By Abbas Nazil
Egypt and France have reinforced their environmental partnership ahead of the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference, with a shared focus on curbing plastic pollution, particularly in the Mediterranean region.
During a virtual meeting held on Saturday, Egypt’s Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, and French Minister for Ecological Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, discussed key areas of collaboration, emphasizing their mutual commitment to marine conservation and sustainable development.
At the forefront of their agenda was preparing for the UN Ocean Conference, scheduled for June in Nice, France.
Both ministers stressed the importance of coordinated regional strategies to combat plastic pollution and promote biodiversity, highlighting the Mediterranean as a priority area due to its vulnerability and ecological significance.
The meeting was attended by top Egyptian environmental officials, including leaders from the Environmental Affairs Agency and the Waste Management Regulatory Authority, who offered insights into Egypt’s recent initiatives.
Minister Fouad proposed the theme “Blue Economy and Mediterranean Sustainability” as a central focus of the conference, aligning with Egypt’s role as the upcoming host of the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea.
She praised France’s leadership in global ocean protection and called for unified Mediterranean cooperation to address environmental threats, including plastic waste, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable economic practices.
Discussions also delved into the ongoing international efforts to establish a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution under the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC).
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Fouad reiterated Egypt’s support for a fair and inclusive agreement that honors the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
She stressed the need for financial and technological support to assist developing countries in meeting their environmental obligations.
Fouad highlighted that while plastic serves essential functions, its negative impacts must be curtailed through innovation in recycling technologies and the gradual elimination of non-essential plastic products.
She cited Egypt’s recent environmental reforms, including the Cabinet’s introduction of extended producer responsibility mechanisms and fees on single-use plastic bags—measures developed after extensive consultations with industry players.
The Egyptian minister spotlighted Egypt’s grassroots campaigns, such as the Nile cleanup initiative, which mobilizes local fishermen and women in collecting plastic waste.
This program not only supports environmental goals but also generates green employment and promotes sustainable livelihoods.
French Minister Pannier-Runacher lauded Egypt’s active role and echoed the urgency of transitioning to more sustainable production and consumption models.
She underscored the need for alternative materials and robust recycling systems to safeguard ocean health and marine ecosystems.
Minister Fouad has accepted an official invitation to attend the Ocean Conference, where she will lead a high-level roundtable showcasing Egypt’s progress in environmental protection.
Her participation will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Mediterranean Action Plan, marking a significant moment for regional environmental collaboration and sustainability.
