Minister of Environment: Protecting the marine environment and coral reefs is a top priority for the state
The Minister of the Environment, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, confirmed that protecting the marine environment and coral reefs is a first priority for the state.
This came during the Minister of Environment’s meeting with the committee formed to follow up on the current situation of the accident of a cargo ship stranding in the city of Qusayr, during her visit. Today, Monday, in the Red Sea Governorate, in the presence of the governorate’s natural reserves work team, and the regional branch of the Environmental Affairs Agency, in full coordination with the Naval Forces Command, the Naval Forces Administration in Safaga, the General Petroleum Authority, and the… “Petrosev”.
The Minister of Environment added that the meeting witnessed a comprehensive review of the current situation by the Red Sea Reserves Team, which provided a full explanation of the accident, its circumstances, and an assessment of the damage to the reefs. Coral reefs, and the steps required to reduce the effects of pollution, as presented by “Petrosev” Company. A report on the measures it took from the time the accident was reported until the ship stabilized.
She confirmed that the basic features of a joint plan are currently being developed in full cooperation and coordination with the concerned authorities, which includes clear arrangements for implementation, noting that The plan will be presented to the Prime Minister for approval and immediate action.
The Ministry of Environment had received a report stating that a cargo ship ran aground in the city of Qusayr in the Red Sea, which resulted in Splashes of diesel appeared in the waters surrounding the ship’s location, damaging coral reefs in the area.
Immediately after receiving the report, the Minister of Environment directed the formation of a committee from the Red Sea reserves and the regional branch of the Environmental Affairs Agency for immediate follow-up. For the accident, coordination was also made with the “Petrosafe” company. To contain the pollution resulting from water entering the ship, and work to reduce it and clean the polluted beaches to protect the marine environment and coral reefs located below the ship, and reduce losses in the area.
