This report focuses on the Middle East and North Africa’s “blue” natural assets - its skies and seas - which are under severe threat. Specifically, it addresses three of the most significant threats to blue natural capital: air pollution, marine plastic pollution and coastal erosion.
According to the report, the environmental degradation of skies and seas is estimated to cost more than 3% of GDP in some of the region’s economies.
To help reverse this threat to vital natural capital, the report offers policy recommendations and solutions for governments. This includes 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; and investing in abatement options and promote sustainable solutions.