WATANI International
7 March 2010
“Biodiversity concerns every human being on earth. It is all about how human activity influences the climate; whether on earth, the oceans, or plants.” This is how one of the most prominent figures of the Foreign Ministry, Hagar Islamboli, defined the concept of biodiversity at an event hosted by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina to mark the start of the activities of the United Nations’ Environment Program (UNEP) for the year 2010.
“Biodiversity and its relation to nature” was the title of the event which was held under sponsorship of Minister of Environment, Maged George, and the governor of Alexandria, Adel Labib, and was organised by UNEP and the Information Centre of the Central Bank.
Campaign
The evening began with the screening of a film highlighting last year’s activities, introduced by Ms Islamboli who pointed out that 40 per cent of the world’s economy depended on Earth’s bio-diversity. UNEP coordinator Amal Hosanna spoke about the importance of biodiversity not only on the regional level but also globally. “This year’s programme,” she added, “is based on spreading awareness—especially among schools and university students—of the dangers of the activities that threaten biodiversity. Awareness will be through campaigns that have seen the participation of 250 young people and professors of environment under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment.
Marine environment
The governorates chosen for the campaign were al-Arish, North Sinai, Hurghada, Port Said and Suez Canal. The choice of al-Arish was made because its biodiversity is relatively narrow, especially in marine life which is under threat of extinction due to over-fishing. Hurghada, by contrast, was chosen for its rich marine life and coral reefs. Port Said and Suez Canal were chosen because of the severe pollution of their seas especially from commercial shipping.
Mohamed al-Samra, a professor of medicine at Alexandria University, said the campaign aimed at realising a healthy, clean environment, free of any pollution. UNEP would concentrate on the younger sector of society, since its members make up 64 per cent of the population and are most enthusiastic about the programme. The chosen governorates are hosting camps, seminars, lectures and other cultural activities, as well as competitions involving biodiversity. In addition, some publications and magazines are being printed and short films screened for children and young people within the governorates. Green belt
Tareq al-Qiey, chairman of the local council of Alexandria, reviewed the tree-planting project in Alexandria, which he described as a “necessity”. Dr Qiey added that creating a green belt around Alexandria was one way to combat pollution. A short film screened at the opening of the event showed Egypt’s representation at the international conference for children and young people held in August 2009 in Saigon, South Korea. At this conference, the children spoke about what they had learnt in Saigon, including the use of natural materials, such as wood, in manufacturing; environment-friendly motor vehicles; and fishing practices without harming the environment.