Nile Plastic: towards a rebirth of independent fishermen
According to WWF, 570,000 tonnes of plastics are dumped into the Mediterranean every year. Of these, 270,000 tonnes come from Egypt.
The Nile Plastic project aimed to create a model of economic cooperation for the collection and recycling of plastic and aluminium waste between fishermen on the Nile and ragpickers in Cairo.
- To raise awareness, 20 boats were repainted and communication materials (videos, articles) far exceeded expectations, strengthening the public impact of the project and highlighting the commitment of fishermen to protecting the environment.
- Forty fishermen were trained and equipped to collect waste from the Nile, far exceeding the initial target of 12, with 20 boats renovated.
- Collaboration with ragpickers did not work out, as fishermen now sell their plastic to VeryNile at a preferential rate, which provides them with a better income and reinforces the social dimension of the project. Traceability is ensured all the way to recycling via the BariQ plant.
