Occupied El Aaiún, September 2, 2026 (SPS) – The Western Sahara Observatory for Monitoring Natural Resources and Environmental Protection has condemned dredging operations and marine activities with environmental impacts in the occupied territories of Western Sahara.
In a statement, a copy of which was obtained by SPS, the Association called for an immediate halt to dredging operations and environmentally harmful marine activities until international law and the rights of the Sahrawi people are fully respected.
It stressed the need to disclose the entities and companies involved in dredging operations, as well as the related contracts and permits. It called for the publication of comprehensive environmental impact assessment studies, including assessments concerning biodiversity, fisheries, sediment movement, and the disposal of dredged materials.
The Association further called for an independent assessment of the cumulative environmental impact of all marine and port projects in the region, while ensuring monitoring of seawater, sediment, and marine organisms before, during, and after dredging operations.
It called on international companies and dredging vessels to refrain from participating in any activity involving the exploitation of Western Sahara's resources without the consent of its people. It also urged the United Nations and relevant international bodies to assume their responsibilities in protecting the territory's environment and resources and in monitoring ongoing economic and maritime activities.
The Association reiterated that the marine resources of Western Sahara are not open for exploitation and that environmental protection cannot be separated from the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination.
It added that it would continue monitoring and documenting the movement of vessels, dredgers, and marine activities in the region, and informing international bodies and public opinion of any activities affecting the marine environment or the natural resources of the Sahrawi people.
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