Egypt on Tuesday inaugurated the 24th Meeting of the Parties to the Barcelona Convention (COP24) in Cairo, convening ministers and representatives from 21 Mediterranean countries, regional and international organizations to advance efforts to protect the Mediterranean Sea from pollution.
Daily News reports that the Local Development Minister and acting Environmental Minister Manal Awad said hosting COP24 reflects “deep confidence in Egypt’s active role” and its long-standing commitment to preserving marine and coastal ecosystems. She emphasized that the Mediterranean remains central to Egypt’s economic, social and environmental development.
She noted that Egypt’s more than 3,000 km of coastline along the Mediterranean and Red Sea supports key sectors, including fisheries, tourism, maritime transport and emerging blue-energy industries. She stressed that sustainable management of coastal resources has become a strategic imperative as climate impacts intensify.
She also said that Egypt has placed marine protection at the heart of its National Climate Strategy 2050 and Biodiversity Strategy 2030, and is shifting toward an integrated approach driven by a sustainable blue economy. With support from the World Bank, Egypt is preparing its first national blue-economy strategy to guide green investment in ecotourism, sustainable fisheries, marine renewable energy, low-carbon shipping and nature-based solutions.
Outgoing COP23 President Mitja Bricelj of Slovenia praised Egypt’s organization of the meeting and underscored the importance of sustained cooperation among parties to the Barcelona Convention – now marking its 50th anniversary – to protect Mediterranean ecosystems across Africa, Asia and Europe. He said the conference will also highlight youth initiatives and innovation.
