Ruaa Centre Discusses Ways to Reduce Plastic Pollution, Protect Marine Turtles and Empower Women Environmental Defenders with the Aden Gulf Fisheries Authority

A team from the Ruaa Centre for Strategic Studies, Consultancy and Training met today with Dr. Abdul Salam Ahmed Ali, Chairman of the Aden Gulf Fisheries Authority, to discuss a range of environmental issues affecting coastal areas and marine resources, particularly the risks posed by plastic pollution and its impacts on the marine environment and sea turtles along the coast of Aden.

The meeting addressed the growing risks posed by plastic waste, plastic bags and nylon materials along the coastline, and the threats they pose to marine turtles and other marine life. The participants also emphasised the importance of raising community awareness and promoting initiatives that contribute to reducing the use of single-use plastics.

The Ruaa Centre team presented its “Coastal Women Leaders” project, which focuses on supporting and empowering women environmental defenders and strengthening their role in protecting coastal areas and marine resources. The project seeks to build their capacities and engage them in environmental awareness, monitoring, and community-based initiatives.

The meeting also discussed training women environmental defenders to manufacture eco-friendly cotton bags as a practical and sustainable alternative to plastic and nylon bags. This initiative aims to reduce plastic waste while promoting women’s participation in green economy initiatives and sustainable environmental practices.

The two sides further reviewed the Centre’s activities in coastal and marine turtle protection, environmental awareness, field monitoring, and engagement with local communities. They also explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the Centre and the Authority and to facilitate the exchange of expertise and information.

The meeting underscored the importance of developing an effective partnership between government institutions and civil society organisations and supporting community and environmental initiatives, particularly those led by women environmental defenders. Such initiatives can strengthen women’s role in protecting the marine environment and addressing the environmental challenges facing the coasts of Aden and the Gulf of Aden.