Egypt has formally signed the Host Country Agreement for the 24th Meeting of the Contracting Parties (COP24) to the Barcelona Convention, marking a major step in finalizing preparations for the international environmental summit scheduled to take place in Cairo from December 2 to 5.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, in the presence of senior officials including Dr. Ali Abou Sena, CEO of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Etribi, First Secretary for Environment and Climate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Heba Shaarawy, Coordinator of the Mediterranean Action Plan and the conference’s technical lead.
Egypt’s Regional Environmental Leadership
According to the Ministry of Environment, hosting COP24 underscores Egypt’s determination to consolidate its leadership in Mediterranean environmental policy and sustainable development. The Barcelona Convention—officially known as the Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution—serves as the region’s primary legal framework for safeguarding marine and coastal ecosystems. The ministry highlighted that the convention’s principles, including the precautionary principle and the polluter-pays principle, guide efforts to ensure environmental protection goes hand in hand with sustainable economic growth.
Seven Protocols Shaping Barcelona System
Dr. Awad explained that the convention is supported by seven specialized protocols, each addressing a key aspect of Mediterranean environmental governance. Together, they form the Barcelona System, the legal and institutional foundation of the Mediterranean Action Plan. These protocols regulate waste disposal at sea, prevent pollution from ships, and support emergency cooperation during maritime incidents. They also address pollution originating from land-based activities, ensure the conservation of coastal and marine biodiversity, and govern environmental protections related to offshore exploration and exploitation. Additionally, the protocols include measures for the safe transboundary movement and disposal of hazardous waste, and they promote integrated coastal-zone management to ensure long-term, sustainable development along the Mediterranean shoreline.
Cairo Declaration
A central outcome of COP24 will be the launch of the Cairo Declaration, which the ministry described as a significant milestone in strengthening collaboration among Mediterranean countries. The declaration aims to reinforce shared commitments across key thematic areas such as environmental sustainability, the blue economy, clean-tech innovation, and job creation linked to sustainable growth. It will also stress the importance of community participation in environmental decision-making, ensuring that the region’s development strategies reflect both ecological priorities and local needs.
COP 24 Dimensions
The Ministry of Environment emphasized that the conference will provide a critical platform for addressing escalating environmental challenges in the Mediterranean. Environmentally, COP24 is expected to advance coordinated efforts to protect marine and coastal ecosystems, deepen knowledge exchange among countries, and promote strategies for the sustainable and efficient use of natural resources. Economically, the meeting will encourage enhanced cooperation and investment in sectors such as marine tourism, eco-tourism, and resource-efficient development—areas that offer significant potential for job creation and long-term regional growth. Socially, the conference aims to support a balanced approach to development, improving quality of life for communities across the Mediterranean by fostering stronger partnerships and collective action to address shared environmental concerns.
Key Issues Expected During COP24 Deliberations
The conference is also expected to address several pressing issues, including decisions designed to improve the protection of marine and coastal environments and stimulate investment across the region. Discussions will focus on conserving biodiversity, ensuring sustainable resource use, confronting the impacts of marine pollution and climate change, and developing comprehensive plans to address the decline of Mediterranean wildlife and marine habitats.
Official COP24 Website Now Live
To support participants and stakeholders, Egypt has launched the official website for the COP24 Barcelona Convention. The platform provides full access to conference information, official documents, logistical guidance, event details, and tourism resources, offering a comprehensive digital hub for attendees.
Website: https://cop24-egypt.com/
