FAO and the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment sign MoU

29 November 2018, Kuwait – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME).

FAO’s signing, which was on behalf of the Regional Commission for Fisheries (RECOFI), came at ROPME headquarters in Kuwait City, Kuwait.

This MoU establishes a framework for identifying, facilitating and strengthening cooperation between FAO/RECOFI and ROPME aiming at benefiting from both parties’ initiatives and work in relation to sustainable use of marine living resources.

Both organizations agreed to cooperate on the management of marine environment and its ecosystems, marine biodiversity conservation and management, promotion of awareness on conservation of the marine environment, joint technical projects, joint organization of seminars, workshops and technical training in the fields of mutual interest, and joint technical publications.

“This MoU marks the launch of an important regional partnership in support of sustainable use of marine living resources and protection of marine environment,” said Haydar Fersoy, RECOFI Secretary.

“The exchange of knowledge and experience is of critical importance in areas related to the sustainable management and conservation of fisheries and aquaculture resources, management of protection of the marine environment and ecosystems, conservation of biological diversity, and sustainable use of marine resources and ecosystems,” stated Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Awadi, ROPME Executive Secretary.

The MoU was signed by Hassan Mohammadi, Coordinator of ROPME and Fersoy. Al-Awadi was also present at the signing ceremony.

The MoU is effective immediately and will remain in place for four years.