Goal 15. Life on Land
15.2.1 Events about sustainable use of land
2023-2024
1. AASTMT Urban Planning Innovations Take Center Stage at World Urban Forum 12 (WUF12) (07 Nov 2024):
The Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT) presented innovative approaches to sustainable urban planning, land-resource management, and ecosystem restoration. Through academic sessions and student projects, AASTMT emphasized the integration of environmental sustainability, land-use efficiency, and green infrastructure in city development. This participation directly supports SDG 15.2.1 by promoting sustainable land management, protection of terrestrial ecosystems, and the restoration of degraded areas within urban contexts.
2. AASTMT – Egyptian ministry of Housing, Utilizes and Urban Cities protocols of Cooperation:
On the sidelines of the fourth day of the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12), H.E. Eng. Sherif El-Sherbiny, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, announced the signing of two cooperation protocols between the Ministry of Housing and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT). The first protocol focuses on technical consultancy in New Alamein City, developing a comprehensive proposal for managing marine and coastal resources of the city’s beach and artificial lake.
3. BLUE‑ERA Workshop – Balancing Local Initiatives and Global Trends in the Blue Economy (30 April 2024):
The BLUE-ERA Workshop (2024) demonstrated AASTMT’s strong commitment to advancing the principles of sustainable land and coastal management, directly supporting SDG 15 – Life on Land and its targets on sustainable utilisation of ecosystems and natural resources. Through its multidisciplinary sessions, the workshop explored the interconnection between the blue economy and terrestrial ecosystems, emphasizing the need for biodiversity conservation, habitat protection, and the sustainable use of coastal and wild-land interfaces.
4. AASTMT participate in international workshop in green Environment and green tourism5-6 June 2024:
AASTMT, through collaborations with the German University of Rostock (TouMaLi Project), Life Makers Foundation (UniGreen Project), and partners from Cyprus and Greece (Green Med Project), promotes green tourism, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land use. These initiatives engage local communities in protecting terrestrial and coastal ecosystems, improving tourism sustainability, and reducing land degradation through international cooperation and awareness workshops.
5. UniGreen Bootcamp and Innovation Workshops 3-8 May 2024:
The UniGreen Project, led by AASTMT and funded by the European Union, promotes sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation through environmental education and community engagement. The UniGreen Bootcamp united universities and NGOs to develop green entrepreneurship solutions for ecosystem protection and land restoration. Partnering with Egyptian universities and the Life Makers Foundation, the project fosters innovation and community-driven approaches to reduce land degradation and enhance sustainable use of terrestrial resources.
6. AASTMT–Ministry of Environment Partnership for Land Sustainability, Waste Recycling, and Climate Action 26 Oct, 2024:
The Minister of Environment met with the President of AASTMT to enhance joint environmental cooperation and advance sustainability initiatives. Plans include establishing a Climate Change Information Center, launching AI-based applications to reduce carbon emissions and plastic waste, and promoting green industry through waste recycling. In alignment with SDG 15 (Life on Land), these initiatives support ecosystem protection, land sustainability, and responsible resource use.
7. By Fisher to Fisher” Program for Cleaning Fishermen’s Ports and Surrounding Water Bodies:
On December 21, 2024, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) in Abu Qir launched the environmental initiative “By Fisher to Fisher. The program aims to clean fishermen’s ports and nearby water surfaces while recycling collected waste to benefit local communities. This initiative supports Egypt’s efforts toward achieving the UN SDGs, particularly in environmental conservation and sustainable use of aquatic and coastal ecosystems.
8. College of Engineering Symposium on Preservation and Restoration of Heritage Buildings 22 February 2024:
The College of Engineering Symposium at AASTMT Heliopolis Campus focused on heritage preservation, sustainable land use, and environmental protection. It highlighted the role of architectural conservation in maintaining land stability, reducing urban land degradation, and preserving cultural and ecological landscapes. Through discussions on eco-friendly restoration and adaptive reuse, the symposium promoted responsible land management and integration of conservation practices that support SDG 15 – Life on Land.
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9. AASTMT for Sciences Handing Over 23 Sanitary Landfills for evasion in 16 governorates 31 October 2024:
AASTMT participated in the handover of 23 sanitary landfills across 16 governorates, through technical expertise, research, and educational engagement, AASTMT promoted land-resource conservation, ecosystem restoration, and biodiversity protection. In collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Local Development, and the Waste Management Regulatory Authority, the Academy advanced soil rehabilitation, sustainable disposal practices, and the preservation of terrestrial ecosystems.
10. Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability Workshop:
The Sustainable Development and International Cooperation Administration is organizing a workshop on "Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability" under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League, and His Excellency Professor Ismail Abdelghafar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport. The Arab League will be hosting the workshop at its headquarters, with the aim of enhancing the Arab concept of sustainability through artificial intelligence. The workshop aims to shed light on how technology and artificial intelligence can be used to promote environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
2022-2023
AASTMT plays a vital role in sustaining land ecosystems by prioritizing education, scientific research, and community engagement focused on conservation and sustainable land use. AASTMT has actively promoted sustainability, ecosystem preservation, biodiversity conservation, and waste management across its programs and policies. Through initiatives advocating conservation and sustainable land use, AASTMT reinforces its commitment to protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems, combating desertification, and fostering responsible land stewardship in the region.
AASTMT Hosts African Development Senior Managers Forum on workshop entitled Urban Renewable of Coastal Cities:
The University of Kassel and Departments of Architecture and Environmental Design, Faculty of Engineering and Technology - Academy branches in Port Said and Alexandria. are collaborating to organize an international workshop on the rehz\ abilitation of coastal cities through water bodies.
Environmental Management Systems in African Seaports:
In September 2023, AASTMT’s African and Asian Affairs Sector (AAFS) hosted the African Development Senior Managers Forum on Environmental Management Systems at the Abu Qir Campus, Alexandria, Egypt focusing on enhancing climate resilience for African seaports and coastal infrastructure.
Race to Zero AASTMT Initiative:
The Race to Zero Campaign aims for long-term prosperity through carbon-free recovery, involving companies, cities, regions, and investors. By 2050, a coalition of top net zero projects will mobilize for this sustainable, equitable, and sustainable development.
The 3rd international conference for future studies and risk Management:
AASTMT in cooperation with the Academy of scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) in Egypt have organized the 3rd international conference for future studies and risk management (ICFSRM) held on 2-3 December 2022 at AASTMT, Abu-Qir, Alexandria.
The 3rd international conference for future studies and risk Management
German Egyptian SME Training and Exchange Programme in Waste Management:
The programme targets SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) engaged in waste management — aligning with your interest in private sector involvement under SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land) by enabling circular economy/waste reduction approaches. The German–Egyptian SME Training and Exchange Programme in Waste Management, implemented in collaboration with AASTMT, contributes directly to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The programme strengthens the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises in waste collection, recycling, treatment, and monitoring through cross-learning, capacity building, and the transfer of German technical expertise. By promoting sustainable waste management practices, technology exchange, and business partnerships, it supports pollution reduction, resource efficiency, and carbon footprint mitigation. This aligns with AASTMT’s environmental initiatives on plastic waste reduction, biodiversity and land conservation, and climate change adaptation, ultimately advancing national efforts toward a low-carbon, circular economy and environmental sustainability.
German Egyptian SME Training and Exchange Programme in Waste Management
Young People's Initiatives for Sustainable Technology-Based Social Innovation (IEEE-YESIST12 Prelim Winners):
This event, which focused on social innovation through sustainable technology and was in line with sustainable land use principles, was organized by AASTMT and held on September 2-3, 2023.
Young People's Initiatives for Sustainable Technology-Based Social Innovation
The Fourth Edition of the Arab Week for Sustainable development:
Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport, participated in the fourth edition of the Arab Week for Sustainable Development, organized by various organizations. This is to explore ways to mitigate the negative effects of Corona and help achieve sustainable development goals in Arab countries.
The Fourth Edition of the Arab Week for Sustainable development
The Fifth Arab Water Conference:
Participation in the recycling workshop and creating different models from plastic and rubber waste in vision of the importance of environmental preservation through waste recycling. Under the directives of His Excellency Professor Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Farag, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, the Academy’s College of Pharmacy actively participated in the Fifth Arab Water Conference, which was held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The conference was organized in cooperation with the Technical Secretariat of the Arab Ministerial Water Council of the League of Arab States, and took place from 22 to 23 November 2023.
December 2023: MARLOG 13 Conference on Sustainable Green Blue
Infrastructure:
The 13th Annual MARLOG Conference was held by AASTMT with the theme "Sustainable Resilient Infrastructure." Experts from all around the world convened at the event to talk about how to incorporate green and blue infrastructure into urban development while highlighting the value of resilient ecosystems and sustainable land use techniques.
AASTMT used this conference as a venue to present its studies and programs aimed at advancing sustainable land ecosystems through cutting-edge logistics and infrastructure solutions.
December 2023: MARLOG 13 Conference on Sustainable Green Blue Infrastructure
AASTMT Participation in COP28 - On December 9, 2023:
In line with SDG 15 (Life on Land) and its goals of promoting sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem protection, the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) actively participated in COP28 on December 9, 2023. During the event, AASTMT organized sessions addressing key environmental themes such as nature preservation, land management, and ocean sustainability, highlighting its strong commitment to environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and the global sustainability agenda.