The World Economic Forum-backed initiative Global Plastic Partnership (GPAP) estimates that 8 million tonnes of plastic waste leaks into the world’s water resources each year. Its recent Annual Impact Report 2020 stressed the urgent need for collective action worldwide to create meaningful and sustainable change.
In its efforts to reduce the current trajectory, Etisalat Misr partnered with Bassita Social Enterprise within its Corporate Social Responsibility agenda to encourage the reduction of plastic leakage into the Nile River, putting forward transitioning towards a more circular economy for Egypt. Co-founded in July 2018 by Egyptian startup Bassita, VeryNile is a community grown service that raises awareness of the importance of protecting and saving the environment.
The inauguration took place with the presence of Etisalat Misr’s Chief Executive Officer, Hazem Metwally and Etisalar Misr’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Khaled Hegazy with more than 20 employees and participants from Very Nile.
“Today we have learnt how little behaviors that we usually do, can turn into big problems. Increasing waste disposal into the Nile pollute our artery of life. It requires awareness to change behavior, to consciously reduce plastic consumption and to actively promote responsible and sustainable solutions, working towards eradicating plastic pollution” said Hazem Metwally.
Recycling for Profit: The New Green Business Frontier
During the visit to “Qursaya”; an island located in the metropolitan region of Cairo near the western Nile shore south of Roda Island and near of Dahab Island, with their blue and green shirts, gloves, boots and large trash bags, Etisalar Misr and VeryNile employees patrol the River Nile on boats to collect garbage and clean their immediate ecosystem, providing the un-organic waste to the recycling center, where the resident women on the island turn the plastic into reusable products, generating revenue through a marketplace provided by VeryNile.
“We’re very happy that there is an increase in the demand for recycled products. What you see as waste, we see as an opportunity” said one of the women at the recycling hub, supporting local artisanship.
Through the partnership between Etisalat and Bassita, VeryNile is helping marginalized communities in Egypt; garbage collectors, fishermen and the local residents including the women to get a profit margin while saving the environment at the same time.
In its efforts to enforce environmentally conscious consumerism, the employees participate in the renovation and the painting of fishermen boats. Additional medical caravans where provided to support the island’s local community and access to health services.
Channeling Group Efforts for a Sustainable Future
The visit is one of many future visits planned by Etisalat Misr in partnership with VeryNile; as part of the corporate engagement program “Responsible Employee” building towards a sustainable future for all through promoting environmental consciousness, community engagement and eco-friendly solutions.
Etisalat Misr has always been working with the local community since its inception. One of the previous initiatives included helping rural areas access clean water.
“Egypt is home to a rich abundance of biodiverse marine ecosystems, with our pristine natural environment providing us with a gift that we have treasured for thousands of years and one that we must pass down to future generations. Etisalar Misr is committed to engaging, learning and contributing with others to bring forward more solutions and successes to scale” said Khaled Hegazy.
