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Al-Ahram Weekly
21-06-2025
- Science
- Al-Ahram Weekly
United action for blue sustainability - Features - Al-Ahram Weekly
The Third United Nations Ocean Conference held in the French coastal city of Nice last week highlighted the environmental and other threats facing the world's seas and oceans. The azure waters of the Mediterranean like other seas and oceans worldwide have become a battleground for one of the 21st century's most pressing environmental fights. At the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), held from 9 to 13 June in Nice in France, over 190 nations came together to safeguard the world's seas and oceans, including the Mediterranean, in the face of threats from climate change, pollution, and overexploitation. Events in Alexandria last month served as a living example of how warming seas and weather volatility are converging to cause damage to vulnerable Mediterranean coastlines. On the night of 31 May, the city experienced an unseasonally severe spring storm marked by heavy hail, strong winds, and widespread flooding, all of which led to the declaration of a state of emergency. The Egyptian coastal city is one of the most exposed in the world to the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and more frequent storms and extreme weather events. Studies indicate that rising sea surface temperatures in the Mediterranean fuel more intense storms. Warmer waters also give off more energy and moisture, intensifying storm formation. As the Alexandria storm shows, along with many other similar events across the world, extreme weather events can overwhelm urban drainage and infrastructure leading to potentially catastrophic consequences. The world's seas are facing threats on multiple fronts from plastic pollution to climate change, and according to the Union for the Mediterranean (UFM), the Mediterranean faces unprecedented challenges that threaten its ecosystems, economies, and communities. The Mediterranean generates more than $450 billion annually and is a vital resource for 510 million people in 22 countries. It is also warming at a rate 20 per cent faster than the global average and is threatened by pollution and overexploitation of resources. Experts predict that areas around the Mediterranean are expected to be uninhabitable in the next 25 years. Protecting and restoring marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean and other regions is not optional. It has become essential in the fight to reduce risk, safeguard communities, and build climate-resilient coastal zones, especially for a vulnerable Mediterranean region which hosts about 30 per cent of the world's economic activities. The high-level international gathering at this year's UNOC3 brought together government delegations, global financial institutions, NGOs, academic researchers, civil society, and private sector representatives to address the escalating challenges facing the world's oceans. The Mediterranean was the subject of a special focus with the organisation of a Mediterranean Day event that discussed reinforcing regional identity and cooperation across the Mediterranean Basin, integrating science, policy, and innovation to build resilient marine ecosystems, and most importantly promoting sustainable blue economy practices. 'There are three billion people around the world that depend on the marine ecosystem for their livelihood, for food, jobs, energy and more,' said Dubravka Šuica, European commissioner for the Mediterranean, during the UNOC3. Achieving peace and security in the Mediterranean region is necessary in order to build climate resilience and sustainable development in a period of geopolitical uncertainties, Šuica stated, adding that the European Union is preparing a new pact for the Mediterranean to encourage cooperation on issues such as renewable energy and hydrogen, security, and the green and blue economies. IMPORTANCE: The world's oceans cover 70 per cent of the planet's surface and regulate weather patterns, harbour rich biodiversity, and enable global trade. The Mediterranean, home to over 510 million people, is now warming faster than the global average, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This 'climate hotspot' faces worsening floods, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. 'The Mediterranean is impacted directly by the effects of climate change, as it is heating up by over 20 per cent more than the rest of the world. Natural disasters are becoming more frequent,' said France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot. Egypt, which borders the Eastern Mediterranean, is already feeling the effects of this, and from rising sea levels in Alexandria to saltwater intrusion in the Nile Delta, coastal communities are under siege. The devastation caused by the recent storms in Alexandria served as a sombre example of what could take place elsewhere in the Mediterranean region throughout the conference. Warming sea temperatures in the Mediterranean are fuelling more powerful storms, and what was once deemed a 'natural disaster' is increasingly being understood as the consequence of weakened natural buffers and degraded marine ecosystems. 'As the Alexandria incident shows, extreme weather overwhelms urban drainage and hard infrastructure. Healthy marine habitats like seagrass meadows offer a lost line of defence,' noted a UNOC3 report. Without intervention, such vulnerabilities could spiral into a dangerous feedback loop, with ecosystem degradation releasing carbon, weakening coastal resilience, and inviting further destruction. For Mediterranean nations like Egypt grappling with both economic fragility and mounting climate threats, the message from the UNOC3 was clear: the future of the sea is closely linked to the future of the people living around it. Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad delivered Egypt's national statement at the UNOC3, describing the conference as a crucial global platform to rally collective efforts towards the preservation of natural resources, a cornerstone for sustaining life on Earth for present and future generations. She stressed that events in 2025 had starkly illustrated the interconnected nature of today's environmental threats. 'From rising sea levels and coral bleaching to intensifying extreme weather events and increased climate-driven migration, the global community must confront these compounding risks head-on,' Fouad stated, adding that plastic pollution, particularly in marine ecosystems, is also an escalating and urgent issue. Reaffirming Egypt's commitment to multilateral cooperation on environmental protection, Fouad outlined a range of national initiatives aimed at enhancing marine resilience and climate adaptation, including the construction of over 70 km of nature-based coastal infrastructure across five governorates, a comprehensive national climate adaptation plan developed with wide stakeholder involvement, and the rehabilitation of Egypt's northern lakes to improve livelihoods for fishing communities. Other notable efforts include the greening of strategic maritime hubs such as the ports of Damietta and Port Said, as well as key areas of the Suez Canal, alongside a seasonal ban on fishing in the Red Sea to support ecological recovery. Egypt thus took centre stage at the UNOC3 not just as a nation at risk but also as a potential regional leader in the blue transition. Nasser Kamel, secretary-general of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), emphasised that 'sustainable development is key to unlocking economic growth potential' and praised Egypt's initiative to explore artificial coral nurseries as part of marine ecosystem restoration. Marine ecosystems are frontline allies in climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, he said. Kamel praised the region's sustainable blue economy community as a global inspiration and the UfM's pioneering role in fostering political and technical dialogue. 'In the face of geopolitical unrest, the sustainable blue economy unites us despite differences,' Kamel said. 'We remain committed to leveraging our platform for 43 UfM member states and stakeholders to mobilise investment and promote sustainable, equitable development.' THE MEDITERRANEAN: Covering one per cent of the world's ocean area but hosting over 18 per cent of its marine biodiversity, the Mediterranean Sea is vital to the region. It supports the livelihoods of some 510 million people across 22 countries and generates more than $450 billion annually in revenues. Yet, it is now under severe pressure from pollution, overfishing, unsustainable tourism, and climate change. Alessandra Sensi, head of the environment and green and blue economy sector at the UfM, said that the Mediterranean region is the most affected in the world by climate change, making action to fight its effects more necessary than ever. However, despite such challenges, the region is becoming ever more united to face them, providing human, technical and financial resources to find solutions according to local priorities, she added. 'The UFM helps fundraise and attract investment from different donors to help implement the priorities which are chosen together by the members of the UFM,' she said, adding that the organisation is working to make sure that the Southern Mediterranean countries have access to more funding and opportunities for investment through an integrated approach, along with projects related to preserving ecosystems and developing a sustainable blue economy including marine litter, marine protected areas, and other initiatives such as the Blue Mediterranean Partnership (BMP), a funding mechanism born at the UN COP27 Climate Change Conference held in Egypt in 2022. The BMP was highlighted at the UFM's Mediterranean Day event at the UNOC3, and with support from donors such as the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Agence francaise de developpement (AFD), the German bank KfW, the Italian Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), and Spain, it aims to mobilise over €1 billion for sustainable marine projects in Southern Mediterranean countries. It targets investments in wastewater treatment, waste management, renewables and sustainable aquaculture, aiming to reduce pollution and promote sustainability. Among its inaugural initiatives is a wastewater treatment project in Alexandria backed by €2 million in technical assistance. Spain formally signed an €8.5 million contribution to the BMP at the conference. In addition to the wastewater facility in Alexandria, the Fund is also supporting Morocco's first offshore wind farm and coral ecosystem restoration in Jordan. 'The early-stage support [that the fund supplies] is crucial,' said Andrea Tinagli, principal advisor at the EIB. 'Technical assistance helps projects become bankable and attract larger future investments.' The signing occurred at a UfM-led event on 'Charting the Path towards the Sustainable Blue Economy: the Mediterranean leading the Way' held on the UNOC3 Mediterranean Day. It highlighted the region's role in advancing the use of sustainable marine resources to promote socioeconomic development. Sara Aagesen, Spain's minister for the ecological transition, said during the UNOC3's Mediterranean Day event that the Mediterranean is a hub of biodiversity and provides livelihoods for millions of people. It needs collaborative work to ensure the urgent protection of its marine ecosystem and in turn to ensure food security, she said, adding that 'we live at a critical moment, demanding a serious plan to safeguard current and future generations.' Since the 2015 UfM Ministerial Declaration on the Sustainable Blue Economy (SBE) and its 2021 follow-up, more than €500 million has been mobilised for over 250 regional projects. Launched at the COP27 in Egypt and reinforced at the COP28 in Dubai, the BMP fosters early-stage support to attract private-sector investment in fully bankable projects, explained Camilla Otto, director of donor co-financing at the EBRD. She highlighted the BMP's role in creating enabling environments through strategy, policy, and regulatory framework development. 'The cost of inaction will be far greater than the cost of investment,' she said. 'Blue finance helps ensure marine projects are not just dreams, but deliverables.' Adoni Herrera-Martinez, EBRD's director of environment and sustainability, stressed the importance of policy and regulatory reforms to accelerate nature-based solutions and boost sustainable blue economy investment. 'The BMP connects all stakeholders to realise a sustainable blue economy,' said Ewa Manik, associate director at the EBRD. 'It reduces risk and cost through technical assistance and capacity building.' Delilah Al Khudhairy, director of Maritime Policy and Blue Economy at the European Commission, said that 'the Mediterranean Sea is setting the path for the sustainable blue economy, and we need to unlock the financial support needed,' adding that the BMP strengthened ties with the EU's Southern Neighbourhood Countries. With the Mediterranean's blue economy projected to double its €1.5 trillion value by 2030, balancing development and conservation is a central challenge. But tourism, maritime transport, and fisheries, all pillars of this economy, face immense pressure. CLIMATE POLICY: Two key scientific reports from the Mediterranean Experts on Climate and Environmental Change (MedECC) pointed to this urgency. The first explored coastal risks, highlighting the fact that one third of the Mediterranean's population lives near the sea and faces direct threats from rising waters and storms. The second focused on the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus, warning that water demand could double or triple by 2050 in the region. Loïc Fauchon, president of the World Water Council (WWC), noted the potential of desalination in producing more fresh water. 'The cost of this has dropped significantly from $20 to just 30 cents per cubic metre. This is a game-changer for water-scarce nations like Egypt,' he said. 'We should not separate land and sea when we talk about action for the marine ecosystem in the Mediterranean region. We need to have water for agriculture. The demographics of the region need to be taken into consideration while the region is impacted by touristic and demographic pressure,' Fauchon stated. Among the most significant developments at the UNOC3 was the near ratification of the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) that would establish legal authority to create marine protected areas in international waters. With over 55 countries already on board and just five short of the 60 needed, the treaty is expected to enter into force by early 2026. Other major outcomes included a political declaration, the 'Nice Ocean Action Plan,' outlining commitments on fisheries, pollution, and sustainable finance. As Egypt positions itself at the nexus of regional marine action, the message from the Nice Conference was clear: the cost of inaction would be far too high for the future of the world's seas and oceans. 'The sustainable blue economy unites us despite our differences,' said UfM Secretary-General Nasser Kamel. 'Now is the time to act, not only for the sea, but also for the people who depend on it.' Fouad closed her speech to the conference with a clarion call. 'The Mediterranean Sea unites us. It is our shared responsibility to pursue ambitious and practical actions to safeguard our water resources and marine ecosystems,' she said. * A version of this article appears in print in the 19 June, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Kuwait Times
11-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Forum focuses on energy, climate
KUWAIT: Kuwait is set to host the Fifth Business Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean (UFM) on Energy and Climate on Monday, as part of the 'Kuwait Sustainable Energy Week.' The high-level gathering will bring together representatives from over 13 Arab and European countries, reflecting growing momentum in regional cooperation on sustainable energy and climate action. Organized in collaboration with Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and the Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE), the forum aims to foster dialogue among stakeholders from the Arab Gulf and Mediterranean regions. Discussions will center on energy transition, climate resilience, and the promotion of sustainable investment and innovation. Speaking to KUNA ahead of the event, Hatem Aznak, Climate and Energy Projects Analyst at the UFM, described Kuwait's hosting of the forum as a significant milestone for the Union's outreach. 'This marks the first UFM initiative held outside the Euro-Mediterranean region, representing a step forward in broadening our engagement and supporting regional ambitions in sustainability,' he said. This year's edition will also feature a dedicated youth engagement event—an initiative designed to amplify the voices of young leaders in shaping energy and climate solutions. The Union emphasized its commitment to empowering youth and women across the region, recognizing their role as key drivers of change and innovation. The forum is expected to draw strong participation from the private sector, particularly firms with joint interests spanning Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Gulf. Organizers anticipate that the event will catalyze new avenues for regional cooperation and investment in clean energy, positioning the Mediterranean as a strategic hub for sustainable business and climate innovation. Highlighting Kuwait's strategic role in fostering regional dialogue, Aznak extended appreciation to the country's leadership and institutions for their support. 'Kuwait offers an ideal platform to build bridges between the Arab Gulf, the Mediterranean, and Europe in advancing shared climate and energy goals,' he noted. In addition to plenary sessions and expert panels, the forum will feature the Kuwait International Exhibition, alongside workshops focused on climate adaptation, green financing, and the development of sustainable energy markets. The program is designed to support knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and the scaling of renewable energy technologies across borders. The previous edition of the forum was held in Cairo, Egypt, in October. The Union for the Mediterranean, an intergovernmental organization comprising European Union member states and 15 countries from the southern and eastern Mediterranean, aims to strengthen regional cooperation, inclusive development, and stability across the Euro-Mediterranean basin. - KUNA
The Hindu
03-05-2025
- The Hindu
NEET-UG mock drills underway across centres ahead of May 4 entrance exam
Mock drills were conducted at all NEET-UG centres on Saturday (May 3, 2025) to ensure smooth conduct of the nationwide medical entrance, according to an official source. The crucial exam is scheduled for May 4 at 5,453 centres in over 500 cities across the country. This year, over 22.7 lakh candidates have registered for the exam. Three-tier monitoring on exam day "There will be three layers of monitoring on the exam day – at the District, State, and Centre levels," a Ministry of Education (MoE) source said. Most of the centres this year are located in government and government-aided schools, colleges, universities, and institutions. "To ensure smooth and secure conduct of the exam, mock drills are being conducted at all centres. These drills will help test readiness in terms of functionality of mobile signal jammers; availability of adequate manpower for frisking; and biometric authentication procedures," the source said. The Ministry has said that candidates found indulging in unfair means – before, during, or after the examination – will be booked under Unfair Means (UFM) and penalised accordingly. "The penalties include debarment of up to three years from appearing in NTA exams (based on severity) and criminal and/or legal action under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024," said the person. The strict measures come a year after alleged irregularities including paper-leak were flagged in NEET which put the integrity of the exam under scanner.
India Today
03-05-2025
- India Today
NEET UG 2025 on May 4: Mock drills, security checks and new exam law in force
The NEET UG 2025 exam is just around the corner, scheduled for May 4, and the National Testing Agency (NTA) is pulling out all stops to ensure the test runs smoothly across the country. With over 22.7 lakh students registered this year, the exam will be held in 5453 centres across 500+ cities last year's paper leak incident, the focus is not just on smooth conduct this year but also on tight security. Candidates have been warned: any use of unfair means before, during, or after the exam will attract strict action, including up to 3 years' debarment from NTA exams under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, exam centres have been set up in government and government-aided schools, colleges, and institutions to ensure better infrastructure and NTA has also kept in mind the scorching summer temperatures since the exam is being held in the afternoon session, and has asked authorities to make sure all centres are equipped with basic facilities like drinking water, uninterrupted electricity, portable toilets (if needed), and emergency health services like first aid and DRILLS ON MAY 3 TO TEST SYSTEM READINESS As per government sources, the NTA will conduct mock drills on May 3 at all NEET UG centres, ahead of the big day. These drills are being done to test the readiness of every drills will check the functionality of mobile signal jammers, the availability of trained staff for frisking, and whether biometric authentication procedures are fully in is to prevent any last-minute chaos or security LEVELS OF MONITORING ACROSS THE COUNTRYTo ensure tight security, the exam will be monitored at three levels -- District, State, and layered monitoring system is expected to help curb irregularities and maintain transparency across UFM LAW: UP TO 3 YEARS DEBARMENTThe NTA has made it clear that there will be zero tolerance towards any unfair means before, during, or after the exam. Candidates caught cheating or engaging in malpractice will be booked under Unfair Means (U.F.M.) per the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, violators may face:Debarment from all NTA exams for up to three years, depending on the severityCriminal and/or legal action under the new lawCandidates are strongly advised not to risk their academic future by indulging in any such acts.
Hindustan Times
03-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
NEET-UG mock drills conducted at centres ahead of May 4 exam
Mock drills were conducted at all NEET-UG centres on Saturday to ensure smooth conduct of the nationwide medical entrance, according to an official source. The crucial exam is scheduled for May 4 at 5,453 centres in over 500 cities across the country. This year, over 22.7 lakh candidates have registered for the exam. "There will be three layers of monitoring on the exam day – at the District, State, and Centre levels," a Ministry of Education (MoE) source said. Most of the centres this year are located in government and government-aided schools, colleges, universities, and institutions. "To ensure smooth and secure conduct of the exam, mock drills are being conducted at all centres. These drills will help test readiness in terms of functionality of mobile signal jammers; availability of adequate manpower for frisking; and biometric authentication procedures," the source said. The ministry has said that candidates found indulging in unfair means – before, during, or after the examination – will be booked under Unfair Means (UFM) and penalised accordingly. "The penalties include debarment of up to three years from appearing in NTA exams (based on severity) and criminal and/or legal action under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024," said the person. The strict measures come a year after alleged irregularities including paper-leak were flagged in NEET which put the integrity of the exam under scanner.
