteriorating skies and seas is more than 3% of GDP per year in some countries. The report offers policy recommendations and solutions for governments to reverse the threat to this vital natural capital, including:
- Informing stakeholders about the sources of these challenges.
- Providing incentives that improve environmental outcomes for the public and the private sector.
- Strengthening institutions to lower air and plastic pollution and to mitigate uncontrolled development and erosion on coastlines.
- Investing in abatement options and promote sustainable solutions.
Restoring MENA¡¯s blue skies and seas will benefit the health, livelihoods and incomes of residents. There will inevitably be trade-offs but choosing a path of green growth will create jobs, diversify economies ¡ª and make the region a better place for current and future generations.