Our Mediterranean… Our Future”: Ministry of Environment Unveils National Awareness Plan Across Mansoura and Alexandria for COP24 Prep
Following the directives of Dr. Manal Awad—Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment—the Ministry of Environment has launched an extensive national plan to boost environmental awareness and community engagement across Egypt in preparation for hosting the Barcelona COP24 Conference.
Under the slogan “Our Mediterranean… Our Future,” the Ministry’s regional branches in Mansoura and Alexandria have been carrying out a wide range of awareness activities aimed at schools, universities, local councils, civil society groups, religious institutions, and fishing communities.
Dr. Awad stressed that preparing for COP24 goes far beyond the logistical side of hosting an international conference. It includes building a strong national culture of environmental responsibility that supports Egypt’s regional and global commitments to protecting the Mediterranean and addressing climate challenges. She highlighted that real environmental awareness starts in schools and universities, where the Ministry works to integrate sustainability concepts into educational and cultural programs.
Activities in Mansoura
The Mansoura branch organized awareness seminars across schools and local units in Belqas, Minyet Al-Nasr, and Sinbillawin. The sessions covered:
- the safe use of agricultural residues,
- the dangers of open burning,
- the goals of the “Our Sea Is a Trust” and “Our Mediterranean… Our Future” campaigns,
- and the role of communities and students in protecting Egypt’s coasts and supporting national sustainable-development goals.
The branch also joined a workshop at the Misr Public Library with officials from Dakahlia Governorate, water and sanitation authorities, civil society, the Church, and Mansoura University. The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation between government agencies, NGOs, and academia to protect marine and coastal environments.
Additional activities were held under the title “COP24 and the Barcelona Convention,” introducing participants to the importance of the convention, the objectives of COP24, and Egypt’s leadership role in Mediterranean environmental protection. Participants responded enthusiastically and expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s awareness efforts.
Activities in Alexandria
The Alexandria branch launched an expanded awareness program throughout November, with events targeting school and university students, Al-Azhar and Church groups, and fishing communities. The four-week program includes seminars, workshops, environmental competitions, and sessions on climate change, innovation in environmental solutions, and marine-pollution impacts on coastal communities.
Early activities included awareness sessions in the Toson area at El-Sadat schools, focusing on the health and environmental impacts of climate change and Egypt’s role in hosting COP24.
A national message
These collective efforts aim to involve the largest possible number of citizens in national climate action, promote a culture of environmental responsibility, and strengthen Egypt’s readiness for COP24. They also reaffirm Egypt’s commitment to protecting the Mediterranean and advancing sustainable development across the region.
