In celebration of International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025, Egypt’s Ministry of Environment launched a large-scale campaign to clean several of Alexandria’s most popular beaches, reinforcing the country’s growing commitment to marine conservation and public environmental engagement.
The initiative, conducted by the Regional Branch of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) in Alexandria, saw more than 100 volunteers actively participating in the cleanup of four key beaches: Stanley, Anfoushi, Al-Tahaddi, and Dekheila.
National Commitment to Global Environmental Action
The campaign is part of Egypt’s participation in the worldwide coastal cleanup effort, a global movement involving over 190 countries and more than 30,000 volunteers, which began in 2008. It aims to reduce marine litter—particularly single-use plastics—and promote sustainable environmental practices along coastal regions.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Manal Awad, Egypt’s Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, highlighted the broader importance of such events:
“These cleanup campaigns are a vital step in preserving our natural coastal resources. The participation of volunteers across sectors reflects a strong sense of environmental responsibility and community spirit, particularly among Egypt’s youth.”
Four Beaches, One Environmental Mission
The cleanup operation covered four strategic sites across Alexandria’s Mediterranean coastline:
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Stanley Beach
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Anfoushi Beach
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Al-Tahaddi Beach
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Dekheila Beach
The event drew volunteers from civil society organizations, including Shabab Betheb Masr Foundation and Rotaract Club, alongside representatives from the Central Administration for Tourism and Resorts in Alexandria.
Dr. Sameh Riyad, Head of the EEAA’s Regional Branch in Alexandria, oversaw the activities and emphasized the role of public-private collaboration in achieving environmental sustainability goals.
Five-Year Track Record in Coastal Cleanups
Egypt’s Ministry of Environment has intensified its efforts to combat marine pollution in recent years. Between 2020 and 2025, the ministry organized 65 coastal cleanup campaigns across the Alexandria and Matrouh governorates, including 25 events during the summer of 2025 alone.
These campaigns aim not only to remove waste from coastal zones but also to raise public awareness about the dangers of marine debris—especially plastic waste—and its long-term effects on marine biodiversity and human health.
Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals
This national campaign contributes directly to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, reaffirming Egypt’s pledge to protect its marine ecosystems and engage its citizens in climate and environmental stewardship.
As Egypt advances its Green Future vision, initiatives like this underscore the country’s role as an active global partner in the fight against environmental degradation and ocean pollution.
