Beach clean-up campaigns in Alexandria, Matrouh marking World Environment Day

CAIRO - 8 June 2026: As part of the Ministry of Local Development and Environment's celebrations of World Environment Day 2026, the Alexandria and West Delta Regional Branch of the Environmental Affairs Agency organized a number of diverse environmental events and activities over two days. 

These activities aimed to raise environmental awareness and encourage community participation in protecting natural resources and preserving the environment.

Dr. Manal Awad, Egyptian Minister of Local Development and Environment, emphasized that this year's celebration of World Environment Day represents ‘a genuine call to translate environmental awareness into responsible daily practices and behaviors.”

She noted that the regional branches of the Environmental Affairs Agency serve as the ministry's executive arms in the governorates and play a pivotal role in promoting environmental awareness among various segments of society. 

This is achieved through the implementation of initiatives, awareness campaigns, and field activities that translate environmental policies into practical actions on the ground.

Awareness and Environmental Activities

The events included a major celebration under the slogan "A Healthy Environment... Sustainable Resources... A Secure Future" at the headquarters of the African Center for Women's Health Services in Alexandria, affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Population. 

Representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, and those interested in environmental issues participated.

Five beach clean-up campaigns were conducted in Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh, during which significant quantities of beach waste, particularly plastic waste, were collected. 

Beachgoers were also educated about the dangers of marine litter and its negative impact on coastal ecosystems, as well as its connection to the challenges of climate change. 

As part of efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics, the regional branch distributed 500 reusable cloth bags free of charge to shoppers at malls, aiming to promote environmentally friendly alternatives and raise awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution.

The events also included the release of a two-year-old loggerhead sea turtle after its full recovery and the completion of the care and rescue procedures it underwent after being found injured in the area of ​​the Jet Ski Hobby Center.