The Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) organized the international conference for the TuoMali research project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Rostock University in Germany, to address sustainable waste management and its impact on climate action. This conference aligns with AASTMT's commitment to SDG 13 and climate resilience, focusing on mitigating the effects of marine waste, particularly plastic, in the Mediterranean region.
Minister of Environment Dr. Yasmine Fouad emphasized the importance of the TuoMali project in promoting sustainable waste management within the tourism sector, aiming to protect marine ecosystems in collaboration with the Ministries of Tourism and Local Development, private sector representatives, and NGOs. The project operates in four countries: Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco, with the goal of reducing marine waste in the tourism sector by 60%.
Highlighting the relevance of the project to COP27, which will be held in Sharm El Sheikh, Dr. Fouad stated that marine and plastic waste are key issues in the global climate agenda. She emphasized that around 70-85% of marine waste is plastic, leading to significant economic and environmental impacts. In Egypt, legislative measures, including the Waste Management Law of 2020, have been implemented to reduce single-use plastics, supported by national standards and public awareness campaigns.
AASTMT's role in organizing this conference underscores its leadership in climate education and environmental sustainability, advocating for research and practical solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support a low-carbon economy. Through its partnerships, AASTMT aims to drive innovation in waste management, aligning with the Egyptian COP27 presidency’s goals of achieving 50% recycling and waste processing by 2050 across Africa. The conference serves as a platform for AASTMT to strengthen regional cooperation and engage young people and women in climate action, solidifying its commitment to a sustainable Mediterranean.
