Publications

Introduction: When Water Becomes a Matter of Life
In Egypt, it is impossible to speak seriously about development, food security or public health without speaking about water. The Nile is not merely a river that crosses the country from south to north; it is a living memory of Egyptian civilization and a primary source of agriculture, drinking water and daily life. The Mediterranean and the Red Sea are not simply geographical borders; they are gateways for trade, tourism, navigation, fishing and employment. Between the river, the two seas, the northern lakes and the Suez Canal, Egypt possesses a unique water and maritime wealth. At the same time, this wealth is highly vulnerable to pollution, misuse and climate change.
This is why the concept of the “blue economy” has become important for Egypt’s future. The blue economy does not mean only exploiting seas, rivers and lakes for economic growth. It means using them sustainably, in a way that protects ecosystem health and keeps resources available for future generations. In simple terms, it is an economy based on a clear rule: water can give us food, work, energy, transport and tourism, but only if we keep it clean and capable of supporting life.
The real challenge today is not only to increase fish production, develop ports or attract more visitors to beaches. It is to protect the foundation on which all these activities depend: the water itself. If the Nile is polluted, human health, agriculture and fisheries are affected. If the sea is polluted, beaches, tourism and fishing grounds are damaged. If lakes deteriorate, fishermen lose their livelihoods and the country loses an important food resource.

What Is the Blue Economy?
The blue economy refers to the sustainable use of water and marine resources for economic growth, better livelihoods and job creation, while preserving the health of aquatic and marine ecosystems. This definition matters because it places the environment at the heart of development rather than treating it as an afterthought. Real growth cannot be achieved if its price is degraded water, declining fish stocks, higher disease risks or biodiversity loss.
The blue economy includes many sectors: fisheries, aquaculture, navigation, ports, coastal tourism, marine energy, coastal protection, waste management, scientific research and environmental technology. In Egypt, the concept is especially important because the country is both a Nile and a maritime nation, and its geographical position makes it a natural hub for trade and navigation between continents.
This privileged location also places a greater responsibility on Egypt. Waterways, ports and coasts are not only economic opportunities; they are areas that require wise environmental management. Protecting water is not an environmental luxury. It is a basic condition for the continuity of the economy itself.

Figures That Reveal the Scale of Opportunity and Risk

Table 1. Selected indicators linking the blue economy, food security and marine pollution. Sources are listed at the end of the article.

Visual summary of selected blue economy indicators.

Figure 1. Global fisheries and aquaculture production in 2022, based on FAO SOFIA 2024.

Figure 2. Approximate aquaculture share of fish production in Egypt, based on WorldFish and USDA-FAS estimates.

Together, these indicators show that Egypt faces a double equation: a major opportunity for production and development, and a major risk if water is not protected from pollution and degradation.

Figure 3A. Key indicators of marine litter in the Mediterranean (UNEP/MAP).

Water Pollution: The Invisible Enemy of Fisheries

When a citizen sees a plastic bottle on the beach or a bag stuck in a drain, the problem may appear to be only a matter of appearance. In reality, water pollution is far more dangerous than an unpleasant view. Plastic waste does not disappear. Over time, sunlight, waves and friction break it into small particles known as microplastics. These particles may be swallowed by small organisms, then transferred to fish, and eventually reach humans.
Industrial and agricultural pollution can also carry heavy metals, pesticides and chemical compounds that affect water quality and the health of aquatic organisms. The problem becomes more severe when different pollution sources mix: untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, plastic materials, oils and solid waste. At that point, the damage is not only environmental, but also economic, health-related and social.
A fish living in polluted water may grow more slowly and may become lower in quality or less safe for consumption. A fisherman who finds his nets full of waste instead of fish loses both time and income. The citizen who depends on water and aquatic food ultimately carries part of the cost, whether through health risks, higher prices or a lower quality of life.

Egyptian Lakes: A Resource That Needs Continuous Rescue
The northern lakes, such as Manzala, Burullus, Edku and Mariout, are important resources for fish, employment and biodiversity. They are critical transition zones between fresh and saline water and play a major ecological and economic role. Yet for decades they have faced pressure from drainage, encroachment, waste, changing water quality and the decline of effective water areas in some locations.
Developing lakes is not only about removing encroachments or dredging openings. It also means controlling the pollution sources that enter them daily. We cannot ask a lake to produce good fish if it continues to receive pollutants. We cannot ask a fisherman to improve his income if the ecosystem on which he depends is deteriorating.
For this reason, lakes must be treated as part of Egypt’s blue economy, not merely as traditional fishing zones. They are natural reservoirs of biodiversity, sources of livelihood for thousands of families, important environmental buffers and opportunities for sustainable investment if managed scientifically.

Navigation and Ports: The Heart of the Blue Economy
No discussion of Egypt’s blue economy is complete without addressing navigation and ports. Egypt has a unique position on global trade routes, and the Suez Canal is one of the world’s most important maritime passages. Egyptian ports on the Mediterranean and the Red Sea also play a central role in trade, logistics and supply chains.
However, ports and ships require careful environmental management. Maritime activity can be linked to ship-generated waste, emissions, oil pollution, ballast water, the transfer of invasive species, underwater noise and the impacts of urban and industrial expansion around coastal areas. This is why the global concept of “green ports” has emerged: ports that combine economic efficiency with environmental responsibility.
A green port is not simply a port that looks clean. It is an integrated system that includes safe reception of ship waste, reduced emissions, improved energy efficiency, water-quality monitoring, prevention of illegal discharge and training for workers on environmental procedures. In Egypt, developing green ports can become an important part of the blue-economy vision, especially as maritime transport and coastal tourism continue to grow.

Fishermen: From Victims of Pollution to Partners in the Solution
Fishermen are often the first to feel changes in water. They notice the decline of certain species, the appearance of unfamiliar organisms, increases in jellyfish or waste, and changes in water color or smell. Therefore, they should not be treated only as a group affected by environmental degradation, but as partners in monitoring and protection.
A fisherman can become an early eye on pollution. If he observes unusual fish mortality, an oil slick, a strange organism or accumulating waste in a specific area, rapid reporting can help the competent authorities intervene before the problem becomes worse. This requires training, trust, clear communication channels and moral or material incentives that encourage participation.
Fishermen also need support to adopt more sustainable practices, such as avoiding fishing during breeding seasons, avoiding illegal nets, reducing lost fishing gear in the water and safely handling the waste collected in nets. Responsible fishing protects not only the environment, but also the fisherman’s own livelihood in the long term.

The Ordinary Citizen: Where Does Their Role Begin?
Some people may think that the blue economy is a governmental or technical issue that concerns ministries, ports and fishermen only. In fact, the ordinary citizen is a central part of the equation. Much pollution begins with small daily decisions: a single-use plastic bag, a bottle thrown in the street, household waste that is not separated, or irresponsible behavior on a beach, boat or waterfront.
Every piece of plastic not thrown into the street is a contribution to protecting the sea. Every household that reduces single-use plastic helps reduce pressure on drains and waterways. Every student who participates in a clean-up or awareness campaign becomes a young ambassador for water protection.
Changing behavior does not happen through fear alone; it happens through knowledge. When citizens understand that the waste they leave on a beach may return to them as contaminated fish, an unsafe coastline or a higher cost for water treatment, environmental protection becomes both a personal and national interest.

Environmental Awareness: From Words to Behavior
The aim of this article is not only to present information. It is to call for a new public awareness. Successful environmental awareness does not stop at slogans such as “Protect the Nile” or “Do not throw waste.” It explains the relationship between action and consequence. Citizens need to know that plastic does not dissolve in water, that oil poured into a drain can pollute large areas, that overfishing today can mean fewer fish tomorrow, and that protecting water is far less costly than treating pollution after it occurs.
A national awareness campaign can be built around four simple messages. First: what you throw in the street may reach the river or the sea. Second: reducing single-use plastic protects fish and human health. Third: responsible fishing protects fishermen’s income and market stability. Fourth: early reporting of pollution or fish mortality may prevent a wider environmental crisis.
These messages can reach schools, universities, youth centers, ports, civil-society organizations, maritime clubs and the media. They can also be turned into practical activities: clean-up days on beaches and along the Nile, school competitions, workshops for fishermen, reporting applications and media materials written in a language close to people.

The Blue Economy as an Opportunity for Youth and Women
Protecting water should not be seen only as a burden. It is also an opportunity. Waste management, recycling, sustainable fish farming, fish processing, eco-tourism and environmental monitoring can all create new jobs, especially for youth and women in coastal and rural communities.
Young people can participate in start-ups that transform plastic waste into useful products, develop applications for pollution monitoring or lead digital awareness campaigns. Women can play an important role in sorting waste at source, preparing fish products and spreading healthy environmental behaviors within families and communities.
In this way, the blue economy becomes not only an environmental issue, but also a social and development project that connects nature protection with better income and new opportunities.

From Concept to Practice: A National Program for Blue Economy Awareness

Figure 4. Five practical axes for turning the blue economy from a concept into daily action.

For the blue economy to move from theory to daily practice, it is not enough to discuss it in conferences, reports or specialized articles. A real blue economy begins when citizens understand what it means for a river to be clean, when fishermen recognize that protecting fish stocks protects their livelihoods, when schools treat water as an educational issue, when universities view the sea, the Nile and the lakes as open laboratories for research and innovation, and when ports consider the marine environment part of operational efficiency rather than an additional burden.
A practical awareness and action program can be built on five interconnected axes. Each axis should not operate in isolation. Together, they build a new public culture around the protection of water, fisheries and waterways. The goal is not only to spread information, but to transform knowledge into behavior, behavior into participation, and participation into measurable impact in the Nile, the sea, the lakes, the ports and coastal and river communities.

Axis One: Public Knowledge and Community Awareness
Every real change begins with knowledge. Many citizens hear the term “blue economy” without knowing its practical meaning or its relevance to daily life. Some may assume that it concerns only experts, government agencies or investors. In reality, it is connected to every citizen who uses water, eats fish, visits beaches or lives near a river, canal, lake or coast.
The program should therefore begin by producing simple awareness materials that explain the blue economy in accessible language. These materials should make it clear that the blue economy is not only about fishing, navigation or tourism. It is about managing all water-related activities in a way that protects the environment and supports the economy at the same time. Clean water means better fish, better health, more attractive tourism, more sustainable ports and more stable jobs.
Awareness messages should be short, clear and easy to remember. Examples include: “What you throw in the street may reach the Nile,” “Every plastic bag has a journey that may end in a fish’s stomach,” “Clean water protects your health and someone else’s livelihood,” and “Responsible fishing protects tomorrow’s fish.” Such simple messages can create a bridge between major environmental issues and daily citizen behavior.
The tools of awareness should be diverse enough to reach different groups. Not everyone reads long articles or specialized reports. Short videos, infographics, posters in schools and ports, social-media posts, local radio programs, community discussions and visual content for children can all be used. A simple guide titled “Your Guide to the Blue Economy in Egypt” could also explain key concepts using examples from the Nile, the sea and the lakes.
It is also important to avoid exaggerated fear-based messages and instead focus on the direct relationship between action and result. When citizens understand that throwing waste into the street may block drains, then move into water bodies, then harm fish and increase the cost of cleaning and treatment, environmental behavior becomes closer to everyday logic rather than a general moral instruction.
This axis should also correct common misconceptions. Some people believe that the sea “cleans itself,” that the Nile can absorb waste without limits, or that small pieces of litter have no impact. These ideas need clear correction. Aquatic systems have a limited capacity to recover. When pressure exceeds that capacity, problems appear: deteriorating water quality, oxygen decline, fish mortality, plastic accumulation, unpleasant odors and declining economic value of the place.

Axis Two: Schools and Universities — Building a Blue-Aware Generation
If lasting change is the goal, education is the starting point. Students are not only recipients of information; they can become ambassadors of change within their families and communities. When children learn early that the Nile, the sea and the lakes are not distant places but sources of food, health, work and beauty, they develop a sense of responsibility toward them.
Schools can introduce simple educational activities about protecting the Nile, the sea and lakes, even if these activities are not initially part of the official curriculum. Lessons might include “The Journey of a Plastic Bag from the Street to the Sea,” “How Does Waste Reach the Fish?” or “What Does the Blue Economy Mean?” Drawings, maps and illustrated stories can help children understand the idea.
Schools can also organize a “Clean Water Week,” during which students create posters, write short messages, prepare school plays, collect ideas for reducing plastic inside the school and compete for the best environmental initiative. These activities should be practical and enjoyable so that students do not feel that the environment is a heavy or boring subject.
At universities, activities can be more specialized. Students of science, engineering, agriculture, veterinary medicine, business, media, tourism, hospitality and maritime studies can each contribute from their own field. Science students can participate in water-quality monitoring. Engineering students can propose waste-treatment solutions. Media students can design awareness campaigns. Business students can study green-investment opportunities. Maritime students can learn how ships and ports relate to marine environmental protection.
University competitions under the title “A Blue Project for Egypt” can invite students to submit practical ideas in areas such as reducing plastic waste, monitoring pollution, protecting lakes, supporting fishermen, recycling fishing nets or developing a reporting application for environmental violations. The best projects can be presented during an open day attended by civil society, the private sector and government representatives.
Universities can also encourage graduation projects linked to the blue economy: low-cost water-quality monitoring devices, studies of waste sources on a beach, value-chain analysis in the fish sector or media campaigns directed at fishermen. This transforms the university from a place of theoretical learning into a real partner in solving community problems.
Field visits are equally important. A visit to a water-treatment plant, a port, a lake, a marine research center or a fishing village can be more powerful than many lectures. When students see waste in fishing nets, hear fishermen speak about changes in catch, or observe efforts to clean water, the issue becomes more realistic and human.

Axis Three: Fishermen and Local Communities as Partners in Protection
A real blue economy cannot be built without involving fishermen and local communities. They are not merely an audience for awareness campaigns; they hold field knowledge and daily experience that cannot be ignored. Fishermen know the sea or lake through practice. They notice small changes before those changes appear in official reports. They know when fish decline, when species change, when unusual organisms appear, and when nets become fuller of waste than fish.
The program should include practical workshops for fishermen. These workshops should not be long theoretical lectures. They should provide useful information linked to real conditions: responsible fishing, the importance of respecting breeding seasons, the danger of catching fry and small fish, the impact of illegal nets on fish stocks, safe handling of waste collected in nets, and methods for reporting pollution, fish mortality or unusual species.
These workshops must be delivered in simple language and in a manner that respects fishermen’s experience. Successful awareness does not tell the fisherman, “You are the problem.” It says, “You are a partner in the solution.” Fishermen must feel that environmental protection is not against their livelihood; it is a guarantee for its continuity. Overfishing may create quick income today, but it threatens tomorrow’s income. Responsible fishing protects the life cycle and ensures the continuation of catch.
A program called “The Fisherman Guardian” or “The Fisherman Watch” could train volunteer fishermen in each area to report environmental phenomena early. This does not mean turning fishermen into inspectors. It means enabling them to communicate what they see in an organized way. A report could include a photo, approximate location and a short description of the phenomenon: an oil slick, fish mortality, jellyfish spread, waste accumulation or the appearance of an unusual species.
Fishermen’s families, especially women, should also be involved in awareness programs. In many coastal and river communities, women play a vital role in preparing fish, managing household income, raising children and transferring health and environmental behaviors. Tailored sessions can address food safety, waste sorting, plastic reduction and small blue-economy businesses such as fish processing, packaging, recycling or environmental crafts.
Local communities also need practical incentives. It is not fair to ask people to change behavior without offering alternatives. If we want to reduce plastic, suitable alternatives must be available. If we want fishermen to collect waste from their nets, reception points must exist at ports or landing sites. If we want people to report pollution, they must feel that their reports will receive a response rather than disappear into a long bureaucratic process.
Local initiatives such as “Waste for Benefit” can encourage fishermen or residents to deliver plastic waste in exchange for symbolic incentives, safe fishing tools, discounts on selected services, certificates of appreciation or community recognition. Such initiatives will not solve the problem alone, but they build a new habit and confirm that waste has value if handled correctly.

Axis Four: Navigation, Ports and the Shift Toward Green Practices
Navigation and ports are at the heart of the blue economy, especially in a country such as Egypt, which has the Suez Canal and important ports on both the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. A port is not merely a loading and unloading point; it is an integrated economic and environmental system. If ports support trade and jobs, they also need careful environmental management so that maritime activities do not become a source of pressure on the marine environment.
This axis begins with strengthening awareness of the “green port” concept. A green port balances economic efficiency with environmental protection. It does not only facilitate ship and cargo movement. It manages waste, reduces emissions, protects water quality, improves energy efficiency, handles hazardous materials safely and trains workers to respond to pollution incidents.
Ship-waste management is one of the most important issues to address. Ships may generate different types of waste, including solid waste, oil residues, sewage and operational waste. If suitable reception facilities are not available in ports, or if procedures are not clear and easy, the risk of illegal discharge at sea increases. Awareness activities should therefore explain the importance of delivering ship waste to designated facilities and link this practice to the protection of fisheries, beaches and tourism.
Ballast water is another critical issue. Ships use ballast water to maintain stability during voyages. This water may carry microorganisms, larvae or marine species from one region to another, contributing to the spread of invasive alien species. Navigation therefore transports not only goods, but potentially invisible living organisms if management and inspection procedures are not applied properly.
Workers in ports, shipping companies and maritime students also need awareness of oil pollution, even in small quantities. A thin layer of oil on the water surface can affect oxygen exchange, harm marine organisms, damage beaches and affect the reputation of the port and coastal area. Simulation exercises can train workers to act quickly in the event of a spill or environmental incident.
Awareness should not be limited to formal port workers. It should also include marina users, yacht operators, tourist boats and recreational trips. Much marine litter can come from leisure or tourism activities if rules are absent. Clear signs in marinas, simple brochures and environmental codes of conduct for tourist boats can help reduce plastic, prevent waste dumping, protect reefs and habitats, and encourage reporting of any pollution observed.
Each port or marina could adopt an annual initiative such as “Port Without Marine Waste” or “Environment-Friendly Marina.” This could include an awareness day, a clean-up campaign, worker training and a clear system for waste reception. Over time, such initiatives could become performance indicators, making the environmental reputation of a port or marina part of its public image.

Axis Five: Monitoring, Community Participation and Early Warning
Water cannot be protected without information. Pollution that is not detected in time can become a crisis. Environmental phenomena that are not recorded may repeat without being understood. Waste that accumulates in a certain area may reveal a continuous source that needs intervention. Monitoring and community participation are therefore among the most important axes for turning the blue economy into practice.
Monitoring here does not mean only complex scientific monitoring carried out by laboratories and research institutions. It also means simple community monitoring in which citizens, fishermen, students and port workers participate. Any person who sees an unusual change in water can become part of an early-warning system if a simple and safe reporting method is available.
A simple mechanism can be created for reporting pollution, waste accumulation, fish mortality or unusual organisms. This mechanism may be a mobile application, a dedicated WhatsApp number, an online platform or even a simple form used by local associations. What matters is ease of use and the ability to send a photo, location and short description. The reporter should receive confirmation that the report was received, so that participation feels meaningful.
Reports should be linked to competent authorities and researchers. Citizens cannot independently analyze the cause of fish mortality or identify an unfamiliar organism, but they can draw attention early. Scientific and executive bodies can then verify, analyze and respond. In this way, community participation becomes part of an integrated system rather than a random effort.
An interactive map of environmental issues can show areas where reports of waste, pollution or unusual events repeat. This map can help set priorities: where is a clean-up campaign needed? Where is there a drainage problem? Where do oil slicks recur? Where are invasive species appearing? Where should monitoring or awareness teams be directed?
Schools and universities can also participate in simple monitoring activities. Students can conduct a “waste survey” on part of a beach or riverbank, classifying waste into plastic, glass, metal, fishing residues and other categories. By repeating the activity several times, they can compare results and learn whether waste is increasing or decreasing and which type is most common. This teaches scientific thinking while serving the community.
A clear protocol should guide the handling of reports. Not every report requires urgent response, but some reports may be serious: large fish kills, oil spills, sudden changes in water color or hazardous waste. Reports should therefore be classified by risk level, responsible authorities should be identified, and appropriate response times should be defined.
Results should be shared with the public in a simple format. Citizens who report environmental issues want to know what happened after their report. Monthly or quarterly summaries can show the number of reports, their types, the most frequently reported locations and the actions taken. Transparency builds trust and encourages continued participation.

Integration of the Five Axes: From Awareness Campaign to National Culture
The strength of this program lies not in each axis separately, but in the integration of all five. Public knowledge creates understanding. Schools and universities build an aware generation. Fishermen and local communities provide daily field experience and observation. Ports and navigation apply environmental responsibility in the heart of economic activity. Community monitoring turns citizens into partners in early warning.
When these axes work together, the blue economy becomes a daily practice. Students become more committed to clean beaches. Fishermen become more attentive to sustainable catch. Ports become more committed to waste management. Citizens become more aware of plastic risks. Researchers become more connected to community needs. Decision-makers gain a stronger basis for intervention through real data and observations.
The program should have a clear timeframe. It can begin with a pilot phase in a coastal or Nile governorate such as Alexandria, Damietta, Kafr El-Sheikh, Port Said or Aswan. Results can then be evaluated and tools improved before expanding to other areas. Success in one location can create a model for replication, especially if lessons learned, challenges and solutions are documented.
Success can be measured using simple indicators: the number of participants in awareness campaigns, the number of schools and universities involved, the amount of waste collected, the number of fishermen trained, the number of environmental reports received, the speed of response and the number of youth initiatives launched. These indicators make the program reviewable and credible for partners and supporters.
Ultimately, transforming the blue economy from concept to practice requires more than funding or laws. It requires a change in thinking. We need to move from treating water as a resource we simply use, to treating it as a living system we must protect. We need to move from waiting for solutions from one side to building shared responsibility among the state, society, the private sector, educational institutions, research bodies and maritime organizations.
The blue economy begins as an idea, but it succeeds only when it becomes behavior. It may start in articles and seminars, but it proves itself in schools, ports, fishing boats, streets and beaches. If we build this awareness, protecting the Nile, the sea and the lakes will no longer be a temporary campaign. It will become a continuing national culture that protects human health, supports fishermen’s livelihoods, strengthens Egypt’s maritime position and opens the door to a more sustainable future.

Conclusion: Water Is a Trust, Not Just a Resource
The blue economy in Egypt is not an intellectual luxury or a new slogan. It is a national necessity. It is connected to our food security, the health of our children, the livelihoods of fishermen, the future of ports, the attractiveness of tourism and the ability of the state to face climate change.
If we want sustainable fisheries, we must begin with water quality. If we want strong ports, we must make them environmentally responsible. If we want attractive beaches, we must prevent plastic from reaching them. If we want the Nile to remain a symbol of life, we must treat it as a trust, not as a drain for waste.
Protecting water begins with the state, but it cannot succeed without society. It begins with law, but it is completed by behavior. It begins with science, but it needs public awareness. This is why cooperation among scientific, development, maritime and community institutions is essential for spreading a new culture: a culture that sees the Nile, the sea and the lakes as foundations of life, not merely resources to be consumed.
The water that gave Egypt its history can also give it a more sustainable future. But that future will not be achieved unless we all understand that every clean drop of water, every safe fish and every beach free of waste is part of a real blue economy that protects people and nature together.

Suggested Data Sources for Review
•    FAO, The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024 (SOFIA 2024): reports that global fisheries and aquaculture production reached 223.2 million tonnes in 2022, and that aquaculture production of aquatic animals surpassed capture fisheries for the first time.
•    WorldFish, Egypt Country Profile: notes that Egypt is the leading aquaculture producer in Africa, that aquaculture accounts for about 80% of fish production in Egypt, and that the sector supports around 300,000 jobs.
•    USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Egyptian Aquaculture Industry Update 2025: reports that Egypt produces around two million tonnes of fish annually and that aquaculture accounts for about 80% of production.
•    UNEP/MAP, Pollution in the Mediterranean: estimates that about 730 tonnes of plastic waste enter the Mediterranean every day and that plastic represents approximately 95–100% of floating marine litter.
•    World Bank, Egypt Country Environmental Analysis: Promoting Circular Economy and Blue Economy for Environmental Sustainability: identifies the blue economy and sustainable coastal-zone management as priorities for environmental sustainability in Egypt.
 

Invasive alien species are becoming an increasing pressure on the Mediterranean Sea, the Nile River, and Egypt’s lakes, driven by maritime transport, aquaculture, and the aquarium trade, as well as by environmental changes such as rising water temperatures and shifting salinity. Their impacts are practical and immediate. Some alien fish, jellyfish, aquatic plants, and pests can spread rapidly, outcompete native species, damage fishing gear and infrastructure, disrupt food webs, and raise production costs for fishers and farmers  

This report traces the pathways through which these species move from the sea to the river to the lakes, and raises questions that Egyptian communities increasingly encounter in daily life: How did this begin? What has it done to the fishing sector—is it purely harmful, or can it sometimes become a resource? What role do local communities, fishers, and the state play? How does global warming make the environment more hospitable to biological invasions? Most importantly, how can we reduce the damage before this becomes the “new normal”?

What Do We Mean by “Invasive Alien Species,” and Why Does This Matter in Egypt Now?

Not every introduced species is “invasive” in the ecological sense. Under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), an invasive alien species is defined as an alien species whose introduction and/or spread threatens biodiversity. The risk here is not limited to the environment. Reports by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) indicate that more than 37,000 alien species have been recorded globally as a result of human activities, and that invasive alien species have severe impacts on nature, the economy, food security, and health, with annual economic costs exceeding USD 423 billion.

In Egypt, this global shift becomes a local issue because of the interconnectedness of our water systems, the intensity of their use, and our strategic location. Ports and shipping lanes create economic opportunities, but at the same time they open a constant pathway for living organisms to move through ballast water or by attaching themselves to ship hulls. Fish farms support food security, but they may also unintentionally become points of release if organisms escape or leak into surrounding waters. Even releasing ornamental fish into canals or drains may seem like a small act, yet in a warm and sheltered environment it can turn into a permanent presence that is difficult to eliminate.

How Biological Invasions Began and Spread in Egypt: Pathways, Vectors, and Decisions

The story of invasive species in Egypt is not a single story. It is a set of multiple entry pathways that have intersected over time—some unintentional, some linked to trade, and some shaped by infrastructure and environmental change.

The most famous of these pathways is the Suez Canal. Since its opening in 1869, the canal has enabled marine species to move between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, a phenomenon discussed in the scientific literature as Lessepsian migration. As sea temperatures rise, the influence of this pathway increases, because some warm-water species that once struggled to adapt to cooler average conditions are now finding circumstances closer to those of their native habitats.

Maritime transport is another constant and ongoing pressure. Decades ago, the International Maritime Organization warned that ballast water can transport harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens across oceans, and the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention was adopted to reduce this pathway. According to the organization’s official documents, Egypt acceded to the Convention on 18 May 2007. This matters because ballast water rules are not merely theoretical; when strictly enforced in ports, they are among the strongest preventive tools available.

The invasion of freshwater systems has a different history. Water hyacinth is a prominent example. A classic study of the Nile system documented that water hyacinth did not reach a stage of widespread infestation until environmental changes encouraged its growth and spread across river habitats. Later studies indicate that it was introduced into Egypt as an ornamental plant between 1879 and 1892, providing a clear example of how a seemingly decorative introduction can become a broad environmental and water-management burden.

In other cases, introduction was linked directly to production choices. The red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, is described in recent research as a highly invasive species that was introduced into Egypt’s freshwater systems during the 1980s for aquaculture purposes. Once established, it spread widely and became extremely difficult to contain.

Sometimes, however, “the beginning of the story” is not first captured by an official monitoring station, but by ordinary people. In Egypt’s Mediterranean waters, a scientific paper documented that social media posts revealed the first records of the invasive lionfish (Pterois miles) in Egypt, including an individual that was speared off Marsa Matrouh in 2018. This is not a minor detail. It is evidence of rapid spread, and of the fact that citizen observation has become a real component of early detection tools.

What has This Phenomenon Done to Egypt’s Fishing Sector? Mostly Disruption… but Sometimes Opportunity

For the fishing sector, and what the market is willing to accept. The article clearly points to tangible invasive species can be understood as a factor that changes the rules of the game: what is caught, where it is caught, at what cost, impacts such as damage to fishing gear, disruption of food webs, and increased costs for fishers.

The damage often begins as daily friction: lost time, extra effort, and damaged equipment. Along the Mediterranean coast, the nomad jellyfish (Rhopilema nomadica) is a clear example. A scientific paper examined its bloom on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, recorded massive numbers during the summer of 2015, and discussed the phenomenon in order to assess its effects on fisheries and tourism. When jellyfish clog nets and lengthen cleaning time, they reduce the efficiency of fishing trips and increase costs, while losses extend to beaches and coastal services.

In freshwater systems, invasive plants may weaken fisheries indirectly by degrading habitats and slowing water movement. Research on the Nile system confirms that water hyacinth spread once environmental conditions became favorable, and then expanded across multiple habitats. When dense floating mats form, oxygen levels may decline and nursery areas may change, while access to fishing grounds becomes more difficult and restricted.

At the same time, the picture is not entirely negative—and ignoring this complexity may lead to unrealistic policies. The red swamp crayfish illustrates this point. Egyptian studies indicate that after years of negative impacts following its introduction, it became a species of commercial importance. This shift from “source of harm” to “source of income” may lead some to view invasive species as an opportunity. But the trade-off remains: a species may be profitable while still harming biodiversity, outcompeting native species, and altering food webs in ways that reduce the ecosystem’s capacity to recover.

At the marine level, recent studies suggest that some Lessepsian species in the eastern Mediterranean, under conditions of climate change and declining biodiversity, may help maintain certain ecosystem functions and services, and may even provide benefits to fisheries under specific conditions. This does not mean that “invasive is good.” Rather, it means that management requires a realistic distinction between highly harmful species that must be contained, species that have already become established and must be managed, and species that have become economic resources and therefore require careful regulation rather than denial of their existence.

The Human Factor: The Role of Local Communities, Fishers, and Government

The report is built around a central idea: this phenomenon cannot be addressed by science or ministries alone. Awareness must be translated into everyday behavior, early reporting, and effective policy implementation.

For local communities, the most powerful role begins at home and in the neighborhood. Releasing ornamental fish or aquarium plants into canals and drains may seem like a “kind” act, but it is one of the known pathways of biological invasion. Many invasions begin in small, repeated, hard-to-track ways, then accumulate until they become a public cost affecting irrigation, fisheries, and environmental health. Once families understand that a single release may turn into a long-term burden, behavior changes naturally, because prevention becomes an act of self-protection and community protection.

For fishers, the role has two connected dimensions: limiting spread and strengthening early detection. Fishers and boat operators move through aquatic systems more than most people; this makes them among the first to be affected, but it also makes them the most capable of noticing change. The article emphasizes the importance of community reporting guidelines and the role of local authorities in early detection.

In practice, this means fostering a professional culture in which unusual catches or sudden “blooms” are documented with photographs, location, and timing, rather than dismissed as a temporary anomaly.

For government, the role is to make prevention and response possible at scale. Ports are not only economic gateways; they are biological gateways as well. The International Maritime Organization’s ballast water management framework shows that the risks of global transport can be reduced, but this depends on monitoring, inspection, compliance, and enforcement. Fisheries and aquaculture policies should also treat biosecurity as part of productivity, not as an “environmental luxury.” The story of the crayfish—which was introduced for aquaculture and then spread—shows what can happen when production objectives move ahead of containment measures.

Global Warming: The Accelerator That Makes Biological Invasions Harder to Manage

Egypt’s waters are already changing. Egypt’s marine and freshwater environments are becoming more vulnerable due to changes in water temperature and salinity, in addition to pressures from transport and trade.

Climate change acts as an accelerator on three overlapping levels.

First, rising sea temperatures are driving what the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) describes as the “tropicalization” of the Mediterranean. FAO also notes that many species move through shipping routes and the Suez Canal, either attached to ship hulls or carried in ballast water. As temperatures rise, the “cold barriers” that once limited the survival of some incoming species begin to weaken.

Second, warming interacts with the Suez Canal pathway itself. Scientific studies have examined how the canal established extensive biological exchange and how higher temperatures amplify the dynamics of Lessepsian migration.

Third, climate stress weakens the resistance of ecosystems. United Nations Environment Programme reports identify invasive alien species as one of the main direct drivers of biodiversity loss, and highlight climate change as part of a broader pressure context that makes systems more vulnerable to invasion. Put simply, when an environment is already strained by heat, pollution, and habitat degradation, invasive species find it easier to establish themselves, while native species find it harder to recover.

How Can the Damage Be Reduced? A Chain of Defenses, Not a Single Solution

It is important to state the reality plainly: there is no single blow that will end the problem. What works is a chain of defenses that begins before an invasive species arrives and continues after it becomes established. The article presents this chain as a set of practical solutions: monitoring, rapid response, biosecurity in ports and farms, community participation, and preventive behaviors that people can realistically adopt.

The chain begins with prevention, because the cheapest invasion is the one that never happens. At sea, this means treating ballast water and hull biofouling as biosecurity issues, not merely as paperwork requirements. The International Maritime Organization’s documents make clear that ballast water can transport harmful organisms, and that implementation of the BWM Convention is intended to reduce this transfer. The regulatory framework exists; the real question is how strong and consistent enforcement is in ports.

Next comes early detection and rapid response, because time determines the difference between an incident that can be contained and an invasion that becomes permanent. The article’s focus on community reporting is not simply a “nice addition”; it is one of the few tools that can be scaled across a long coastline and an extensive inland water network.

The story of lionfish documentation through social media shows that citizen monitoring is already happening. What is needed is a trusted channel that can transform public observations into scientific verification and then into practical action.

This chain also requires stronger biosecurity in aquaculture and in inland waterways. The crayfish case shows why containment matters: once a species becomes established, management shifts from prevention to long-term control, which is costly and rarely succeeds in complete eradication. Likewise, the history of water hyacinth in the Nile system shows that control cannot succeed through removal alone; the conditions that fuel explosive growth must also be addressed, such as slow water flow, high nutrient levels, and habitat disturbance.

Managing biological invasions also requires a degree of economic realism. Some alien species will become part of the market, whether we welcome that or not. According to Egyptian studies, the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) became commercially important after years of negative impact. The right response is not to ignore the market, but to regulate it: prevent the movement of organisms in ways that encourage their spread, establish safe transport and handling practices, and link commercial activity to environmental monitoring so that “profit” does not become an undeclared permit for expansion.

Finally, there must be climate-smart planning. Warming makes invasion easier, so invasive species management should be treated as part of climate adaptation, not as a separate file. FAO’s description of a Mediterranean moving toward tropicalization is a warning that today’s maps are not the baseline for the near future. This means that monitoring priorities will change, risk maps will need updating, and coordination among fisheries, irrigation, scientific research, and local communities must become faster and more integrated.

Conclusion: Awareness Is Not the End of the Road, but the Beginning of Coordination

Invasive species are often discussed in technical language, but their effects in Egypt are practical: damaged nets, blocked canals, altered fisheries, new risks, and rising costs. As the article makes clear, the reason this issue deserves broad public attention is that the solutions also depend on community behavior, early reporting, and the implementation of realistic policies on the ground.

Egypt’s waters are resilient, but they are not limitless. As climate change accelerates and pathways of introduction remain open, the question will no longer be whether new species will arrive. The real question is whether we can detect them early, contain them intelligently, and reduce their damage through shared responsibility. When local communities prevent random releases, when fishers act as early-warning partners instead of being left as isolated victims, and when the state strengthens monitoring and rapid response, the threat of invasive alien species becomes a managed risk rather than an inevitable fate.

Gardening isn’t about sight — it’s about touch, scent, curiosity, and patience.  
Persons with Visual Disabilities can plant, water, and harvest using sensory-friendly tools and simple routines. 
When rooftops turn green and accessible, we don’t only grow plants, we grow confidence, independence, and joy.

How does rooftop gardening foster inclusion?  
Community agriculture doesn't just offer valuable resources at affordable prices; it also interconnects society and allows people from all backgrounds to share valuable experiences

Growing green above the city!
Persons with Visual Disabilities can support environmental sustainability. 
Rooftop gardening helps cool buildings, clean air, and bring nature back to cities and support sustainable living.

Does cash grow on trees? 
Here it does, with rooftop planting, income can be generated through selling the products of your rooftop garden. 
This gives an unbeatable opportunity for economic independence. 

The latest reports from the United Nations Environment Programme (2023) indicate that the Mediterranean has become one of the world's most plastic-polluted seas, with approximately 570,000 pieces of floating plastic per square kilometer. Even more worrying is that Egypt contributes about 0.5 million tons of plastic waste annually, according to World Bank studies, much of which finds its way into the sea through drains and storm sewers.

The data in Figure (1) shows that water and beverage containers account for the largest proportion of plastic waste on Alexandria's beaches at 48%, followed by plastic bags and wrappers at 22%, and single-use plastic items at 15%. These percentages reflect citizens' daily consumption patterns and confirm that solutions must focus on finding alternatives to these single-use products. The results also indicate that awareness campaigns should specifically target reducing the consumption of plastic containers and bags, which together account for 70% of total plastic waste in the region.

Diagnosing reality: Plastic's journey from human hands to the depths of the sea

Let's take a look at the life cycle of plastic in our city. The journey begins in the hands of the consumer: a water bottle thrown from a car window, a plastic bag carried by the wind, plastic debris left on the beach. These residues are carried by the north wind and rainfall to small tributaries that flow into Lake Mariout, then into the Mediterranean Sea. The problem is not limited to the unsightly appearance of floating waste, but extends to the transformation of plastic into a hidden enemy. Plastic breaks down under the action of ultraviolet rays and waves into tiny particles known as “microplastics” — particles smaller than a grain of fish that are eaten by fish. These particles have become an integral part of the food chain, found in sardines caught in the waters of Alexandria, in the shrimp we buy at the market, and even in sea salt extracted from our coasts. Scientific studies estimate that humans consume the equivalent of a plastic credit card (about 5 grams) annually without knowing it.

Triple impact: when plastic threatens our environment, our health, and our economy
The damage here is complex and intertwined from an environmental perspective, with more than 100,000 marine animals dying each year due to plastic, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. In the Mediterranean Sea specifically, research by the Polytechnic University of Catalonia has shown that 70% of sea turtles have plastic debris in their intestines. In terms of health, toxic substances from plastic are transferred to fish tissue and then to the human body. These dangerous chemicals accumulate in the liver and kidneys and can negatively affect the endocrine and immune systems. Burning plastic waste in unregulated landfills also releases toxic gases that increase rates of asthma and respiratory diseases among coastal populations. Economically, polluted seas do not attract tourists, and nets full of waste do not provide a livelihood for fishermen. The economic losses to the tourism and fishing sectors in Mediterranean countries due to marine pollution are estimated at more than $700 million annually, negatively affecting the economies of these countries and the standard of living of their citizens.

Alexandria: Why is it qualified to lead change?

Alexandria is a unique model qualified to lead environmental change in Egypt for several reasons, including the availability of advanced scientific and research infrastructure, which includes the prestigious Alexandria University, the Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, and other specialized research centers. It also has significant economic importance, contributing about 15% of Egypt's urban waste, making it an ideal arena for experimentation and practical application. Not to mention the city's historical and cultural significance, as its cultural and tourist heritage is a strong incentive for environmental conservation. This unique diversity of factors makes it the ideal location to start a real environmental revolution that can later be replicated in other governorates across the country.
Vision for transformation: An integrated four-pronged strategy
In terms of smart policies and supportive legislation, Alexandria could start by issuing a local ordinance to reduce single-use plastics, beginning with a ban on plastic bags in supermarkets, then gradually expanding to include all types of non-recyclable plastics. Environmental fees could also be imposed on plastic-producing companies, which could be used to finance recycling projects. Tax incentives should be offered to factories that produce environmentally friendly alternatives, encouraging the private sector to shift towards a green economy.

In the circular economy, which turns waste into wealth, a “purchase for waste” model can be implemented, whereby citizens can hand in a kilogram of plastic in exchange for mobile phone credit or a discount on their electricity bill. This system has proven successful in many developing countries. Collection and sorting centers can also be set up in every neighborhood, providing green jobs for young people in collection, sorting, and processing. It is important to encourage start-ups in the field of recycling and environmental innovation through business incubators and small business financing.

Figure (2) shows a comparison of recycling rates in a number of Mediterranean countries: Spain, Greece, Tunisia, Egypt, and Lebanon. The graph shows that Spain tops the list with a recycling rate of around 40%, followed by Greece with 30% and Tunisia with 25%, while the rate drops significantly in Egypt (12%) and Lebanon (10%).
These figures indicate a clear gap in the implementation of waste management and recycling policies between European countries and southern Mediterranean countries, reflecting the urgent need to develop recycling infrastructure in Egypt and the region in general. Increasing recycling rates not only protects the environment, but also contributes to creating new job opportunities and reducing pressure on natural resources, making investment in this area a strategic step towards a circular and sustainable economy.

In the field of scientific research and technological innovation, a marine waste observatory could be established at Alexandria University, using satellites and drones to detect pollution spots and track their movement. An advanced electronic application could also be developed to allow citizens to report waste accumulation sites, with a rapid response system to deal with these reports. It is necessary to support innovative student projects to convert used plastic into building materials, textile fibers, and other useful materials.
In the area of community participation and local empowerment, civil society organizations such as Alexandria Breathes and Beach Guardians can be supervised in awareness and cleanup programs, with the necessary support provided. There should also be a focus on the role of women in behavioral change and household waste sorting through dedicated awareness programs. Intensive awareness campaigns must be launched in schools and universities, such as the “Alexandria Without Bags” and “My Bottle with Me” campaigns, to create a new environmentally conscious generation.
Lessons learned from around the world: successes we can build on
Among inspiring international experiences in this area, Rwanda became the cleanest capital city in Africa after banning plastic in 2008, strictly enforcing the ban and imposing deterrent penalties on violators. In Greece and Spain, plastic bag consumption was reduced by 80% in just two years through the imposition of carefully considered environmental fees. South Korea is a leading example of waste management, having established a sophisticated sorting system using numbered transparent bags, which has facilitated tracking and monitoring. These models prove that solutions are possible and can be adapted to the local conditions in Alexandria.

Citizens: The Cornerstone of Change

It is important to recognize that no environmental plan can succeed without citizen awareness and active participation. Simple but sustainable awareness campaigns can radically change behaviors, and involving students in beach clean-up activities creates a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens. Establishing a national beach cleanup day involving thousands of volunteers can transform environmental work from a seasonal activity into an established community culture. Training programs for volunteers on sorting and recycling methods can also be developed, turning environmental work into an opportunity for skill building.
Figure (3) illustrates the relationship between the level of public awareness and plastic pollution rates, showing that as environmental awareness among individuals increases, the proportion of plastic waste in the environment decreases. This indicates that awareness campaigns and community initiatives play a pivotal role in reducing plastic use and promoting sustainable behaviors.



Conclusion: Towards a New Blue Decade

Alexandria has all the necessary ingredients to lead a real environmental transformation in Egypt. Community awareness is growing, scientific tools are available, and international support is there. The sea that has embraced the city throughout the ages deserves our gratitude. As Egyptian scientist Dr. Mostafa Morad says: “The sea is a living being that deserves respect... Give it cleanliness, and it will give you life.” This is not just a passing environmental initiative, but an investment in our future and that of generations to come. It is our historic opportunity to make Alexandria a regional model to be emulated and send a clear message to the world that Egypt is serious about protecting its natural and cultural heritage. Let us make Alexandria the first Egyptian city to declare to the world: “Goodbye to plastic... and welcome to a green future.”

 

A picture on the negative effect of not sorting household wastes.

Many households throw all their waste into a single bin. This creates a major problem: up to (60–80%) of that waste could be recycled or reused but instead, it ends up in landfills where it harms the environment. Mixed garbage contaminates recyclables, making it harder to recover materials. Hazardous waste like used cooking oil and batteries can also leak toxins into soil and water, affecting ecosystems and human health.

The solution starts at home.

Simple daily habits can make a big difference:

- Separate food waste from dry waste—this keeps recyclable items like plastic, metal, and glass clean

- Reduce plastic bag use by switching to reusable bags, and repurpose items.

By taking responsibility for our household waste, we can reduce landfill pollution, protect the environment, and save money.

These small actions create cleaner homes and teach valuable habits to the next generation.

Join the #DoubleBin_Challenge

Take a photo of two separate bins in your kitchen and share it with your friends. Teach your kids to join in too!

A picture stating that a clean school means a better learning environment.

Waste generation in schools is a growing concern, especially through food packaging, paper waste, and single-use plastics. Waste per school could exceed 10–20 kg per day, depending on school size and taking into consideration the estimates of waste generation per capita per day.  Much of this waste—like bottles, wrappers, and leftover food—is often discarded improperly, ending up on the ground or in mixed bins. 

The trash you throw away today may return as polluted water, blocked drains, or unsafe food grown in contaminated soil. Protecting our environment means protecting ourselves.

What students can do:

• Use sorting trash bins—especially for recyclables like plastic, paper, and cans. Keep food waste separate to reduce contamination.

• Clean your schoolyard: When each class cleans just one area regularly, the whole campus becomes cleaner and more pleasant.

• Reduce and reuse: Bring reusable bottles and lunch containers. Turn old materials into art, crafts, or classroom supplies.

• Team up and take action—together it’s easier to make a difference.

A picture that states the green future starts from your company.

Did you know that up to 50%  of industrial waste could potentially be reused or recycled? Yet in many cases, this valuable waste is simply discarded without proper sorting—contributing to overflowing landfills, polluted waterways, and harmful air emissions. While precise figures on industrial waste are limited, reports indicate that improper disposal of industrial wastes continue to be a major source of environmental degradation, especially through illegal dumping and untreated effluent entering water bodies. But there is a solution—and it starts with responsible action at the workplace. 

Businesses can take the lead by:

• Setting up clearly labeled bins for separating recyclable and non-recyclable materials,

• Partnering with licensed recycling and waste management firms, and

• Training staff on environmentally sound disposal practices.

Join the #MyGreenBusiness_Challenge : Photograph your company’s waste-sorting station and share your inspiring efforts with your audience. Show that your workplace is part of the solution—not the problem.

A picture stating that disposing of wastes in the Nile has negative effects on the health of people.

The Nile is not a trash bin—let’s protect it together! It is the lifeline of over 100 million Egyptians, supplying nearly 95% of the country’s drinking water. Every time we toss a plastic bottle, bag, or piece of trash into the river, we pollute the very source of life. Recent studies show alarming signs:

• 75% of fish  sampled from the Nile contain microplastics in their systems.

• The Nile is one of the top 10 rivers in the world  contributing to plastic pollution in oceans 

Though exact figures vary, there is strong evidence that waste from homes, businesses, and boats makes up a large share of river pollution. This endangers not just aquatic life, but also public health, especially in communities that rely on the Nile every day. 

What can you do?

• Never throw trash into the river or along its banks

• Avoid plastic when possible—use reusable bags, bottles, and containers

• Join a clean-up effort

Take the #CleanNile_Challenge

Take a photo of a clean section of the Nile—or better yet, of your cleanup in action. Post it and inspire others.

The book consists of three policy papers and six policy briefs. The three policy papers dealt with three topics, ‘Good Governance and Anti-Corruption in Egypt: Situation Analysis and Action Programme’, “The Blue Economy between Efficiency and Sustainability in the Egyptian State”, and “The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Shaping the Future Labour Market between Innovation and Modularity”.

    As for the six policy briefs, they addressed the following topics:

• Localisation of Industries in Egypt: Challenges and Opportunities
• Pre-University Education Policies in Egypt
• Mechanisms to Enhance Egypt's Political Soft Power
• Mechanisms to empower local units to minimise the phenomenon of citizen alienation: A Proposed Vision for the New Localities Law in the Arab Republic of Egypt
• Youth and Development in Egypt: Prospects and Challenges
• Innovation as a Pillar of the Green Economy: Analysing Egypt's position in the Global Innovation Index 2024

In the end, we hope that this book represents a positive addition to the scientific and public dialogue in Egypt on public policy issues. We believe that this addition stems from four considerations that guided the authors in the preparation and planning of this book:

First: the scientific effort included in this book encompasses more than one discipline in the field of social sciences. The policy papers and policy briefs were written by professors, researchers, and experts from various fields and sciences, including economics, public administration, politics, and social computing. This diversity is a reflection of the interdisciplinary nature of the public policy field and the fact that understanding public policy requires the combined efforts of researchers from these fields.

Second: The scientific effort contained in this book also includes a synergy between researchers and professors working in universities on the one hand and researchers working in ministries on the other hand, because the evaluation of any public policy should not be limited to the theoretical aspect or the consistency of its elements and components, but rather the most important test of any public policy is in its application.

Third: The policy papers and policy briefs focus on political, administrative and economic topics related to the state administrative apparatus, the blue economy, artificial intelligence, Egyptian political soft power, localisation of industry in Egypt, and innovation, all of which are modern and important topics that have links to the development process, which is a political, economic and administrative process.

Fourth: Unlike many research and studies that focus on academic and theoretical aspects, most of the policy papers and policy briefs in this book shed light on some societal issues and problems, by diagnosing situations and discussing different alternatives to solve these issues, enabling decision makers to benefit from these alternatives on the one hand, and benefiting researchers in how to prepare policy papers and knowing the difference between them and academic research, on the other hand.

This dictionary was published in collaboration with the National Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development with the aim of spreading awareness on the principles of governance, as well as the correct definition of related terminologies. The dictionary consists of 3 languages; Arabic, English & French, so it can be used by all African countries.

The booklets are written in the form of short stories with two main characters “Omneia”, and “Salah”. Then, an action plan is stated to allow children to apply what they learned through the story in a practical way, and on a small scope. Finally, the last page of each booklet is dedicated to scientifically explain the sustainable development goal that the booklet tackles in order to introduce the children to the scientific information about each goal of sustainable development.

These papers come as a continuation of a series of activities held by the Hanns Seidel Foundation in the various Egyptian governorates over the years within the framework of an integrated program to raise societal awareness about the concept and applications of decentralization to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.

The lives of persons with disabilities are linked to societal culture, which constitutes a fundamental pillar in dealing with their issues. The prevailing societal and cultural view from the last century that they are unable and cannot live and work independently is a major reason for their marginalization and the decline of their human rights compared to other citizens in many societies.

With the growth of movements of human rights organizations, the United Nations issued at the end of 2006 the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and confirmed that disability is due to the barriers and challenges facing individuals with disabilities within society, and is not only any form of physical, sensory, mental or psychological deficiency.

The negative perspective towards people with disabilities needs effective steps to change it by activating the law to create the environment and provide different means of access for them, and spread awareness of the way to deal with them, which helps to establish the concept of respect for difference and the human entity first.

Awareness of the basics of etiquette for dealing with persons with disabilities, which means respectful communication and interaction with them, makes them feel more comfortable when dealing with others, and can help prevent embarrassing situations, and can also lead to expanding opportunities for integration and work in addition to helping institutions to perform their roles towards Persons with disabilities who work with or deal with it more effectively.

The chapters covered by Dr. El-Sheikh start with an introduction on decentralization from theory to practice then proceed to local democratic systems covering the political and legal context of the Egyptian local system. Dr. El-Sheikh also presented requirements for the reform of the local system through decentralization as well as a review of the Egyptian experience in civic education.

Dr. Kalina wrote an introduction to the process of transformation into decentralization followed by a review of the federal system and local governance in Germany as well as the municipal administration and modernization trends.

The valuable contribution of both authors was concluded with recommendations and an overview of lessons learned from the German experience.

Hanns Seidel Foundation together with the State Information Service agreed to publish this book in cooperation with experts from Takamol Foundation for Sustainable Development, based on their long national and international experience on participatory development.

This book is a manual presenting guidelines for participatory development within its 3 chapters, which include a theoretical background on the participatory development approach covering Egyptian policies and laws, then it presents an executive framework and practical methods for participatory development, focusing on local initiatives as a tool and finally concluded with a chapter describing local initiatives with practical steps as implementing guidelines giving examples of local initiatives implemented by the Nile Centers. It is published as a reference manual for those working on local initiatives with the hope that it would contribute to the achievement of real participation in the sustainable development process in Egypt.