President of Damietta University Attends the Scientific Seminar “Pollution: Reality and Challenges” within the Program of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Environment (COP24)

Professor Hemdan Rabie El-Metwally, President of Damietta University, attended on Sunday, 30 November 2025, the scientific seminar organized by the Faculty of Science as part of the preparatory program for the 24th Conference of the Parties to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Mediterranean Sea (Barcelona Convention – COP24), scheduled to take place from 3 to 5 December 2025.

The seminar, titled “Pollution: Reality and Challenges,” comes within the framework of enhancing the university’s role in supporting environmental studies and raising students’ awareness of issues related to the protection of marine and coastal environments, particularly in the Mediterranean region.

The seminar was attended by Professor Mohamed Abu Dobara, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Professor Omnia El-Batraoui, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development, along with a number of faculty members and students.

The seminar program included three specialized scientific lectures as follows:

First Lecture:

Delivered by Professor Hesham Mostafa El-Asmar, Professor of Geology at the Faculty of Science, titled

“Integrated Coastal Zone Management: A Case Study of Ras El-Bar.”

He reviewed the major challenges facing coastal systems and the approaches to managing them in a way that balances development and the preservation of natural resources.

Second Lecture:

Delivered by Professor Basema Mohamed Sheta, Professor of Biodiversity at the Faculty of Science, titled

“Biodiversity Conservation and the Protection of Endangered Species and Habitats.”

She discussed the importance of protecting marine species and their habitats, as well as addressing the environmental threats that undermine their sustainability.

Third Lecture:

Delivered by Engineer Naguib Abdel-Haq, Acting General Director of Marine Rescue and Safety and Director of the International Maritime Treaties Department at Damietta Port, titled

“Environmental Monitoring, Coastal Water Quality, and International Regulations Governing the Control of Marine Pollution and Their Application in Egyptian Ports.”

He highlighted environmental monitoring mechanisms and the importance of adhering to international regulations to protect the marine environment.

During the event, the University President emphasized the vital role played by Damietta University in supporting environmental research and raising awareness of the challenges facing coastal systems. He praised the efforts of the Faculty of Science in organizing the seminar and enriching its scientific content in alignment with the themes of COP24, reflecting the university’s commitment to supporting the state’s vision for environmental protection and sustainable development.