In a powerful display of environmental stewardship, Egypt has kicked off a large-scale marine clean-up campaign in Alexandria under the banner “Sustainable Seas”, in the lead-up to hosting the 24th Meeting of the Contracting Parties (COP24) to the Barcelona Convention on the protection of the Mediterranean Sea.
The clean-up operation, led by the Ministry of Environment in partnership with Rotary District 2451, the Regional Branch of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency in Alexandria, and civil society organizations, targets the seabed of the historic Eastern Harbor — one of the city’s most iconic coastal sites.
30 Volunteer Divers Remove 200 Kilograms of Marine Waste
According to Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, the campaign’s first phase involved 30 volunteer divers who successfully extracted nearly 200 kilograms of underwater waste. The removed materials included plastic debris, metal scraps, old fishing nets, and wooden refuse.
The campaign is structured in phases, with the harbor seabed divided into numbered sectors for systematic clean-up. Waste collected is sorted and sent to recycling facilities, ensuring that the initiative contributes to both environmental preservation and economic circularity.
National Priority in the Lead-Up to COP24
Dr. Awad stressed that marine protection and coastal preservation are key national priorities, especially as Egypt prepares to host COP24 of the Barcelona Convention, scheduled for December 2025 under the supervision of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The campaign aligns with Egypt’s broader environmental agenda, which emphasizes the circular economy, sustainable tourism, and marine biodiversity conservation.
Scientific Backing for Sustainable Impact
Accompanying scientific reports confirmed that removing submerged waste significantly reduces marine pollution caused by the decomposition of solid materials. These materials can release microchemical particles into the ecosystem, potentially harming marine life and disrupting biodiversity.
By cleaning the seabed, the initiative helps ensure cleaner waters, a healthier habitat for marine species, and a safer food chain for communities relying on seafood.
Protecting Heritage and Supporting Sustainable Tourism
The Eastern Harbor, surrounded by landmarks such as El-Mansheya, Bahari, and El-Raml Station, is not only a hub for local life and tourism but also houses submerged antiquities — part of Alexandria’s rich underwater cultural heritage.
The continued degradation of the harbor due to waste accumulation poses threats to both natural ecosystems and archaeological treasures. Through this campaign, Alexandria aims to serve as a national model for marine conservation and the integration of environmental sustainability with cultural preservation.
“We envision Alexandria as a leading example in marine conservation and sustainable tourism,” said Dr. Awad.
Besides, the Ministry of Environment has confirmed that the Sustainable Seas initiative will proceed in multiple phases until the entire seabed of the Eastern Harbor is restored, in collaboration with local authorities and environmental NGOs.
