International Environmental Law

Localization of sustainable development goals could reasonably provide a framework to how local and regional governments meet their requirements in respective jurisdictions. Due to the importance of the environment protection in the process of the “sustainable development”, it is crucial for the states to include sustainable development goals in their regulations, laws and policies. In this perspective, presenting new approaches is utterly requested to protect the maritime environment of the Persian Gulf from destruction and degradation. Undoubtedly, there are a number of challenges and obstacles regarding the localization of SDGs in this region that the present paper will examine the strategies for addressing them. In fact, if environmental rules are internalized as a part of the domestic legal system, they will become more prominent and will be more respected. For this reason, one of the fundamental goals of this paper is to elaborate a suitable methodology to explain and design localized indicators of development sustainability at the regional level of the Persian Gulf. The main goals of sustainable development are to attain durable development in maritime areas in which efforts are made to provide a balance between economy, community and the marine environment.

Background and Theoretical Foundations: Lakes are among the most important natural habitats, life-giving systems, and productive environments in the world. They have always been exposed to threats, destruction, and dangers throughout human history. As one of the most important international lakes, this lake has faced serious threats due to factors such as water level reduction, pollution, climate change, and human pressures. Methods: The present study, using the descriptive-analytical method, deals with the approach of international environmental law regarding the responsibility or non-responsibility of the Iranian government for the drying up of Lake Urmia. Findings:  Lake Urmia, one of the largest salt lakes in the world, is rapidly losing water and drying up. This environmental hazard has raised concerns about its consequences and impact on surrounding communities. Maintaining and improving the condition of Lake Urmia requires the cooperation of all related people and institutions. This includes governments, organizations, researchers, civil society, and the international community. Everyone should pay attention to this issue and take appropriate measures to maintain and improve the condition of Lake Urmia. All individuals and institutions need to understand that the drying up of Lake Urmia is a global issue and requires the cooperation of all relevant parties to combat it. Conclusion: By adopting appropriate measures and effective interaction, it is possible to realize a significant improvement in the condition of Lake Urmia. Based on the provisions of international conventions and environmental principles and the perspective of international organizations, governments have international responsibility in various environmental fields, including the protection and restoration of lakes. Governments are responsible for preserving natural resources such as water, soil, forests, and biological resources. Carrying out numerous development projects in the area of ​​Lake Urmia, such as the construction of the Shahid Kalantari highway and numerous reservoir dams on the rivers that supply water to the lake, disturbs the ecological and hydrodynamic balance of Lake Urmia and is considered contrary to the commitment to promote reasonable use in the framework of the Ramsar Convention. The inefficiency of environmental impact assessment systems, starting projects before presenting the results of environmental assessment, not publishing and notifying the results to the public, not using the best available technology, etc. has finally endangered the life of this valuable wetland more and more. Therefore, the government of Iran is responsible for the drying up of Lake Urmia and its environmental damage according to international conventions and is required to comply with environmental principles to preserve and improve the conditions of Lake Urmia. The government of Iran should formulate and implement appropriate policies and laws to prevent illegal exploitation, pollution, and sabotage of these resources.