Under the slogan “Aswan is a Plastic-Free Governorate,” the governorate represented by the Environmental Union Federation, in collaboration with various community and political organizations, on the occasion of World Environment Day 2023, attended by executive, political, and parliamentary leaders in the governorate.
The event began with a documentary film highlighting the environmental risks of plastic. MP. Magdy El-Din Hasibo spoke about this year’s celebration, marking the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day, noting that over 400 million tons of plastic are produced globally each year, with less than 10% being recycled. Approximately 19-23 million tons end up in lakes, rivers, and seas annually, posing health risks and contributing to environmental pollution.
Dr. Ahmed Zaki Abu Knez, head of the Environmental Union Federation in Aswan, emphasized the dangers of plastic, its uses, recycling methods, and alternatives, advocating for awareness until plastic is completely eliminated in the long term. He mentioned that Egypt produces 9.5 million tons of plastic annually, with half disposed of through incineration, which generates dioxin fumes—substances believed to cause malignant tumors.
Dr. Abu Knez stressed the need for laws to prohibit and penalize plastic use, urging the government and civil society organizations to work towards gradually making our world plastic-free.
Dr. Mohamed Nageib Rashid, a professor at Faculty of Science and head of the Environment Committee, Chairman of the Social, Economic and Environmental Council of Aswan Governorate, discussed the impact of plastic and chemical reactions on our lives and food.
The celebration concluded with the honoring of several environmental activists, journalists, and participants in the World Environment Day events, as well as those involved in local platform on climate change.
