The Gulf of Aqaba Environmental Action Plan (GAEAP) represents for the Government of Israel a step towards achieving the national environmental objectives outlined in its legislation. The proposed actions, both curative and preventive, will protect the Gulf's land and water interface and ensure conservation of natural resources within a framework in which economic development can take place. The Israeli GAEAP is a component of the Taba-Eliat-Aqaba-Macro Area (TEAM) project which is sponsored by the European Union within the framework of the Regional Economic Development and Environment Multilateral Working Groups of the Middle East Peace Process. The GAEAP implements a strategy including the strengthening of the local capability for environmental protection, revision of the statutory master plans on the basis of a precise determination of carrying capacity of the natural resources, completion of the proposed declaration of additional marine and terrestrial natural reserves, and implementation of environment-related projects, in particular for pollution control. The latter projects relate to marine pollution from land- and marine-based sources, enhancing management of protected areas, implementing a monitoring and research program, increasing public participation, and developing trans-boundary cooperation.