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Daily News Egypt
5 hours ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt launches campaign to curb single-use plastic pollution amid global climate push
Egypt's Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, on Sunday launched a nationwide awareness campaign titled 'Reduce It' to combat single-use plastic pollution, aligning with World Environment Day 2025 and its global theme, 'Beat Plastic Pollution.' The initiative, supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Government of Japan, aims to reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics and promote sustainable alternatives across the country. Held in Cairo, the campaign launch brought together senior representatives from government, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society. Among the attendees were Japan's Ambassador to Egypt, Oka Hiroshi, UNIDO Regional Director Patrick Gilabert, industry leaders, and officials from the Ministry of Environment and waste management authorities. Minister Fouad thanked President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi for his continued support of Egypt's environmental efforts, describing his endorsement of the national plastic reduction strategy as a 'cornerstone' of the country's broader environmental agenda. She emphasized that the campaign builds on a multi-year initiative to introduce standards for plastic alternatives, balancing the interests of manufacturers and consumers. 'We are shifting the focus from bans to gradual reduction—especially in anticipation of a future global, legally binding agreement on plastic pollution,' Fouad said, referencing current negotiations led by the UN Environment Programme. Fouad outlined the economic and environmental advantages of reducing plastic use, including lower import costs for raw materials, reduced production expenses, and new opportunities for local industries to develop eco-friendly alternatives. She also pointed to serious health and ecological risks—citing marine and livestock harm observed in Egypt's southern Red Sea protectorates. Transitioning to sustainable alternatives, she noted, will require modern technology, regulatory clarity, and skilled labor—all supported by Egypt's new investment law, which prioritizes green industries such as plastic alternatives. Japan's Ambassador, Fumio Iwai, praised the campaign as a continuation of the 2019 agreement between President Al-Sisi and the Japanese government, emphasizing Japan's support for SMEs in adopting greener practices. 'We believe this effort will help position Egypt as a regional hub for environmental innovation and sustainability,' he said. UNIDO's Patrick Gilabert echoed this sentiment, explaining that the campaign is part of a broader project to embed circular economy principles within Egypt's plastics value chain. Funded by Japan, the initiative aims to reduce plastic consumption, raise awareness, and strengthen technical capacity within local businesses. Gilabert noted that UNIDO is currently supporting 23 environmental projects in Egypt worth approximately $3.5bn, with an additional $4.6bn planned under Egypt's Vision 2030. Short films were screened at the event, highlighting the dangers of single-use plastics and the goals of the 'Reduce It' campaign. A panel discussion followed, focusing on regulatory approaches and circular economy practices in Egypt's plastics industry. The campaign forms part of Egypt's broader national strategy to phase out harmful plastic products and is embedded within the 'Enhancing Circular Economy Practices in the Single-Use Plastics Value Chain' project, jointly implemented by UNIDO and supported by the Japanese government. Officials say the initiative is expected to reduce demand for virgin plastic by promoting reusable alternatives—helping to cut carbon emissions, reduce environmental degradation, and improve public health. It also aims to stimulate green industry growth, create jobs in recycling and sustainable manufacturing, and reduce Egypt's reliance on imported materials. In closing, Minister Fouad thanked key partners—including UNIDO, the World Bank, the Japanese Embassy, Egyptian lawmakers, and civil society groups—for their support. She reaffirmed her commitment to championing African climate and sustainability priorities in her upcoming role as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
Egypt Today
16 hours ago
- Business
- Egypt Today
Update: Egypt Launches ‘Reduce It' Campaign to Reduce Single-Use Plastic bags
CAIRO – 1 June 2025: In a move to raise public awareness about the environmental hazards of single-use plastic bags, Egypt's Minister of Environment, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, launched the 'Reduce It' campaign in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The campaign aims to curb the production and consumption of single-use plastic bags, with a particular focus on plastic manufacturing facilities across Egypt. This initiative aligns with World Environment Day, observed globally on June 5. During the launch event, Minister Fouad outlined Egypt's recent efforts to combat plastic pollution, beginning with the National Strategy to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Bags, which includes setting specifications for alternative products while supporting a fair and inclusive green transition, particularly given the large number of producers and users involved in this industry. She emphasized that the 'Reduce It' campaign seeks to gradually phase down the use of plastic, recognizing it as a valuable raw material that must be used more responsibly. 'The Ministry of Environment has taken firm steps in collaboration with the industrial sector to reduce plastic waste, especially as the world moves toward concluding a legally binding international agreement to combat plastic pollution,' she said. Dr. Fouad also highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of reducing plastic bag production, including lowering Egypt's import bill for raw materials and enabling manufacturers to produce compliant, eco-friendly alternatives. For consumers, the shift will allow for more durable, reusable bags that reduce both costs and waste. Japanese Ambassador to Egypt IWAI Fumio expressed his appreciation to all partners involved in the campaign, including the Ministry of Environment and UNIDO. He reaffirmed Japan's commitment to supporting Egypt's environmental goals, referencing a 2019 agreement between Japanese leadership and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to promote a green and sustainable economy in Egypt. He added in his speech that Japan managed to reduce the plastics from 200,000 tons to 100,000 tons year by year. He added that this campaign will be a sustainable model for Africa. Ambassador Fumio noted that the campaign focuses on capacity-building, technical support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and raising public awareness. He expressed Japan's hope that Egypt will emerge as a center of environmental excellence in Africa, positioning the 'Reduce It' campaign as a model for sustainable development across the continent. Patrick Jean Gilabert, UNIDO's Regional Representative in Egypt, also participated in the launch and congratulated Dr. Fouad on her recent appointment as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). He confirmed that UNIDO is currently implementing 23 projects in Egypt to support environmental sustainability, with investments totaling $3.5 billion, and noted that more initiatives are in the pipeline. Underscoring the urgency of the campaign, a report issued in April 2024 by the Egyptian Cabinet's Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) revealed that Egypt consumed nearly 5 million tons of single-use plastic products during the 2022/2023 fiscal year. Globally, only 10 percent of the estimated 7 billion tons of plastic waste is recycled, according to the same report. The rest ends up polluting ecosystems, incinerated, or buried unsustainably, often after being transported long distances. This waste crisis contributes to an estimated $300–$600 billion in annual global economic losses and poses a significant threat to both human health and biodiversity.
Egypt Today
17 hours ago
- General
- Egypt Today
Egypt, Japan, UNIDO launch ‘Reduce It' campaign to raise awareness of single-use plastic bag hazards
CAIRO – 1 June 2025: Egypt's Ministry of Environment will launch a new awareness campaign titled 'Reduce It' on Sunday, aimed at educating the public about the environmental dangers of single-use plastic bags. The campaign is being launched in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). According to a statement released by the Ministry on Saturday, the campaign seeks to promote awareness of the harmful impacts of single-use plastic bags and encourage the adoption of safer, more eco-friendly alternatives. The initiative aligns with World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5. The launch event will be attended by several dignitaries, including Japanese Ambassador to Egypt Iwai Fumio, who will deliver the opening remarks, and Patrick Jean Gilabert, UNIDO's Regional Representative in Cairo. The campaign officially will also be announced during the event. In addition, Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad and Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir are scheduled to speak. As part of the event, Sharm El Sheikh, in South Sinai, will be officially recognized as the first Egyptian city to join the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Global Network of Sustainable Cities. Highlighting the urgency of the campaign, a report released in April 2024 by the Egyptian Cabinet's Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) revealed that Egypt consumed approximately 5 million tons of single-use plastic products during the 2022/2023 fiscal year. Globally, the report stated that only 10 percent of the estimated 7 billion tons of plastic waste is recycled. The remaining waste ends up polluting the environment, incinerated, or buried unsustainably—often transported thousands of kilometers—contributing to an estimated $300–$600 billion in annual economic damage. The proliferation of plastic pollution has been linked to severe harm to ecosystems and human health.
Egypt Today
a day ago
- General
- Egypt Today
Egypt, Japan, UNIDO launch ‘Reduce' campaign to raise awareness of single-use plastic bag hazards
Egypt, Japan, and UNIDO Launch 'Reduce' Campaign to Raise Awareness of Single-Use Plastic Bag Hazards By Samar Samir CAIRO – 1 June 2025: Egypt's Ministry of Environment will launch a new awareness campaign titled 'Reduce' on Sunday, aimed at educating the public about the environmental dangers of single-use plastic bags. The campaign is being launched in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). According to a statement released by the Ministry on Saturday, the campaign seeks to promote awareness of the harmful impacts of single-use plastic bags and encourage the adoption of safer, more eco-friendly alternatives. The initiative aligns with World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5. The launch event will be attended by several dignitaries, including Japanese Ambassador to Egypt Iwai Fumio, who will deliver the opening remarks, and Patrick Jean Gilabert, UNIDO's Regional Representative in Cairo. The campaign officially will also be announced during the event. In addition, Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad and Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir are scheduled to speak. As part of the event, Sharm El Sheikh, in South Sinai, will be officially recognized as the first Egyptian city to join the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Global Network of Sustainable Cities. Highlighting the urgency of the campaign, a report released in April 2024 by the Egyptian Cabinet's Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC) revealed that Egypt consumed approximately 5 million tons of single-use plastic products during the 2022/2023 fiscal year. Globally, the report stated that only 10 percent of the estimated 7 billion tons of plastic waste is recycled. The remaining waste ends up polluting the environment, incinerated, or buried unsustainably—often transported thousands of kilometers—contributing to an estimated $300–$600 billion in annual economic damage. The proliferation of plastic pollution has been linked to severe harm to ecosystems and human health.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Cambodian women turn tide in seafood trade, now other nations want in
PHNOM PENH, May 31 — Cambodian women are stepping up in the fishery products sector, transforming their roles from traditional producers to key players in the global market. Enterprising women entrepreneurs, dominating at least 60 per cent of the micro and small informal enterprises, are now upgrading their post-harvest processing skills in the fishery sector to penetrate high-end markets. The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation's (UNIDO) CAPFISH-Capture – a post-harvest fisheries development project – is helping Cambodian women to upskill, shifting from their archaic fish processing techniques to world-recognised standards. 'We supported over 51 fishery enterprises and their value chain actors in upgrading their businesses. Thirty-five of these enterprises are led by women and three persons with disabilities. 'We are now linking them with global buyers from the EU (European Union). Some of the enterprises have already started exporting to China, South Korea and Australia,' UNIDO's CAPFISH-Capture Chief Technical Advisor Dr Shetty Seetharama Thombathu told Bernama. CAPFISH-Capture is a five-year project, co-funded by the European Union and implemented by UNIDO in coordination with the Cambodia Fisheries Administration. Fishing is a vital economic lifeline for Cambodia. About six million people are employed both directly and indirectly in the domestic fisheries sector. The post-harvest fishery activities alone employ an estimated 33,000 workers, the majority of them are women. Fish remains a staple diet for Cambodians and their per capita consumption of fish is 54 kilogrammes, considered higher among its Asean peers. Cambodian Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry revealed that total fisheries and aquaculture production reached 926,936 metric tonnes last year. Locally-made fishery products – fish sauce, fermented fish, fish balls, and smoked fish – are widely produced but seldom exported due to a lack of value addition and food safety compliance. According to UNIDO, Cambodia's low competitiveness in terms of value addition makes it tough to compete in the domestic market flooded with imported fishery products and, at the same time, unable to enter regional or global markets. The CAPFISH-Capture project has stepped in to revitalise this untapped lucrative sector to compete with high-quality international exporters by equipping local producers with modern techniques. 'The ultimate goal is to boost the competitiveness of the fishery products to promote trade, both domestic and export, and to protect public health by ensuring safe and high-quality fishery products for consumers. 'We work on various issues and elements of the value chain such as governance, food safety, capacity building and skills development, marketing and branding, access to finance, research and development, gender empowerment, environment and climate resilience,' said Shetty. Cambodia's new success story is going beyond its borders. Neighbouring Indonesia and the Philippines, where the fishing industry plays a critical role in their economy, are recognising the CAPFISH-Capture project. Meanwhile, Egypt, Chile and Kyrgyzstan have expressed their willingness to replicate UNIDO's training model. 'Listing Cambodia as an eligible country to export to the EU is our main goal. We have already established all the requirements to meet EU food safety requirements and are ready for an audit by DG SANTE (European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety),' said Shetty. Cambodian women are now shining in the often-neglected and shunned occupation by many due to its laborious work and paltry income. But the fortunes could now favour them. — Bernama
