In preparation for Barcelona COP24 conference, Egypt implements awareness programs on dangers of plastic pollution

CAIRO – 22 November 2025: In preparation for the Barcelona COP24 conference, Egypt’s Ministry of Environment and its regional branches continue to implement awareness programs and activities, according to a statement released by the ministry on Saturday.

Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, Dr. Manal Awad, affirmed that “Our Mediterranean… Our Future” serves as a slogan for collective responsibility and joint action toward a clean and sustainable marine environment.

She noted that intensive awareness campaigns on the COP24 conference and the dangers of plastic pollution have been launched in the Central Delta and Alexandria governorates.

Dr. Awad added that the Ministry of Environment is maintaining its intensive efforts to promote environmental awareness and combat the dangers of plastic pollution across all governorates, emphasizing that protecting the Mediterranean Sea remains a priority for the Egyptian state and is in line with the recommendations of the COP24 conference of the Barcelona Convention.

Alexandria and Central Delta governorates have witnessed a series of educational seminars organized by media and environmental awareness departments in cooperation with various educational and youth institutions. These seminars aim to enhance public understanding of the Barcelona Convention’s COP24 conference, highlight the harms of single-use plastics, and draw attention to their negative impacts on the environment and public health.

On the 17th of November, Egypt, represented by Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment Dr. Manal Awad, has signed the Host Country Agreement to organize the 24th Conference of the Parties to the Barcelona Convention (COP24), scheduled for December 2–5.

Hosting COP24 reinforces Egypt’s leadership in environmental and sustainable development issues in the Mediterranean region and supports new investment opportunities, the Ministry of Environment said in a statement on Monday.

The Barcelona Convention includes seven protocols covering pollution control, biodiversity protection, hazardous waste management, coastal zone management, and emergency response.

During the conference, Egypt will launch the “Cairo Declaration,” aimed at strengthening regional cooperation on sustainable development, the blue economy, clean technology, and community participation.

COP24 will address major environmental challenges in the Mediterranean, including marine pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, and the sustainable use of natural resources.

The conference is expected to boost economic cooperation, support ecotourism and marine investment opportunities, and promote social and environmental balance for Mediterranean communities.

A dedicated official website has been launched to provide participants with relevant information and logistical support: https://cop24-egypt.com