As part of the third phase of the Small-Scale Initiatives Program for Civil Society Organizations (PPI OSCAN3), implemented by the Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED) in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a delegation from RAED visited the city of Arish in North Sinai. The visit aimed to monitor the progress of the Marine Turtle Conservation for Biodiversity Protection project, carried out in partnership with the Sinai Women’s Association.

The visit included a variety of activities, most notably a meeting with the project team to review achievements and document activities. Discussions were held to explore avenues for collaboration with the Zaraniq Nature Reserve to support marine environmental conservation efforts. The delegation also organized sessions with children and youth involved in environmental awareness programs and held an open dialogue with local fishers about sustainable fishing practices and reducing plastic waste. The fishers expressed great enthusiasm for participating in the project’s activities.

The visit yielded several positive outcomes, including strengthened cooperation with the fishing community and proposals for establishing a marine turtle rescue center in partnership with Sinai University and the Zaraniq Nature Reserve. Additionally, the visit concluded with recommendations to organize more awareness workshops and community engagement sessions, as well as to introduce incentives for promoting sustainable community participation.

The Marine Turtle Conservation for Biodiversity Protection project reflects RAED’s commitment to supporting national and international efforts to preserve biodiversity and protect natural resources.