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Daily News Egypt
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Environment Minister chairs closing session on Mediterranean Sea protection at UN Ocean Conference
Egypt's Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, chaired the closing session marking the 50th anniversary of the Mediterranean Action Plan and the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Convention. The high-level event was held on the sidelines of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), co-hosted by France and Costa Rica in the city of Nice. The session convened 11 environment ministers and 3 deputy ministers from across the Mediterranean region, alongside Tatjana Hema, Coordinator of the UN Environment Programme's Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP). The event featured two thematic sessions. The first showcased member state success stories in areas such as marine protected areas, pollution prevention, regional cooperation, monitoring and evaluation, and integrated coastal zone management. The second addressed strategies to combat single-use plastics, promote sustainable financing, and enhance synergies for plastic pollution control. Minister Fouad described the event as a timely opportunity to reflect on five decades of shared environmental action. 'This gathering embodies the spirit of Mediterranean solidarity and ambition. It is not just about preserving the environment, but safeguarding our culture, identity, and shared humanity,' she remarked. She commended the French Minister of Environment for an 'inspiring address' highlighting 15 years of fruitful partnership, expressing hope that this cooperation would continue to the 60th anniversary milestone. Fouad also stressed the urgency of intensifying efforts to achieve a pollution-free Mediterranean, particularly amid rising plastic pollution threats. With the next session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5.2) on a global plastics treaty set for August, the Minister underscored the importance of concluding a legally binding agreement that could 'mark the beginning of the end for plastic pollution.' In her remarks, Fouad highlighted the importance of sustainable financing and international collaboration. 'The Mediterranean region offers a valuable model of governance, with 22 countries working together on issues ranging from pandemic response to biodiversity and sea level rise,' she noted. She also praised the successful case studies shared during the session, applauding initiatives focused on biodiversity-climate linkages, coastal zone management, and community engagement in marine protection. 'These were not just presentations—they were passionate, hopeful stories that energised everyone in the room,' she added. On the sidelines of the conference, Minister Fouad held a bilateral meeting with Jessica Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and Competitive Circular Economy. Discussions focused on ongoing negotiations for a global plastics treaty and aligning positions ahead of the INC 5.2 meeting. Fouad reaffirmed Egypt's support for establishing an independent financial mechanism to fund the treaty's objectives, thereby reducing pressure on the Global Environment Facility (GEF). She also referred to existing cooperation between Egypt and the EU on biodiversity finance within the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. 'A new plastics treaty requires ambitious targets and a dedicated funding stream—both public and private,' she stated. 'We must ensure financial responsibilities are shared fairly and do not disproportionately burden developing countries or shift the cost unfairly onto the private sector.' The Minister further underscored the importance of technology transfer, especially for phasing out single-use plastics. 'Reducing plastic bag use hinges on access to viable alternatives—and that depends on technology. Funding must also support access to innovation,' she stressed. In closing, Fouad affirmed that financing, technology transfer, equitable access, and shared responsibility between developed and developing countries are all essential pillars for achieving a robust and effective global treaty to end plastic pollution. The post Environment Minister chairs closing session on Mediterranean Sea protection at UN Ocean Conference appeared first on Dailynewsegypt.
Daily News Egypt
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Environment Minister participates in UN Ocean Conference in France
Egypt's Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, has arrived in Nice to attend the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), where she will represent President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi at the high-level opening session. Taking place from June 9 to 13, the conference gathers government leaders, international financial institutions, scientists, NGOs, civil society, and private sector stakeholders to address the world's most pressing ocean-related challenges. Fouad stated that this year's conference will center on three core objectives: protecting marine biodiversity, preserving global fish stocks, and advancing the '30×30' target under the Global Biodiversity Framework—which aims to conserve 30% of the world's oceans and coastal areas by 2030. The event will also assess global progress on Sustainable Development Goal 14, which promotes the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. Plastic pollution is expected to dominate discussions, especially in the context of negotiations toward a binding global treaty. Fouad highlighted the importance of aligning national positions ahead of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5), scheduled for August 2025 in Geneva. As part of her agenda, Fouad will chair the high-level opening session of an event marking two major regional milestones: the 50th anniversary of the Mediterranean Action Plan and the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Convention. The gathering will bring together environment and biodiversity ministers, as well as UN officials, to announce national pledges and coordinated strategies to confront the region's triple threat of climate change, biodiversity loss, and plastic pollution. She is also slated to participate in multiple side events, including a ministerial consultation on the proposed global plastic pollution treaty. Key discussion areas include sustainable production and consumption, chemical safety, product design, and financing mechanisms. Another key session on her schedule is titled 'Scaling Up Solutions for a Plastic-Free Mediterranean,' which will explore innovative approaches to tracking plastic waste and building stronger regional and international partnerships.
Scoop
07-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
A Pacific Call To Action On World Environment And Oceans Day
Press Release – UNDP Plastic waste is choking our oceans, harming biodiversity, contaminating food chains, and undermining livelihoods. In the Pacific, where the ocean is both a source of sustenance and spiritual identity, the cost is deeply personal. 06 June 2025 As we mark World Environment Day on 5 June and World Oceans Day on 8 June, Pacific Island nations are sounding the alarm. This year's World Environment Day theme, 'Ending Plastic Pollution', is a timely and urgent call to action – our region, home to one of the largest ocean territories on Earth, is on the frontlines of a crisis we didn't cause – plastic pollution. Yet we are also at the forefront of pioneering solutions. Plastic waste is choking our oceans, harming biodiversity, contaminating food chains, and undermining livelihoods. In the Pacific, where the ocean is both a source of sustenance and spiritual identity, the cost is deeply personal. In his remarks at the ministerial breakfast of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastic pollution in Colombia in 2024, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the urgency of the crisis: 'Each year, humanity produces over 460 million metric tons of plastic. Half of it is designed for single-use purposes – used once and tossed away. By 2050, there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish. And so, it is clear that we need action, and fortunately, people are now demanding it.' UNDP Pacific Office: Leading the Charge The UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji has long recognised the scale of this challenge and is actively supporting Pacific Island nations in their efforts to reduce plastic waste and transition towards a circular economy. Through regional partnerships and community-led innovation, UNDP is helping to build systems that not only manage waste but prevent it at the source. In Fiji, with local innovators, we are are turning the tide. A trash boom system, launched in 2024 and manufactured locally by BioEnergy Insight Pacific, now traps plastic waste in urban waterways before it reaches fragile coastal ecosystems. Early trials intercepted over hundreds of kilograms of plastic in just six weeks, proving that small-scale innovation can deliver scalable results. To mark World Environment and Oceans Day this year, Fiji's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change conducted a clean-up campaign along the Suva Foreshore and Nukubuco Sandbank where 1.5 tonnes of rubbish was collected. In Tonga, the Ridge to Reef (R2R) initiative takes a holistic approach to protecting marine ecosystems by addressing pollution at its source – from land to sea. By integrating sustainable land use, watershed management, and coastal conservation, the project not only strengthens biodiversity but also helps reduce the flow of plastics and other waste into the ocean. This is how Pacific nations are linking climate resilience, food security, and environmental protection into one unified response. In Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, new laws and community-run recycling enterprises are cutting waste and generating income for women and youth. These aren't just pilot projects – they are proof points that locally driven solutions work. From Policy to Practice UNDP's work extends beyond clean-up campaigns. It supports governments in developing and enforcing legislation that bans or restricts single-use plastics, promotes extended producer responsibility, and encourages the adoption of sustainable alternatives. These efforts are creating a ripple effect of change that aligns with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. By working closely with local leaders, youth groups, and women's organisations, UNDP ensures that solutions are locally driven and culturally grounded. Protecting Oceans, Preserving Futures Plastic pollution is not only an environmental issue – it is a development issue. It affects fisheries, tourism, and public health. It threatens the Pacific's over US$3.2 billion fisheries sector, US$3.8 billion tourism industry, and human health. Microplastics have already been found in over 80 percent of fish species tested in some Pacific waters, raising serious concerns about food security. That is why UNDP's work on plastic pollution is integrated with broader efforts on climate resilience, marine biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods. Initiatives such as ridge-to-reef conservation programmes and the Blue Economy Accelerator Lab are helping Pacific nations protect their natural capital while building economic resilience. Looking Ahead: A Pacific Vision for a Plastic-Free Future As the world rallies to end plastic pollution, the Pacific is not merely a victim – it is a leader. The UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji is committed to scaling up support for innovative, inclusive, and impactful solutions. This includes expanding access to climate and environmental finance, supporting regional cooperation, and investing in circular economy models that turn waste into opportunity. Future efforts will also focus on strengthening data systems to track plastic flows, supporting local enterprises that produce biodegradable alternatives, and fostering South-South cooperation to share best practices across island nations. UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji has pledged to set its own ambitious plastics reduction targets. By aligning its operations with the Pacific's sustainability goals, UNDP aims to contribute meaningful progress to the fight against plastic pollution. A Shared Responsibility As the world negotiates a Global Plastics Treaty, Pacific voices must be central. We are not passive bystanders – we are active leaders in rethinking how the world produces, consumes, and disposes of plastic. This World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, the Pacific calls on the global community to act with urgency and unity. Governments, industries, and citizens all have a role to play.
Scoop
07-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
A Pacific Call To Action On World Environment And Oceans Day
06 June 2025 As we mark World Environment Day on 5 June and World Oceans Day on 8 June, Pacific Island nations are sounding the alarm. This year's World Environment Day theme, 'Ending Plastic Pollution', is a timely and urgent call to action - our region, home to one of the largest ocean territories on Earth, is on the frontlines of a crisis we didn't cause - plastic pollution. Yet we are also at the forefront of pioneering solutions. Plastic waste is choking our oceans, harming biodiversity, contaminating food chains, and undermining livelihoods. In the Pacific, where the ocean is both a source of sustenance and spiritual identity, the cost is deeply personal. In his remarks at the ministerial breakfast of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastic pollution in Colombia in 2024, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the urgency of the crisis: 'Each year, humanity produces over 460 million metric tons of plastic. Half of it is designed for single-use purposes – used once and tossed away. By 2050, there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish. And so, it is clear that we need action, and fortunately, people are now demanding it.' UNDP Pacific Office: Leading the Charge The UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji has long recognised the scale of this challenge and is actively supporting Pacific Island nations in their efforts to reduce plastic waste and transition towards a circular economy. Through regional partnerships and community-led innovation, UNDP is helping to build systems that not only manage waste but prevent it at the source. In Fiji, with local innovators, we are are turning the tide. A trash boom system, launched in 2024 and manufactured locally by BioEnergy Insight Pacific, now traps plastic waste in urban waterways before it reaches fragile coastal ecosystems. Early trials intercepted over hundreds of kilograms of plastic in just six weeks, proving that small-scale innovation can deliver scalable results. To mark World Environment and Oceans Day this year, Fiji's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change conducted a clean-up campaign along the Suva Foreshore and Nukubuco Sandbank where 1.5 tonnes of rubbish was collected. In Tonga, the Ridge to Reef (R2R) initiative takes a holistic approach to protecting marine ecosystems by addressing pollution at its source - from land to sea. By integrating sustainable land use, watershed management, and coastal conservation, the project not only strengthens biodiversity but also helps reduce the flow of plastics and other waste into the ocean. This is how Pacific nations are linking climate resilience, food security, and environmental protection into one unified response. In Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, new laws and community-run recycling enterprises are cutting waste and generating income for women and youth. These aren't just pilot projects – they are proof points that locally driven solutions work. From Policy to Practice UNDP's work extends beyond clean-up campaigns. It supports governments in developing and enforcing legislation that bans or restricts single-use plastics, promotes extended producer responsibility, and encourages the adoption of sustainable alternatives. These efforts are creating a ripple effect of change that aligns with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. By working closely with local leaders, youth groups, and women's organisations, UNDP ensures that solutions are locally driven and culturally grounded. Protecting Oceans, Preserving Futures Plastic pollution is not only an environmental issue – it is a development issue. It affects fisheries, tourism, and public health. It threatens the Pacific's over US$3.2 billion fisheries sector, US$3.8 billion tourism industry, and human health. Microplastics have already been found in over 80 percent of fish species tested in some Pacific waters, raising serious concerns about food security. That is why UNDP's work on plastic pollution is integrated with broader efforts on climate resilience, marine biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods. Initiatives such as ridge-to-reef conservation programmes and the Blue Economy Accelerator Lab are helping Pacific nations protect their natural capital while building economic resilience. Looking Ahead: A Pacific Vision for a Plastic-Free Future As the world rallies to end plastic pollution, the Pacific is not merely a victim – it is a leader. The UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji is committed to scaling up support for innovative, inclusive, and impactful solutions. This includes expanding access to climate and environmental finance, supporting regional cooperation, and investing in circular economy models that turn waste into opportunity. Future efforts will also focus on strengthening data systems to track plastic flows, supporting local enterprises that produce biodegradable alternatives, and fostering South-South cooperation to share best practices across island nations. UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji has pledged to set its own ambitious plastics reduction targets. By aligning its operations with the Pacific's sustainability goals, UNDP aims to contribute meaningful progress to the fight against plastic pollution. A Shared Responsibility As the world negotiates a Global Plastics Treaty, Pacific voices must be central. We are not passive bystanders - we are active leaders in rethinking how the world produces, consumes, and disposes of plastic. This World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, the Pacific calls on the global community to act with urgency and unity. Governments, industries, and citizens all have a role to play.
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Business Standard
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Hooked on plastic: A timely probe into the brands and greenwashing
Consumed: How Big Brands Got Us Hooked on Plastics Harper Collins India 368 pages ₹599 The annual observance of World Environment Day on June 5 goes back to 1973. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme, it is a major occasion for governments and corporations to renew their commitment to environmental causes, take meaningful action and bring new people into the ambit of outreach. It is hosted by a different country each year. In 2025, the Republic of Korea will have that honour. This year's theme is #BeatPlasticPollution. In this context, journalist Saabira Chaudhuri's book Consumed: How Big Brands Got Us Hooked on Plastic assumes tremendous significance, more so because we are just two months away from a meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in Geneva, where a global treaty will be negotiated to end plastic pollution. An international, legally binding instrument of this kind seems like an ambitious undertaking but it is the need of the hour. The author grew up in Bengaluru, obtained an MA in business and economic reporting from New York University, and now lives in London. The book focuses mostly on the United States and India while discussing the history of how plastic became an indispensable part of human life. This historical lens that she adopts is important so that environmental advocacy is grounded in solid facts and not based only on ideology and emotion. We need to have a clear grasp of why plastics became so popular across geographies. They did not emerge out of thin air. Ms Chaudhuri writes, for instance, 'The Second World War had seen the largest influx of women into the American workforce on record. While many stopped working initially after men returned from the frontlines, a war-born desire for convenient weeknight meals, easy-to-clean surfaces and wrinkle-free clothes did not disappear.' The author's intention here is not to pin the blame for plastic pollution on women. Since the burden of housework was shouldered largely by women, the promise of more time for rest and leisure was understandably quite attractive. Plastic offered them a way out of monotony and drudgery. In the Indian scenario, Manmohan Singh's decision as finance minister to slash excise duties on shampoo in 1993 put it within the reach of people who could not afford it earlier. Ms Chaudhuri writes, 'Taxes dropped from 120.75 per cent to 70 per cent, making sachets way more profitable.' She also points out that sachets were also appealing to women 'who typically were in charge of buying household essentials' because they 'offered built-in portion control — precluding wayward children or careless husbands from using too much, the way they might from a bottle'. These well-researched culturally specific insights from the author help us look at plastic not as a monster but as a material that has both pros and cons. This book also helps us make sense of how and why businesses engage in greenwashing, which is a widespread practice of making false, deceptive and unsubstantiated claims of having a positive impact on the environment. Greenwashing is often a tactic used to appear environmentally friendly so as to win over new customers or retain existing ones. The author examines in detail how in the United States recycling became a 'get-out-of-jail-free card in a situation otherwise riddled with reputational risk'. Instead of any real impact in terms of reducing pollution, it became a marketing campaign to manage public perception. By emphasising this, the author cautions us against being taken for a ride by businesses that are looking to make a quick buck out of our sensitivities that favour being eco-friendly. Ms Chaudhuri's training as a journalist ensures that she stays cool-headed instead of peddling doomsday predictions. She reminds us that different kinds of plastic melt at different temperatures. 'Even today, mixed plastics recycling is plagued by collection and sorting problems; the resulting park benches and picnic tables have never commanded a high-enough price to justify collecting and cleaning big volumes of often highly contaminated plastics,' she adds. These are realities that people need to know as they grapple with systems that seem outside their control, and also make small changes in their own lives. The book ends with a useful section titled FAQs, where the author addresses basic but important questions that many do not have reliable answers to. Some of the questions are: Why are plastics recycling rates so slow? What's greener: Cloth diapers or disposables? How can I protect myself against greenwashing? Isn't paper better than plastic? Are bio-based plastics a good alternative to fossil-fuel-based ones? The author offers explanations that are accessible but not simplistic. This book is not the last word on the subject but it is a good start.
