Egypt is hosting the 98th Bureau meeting of the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean in Alexandria to develop a joint vision for regional sustainability, Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad said on Tuesday. The two-day meeting concludes on April 1 with representatives from several Mediterranean states.
Egypt is hosting the 98th Bureau meeting of the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean in Alexandria to develop a joint vision for regional sustainability. Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad said the event reflects Egypt's commitment to regional cooperation for protecting the Mediterranean and sustainably managing its resources.
Representatives from Croatia, Cyprus, Italy, Monaco, Morocco, and Slovenia are attending the sessions, along with United Nations Environment Programme coordinator Tatjana Hema and Mediterranean Action Plan coordinator. Egyptian officials present include Heba Sharawy, head of the central department for coasts, lakes, and ports, and Nevin Al-Leithy, assistant to the Alexandria governor for climate change.
Awad stated that the discussions will provide "clear directions for the next phase" and support a "clean, healthy, and sustainable Mediterranean Sea." Sherif Abdel Rahim, head of the Environmental Affairs Agency and Barcelona Convention Bureau chairman, noted progress in the 2026-2027 work programme on marine pollution, waste, and the circular economy.
The meeting follows up on outcomes from the 24th Meeting of the Contracting Parties in Cairo, including preparation of the 2028-2033 medium-term strategy and the 2026-2035 Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development. The agenda covers review of the 2028-2033 financial budget, follow-up on a regional centre for climate change, mobilisation of financial resources, and strengthening partnerships.
"The environmental challenges facing the Mediterranean, from pollution and biodiversity loss to the impacts of climate change, require intensifying our collective efforts and adopting innovative science-based solutions," Abdel Rahim said.