Launch of the “Coastal Women Leaders” Project in Aden

On Wednesday morning, Ruaa Centre for Strategic Studies, Consultancy and Training officially launched the “Coastal Women Leaders” project in coordination with the General Authority for Environmental Protection (GAEP) – Aden Branch, with the generous support of the Urgent Action Fund (UAF). The project is part of ongoing efforts to empower women environmental defenders to reduce plastic pollution and protect sea turtle hatchlings in the Gulf of Aden.

As part of the project's implementation preparations, Dr. Jaklin Mansoor, Head of Ruaa Centre, met today with Eng. Niazi Mustafa, Director of the General Authority for Environmental Protection – Aden Branch, to discuss mechanisms for joint coordination in implementing the project's activities and to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions in support of the project's environmental and community objectives.

The meeting underscored the importance of unifying efforts to address plastic pollution, one of the most serious threats to marine ecosystems. Plastic pollution has a direct impact on sea turtles, particularly hatchlings, which face significant risks from the moment they emerge from their nests until they safely reach the sea.

The “Coastal Women Leaders” project aims to strengthen women's leadership in environmental protection by raising community awareness, promoting environmentally friendly alternatives, and mobilising local communities to reduce plastic pollution and safeguard marine life.

The project will implement a range of activities, including environmental awareness campaigns, the production and distribution of eco-friendly reusable bags as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags, beach clean-up campaigns, and support for community initiatives that encourage environmentally responsible behaviour and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and the coastal ecosystems of the Gulf of Aden.

The “Coastal Women Leaders” project reflects Ruaa Centre's continued commitment to working in partnership with the General Authority for Environmental Protection, government institutions, civil society organisations, community leaders, and development partners to protect the marine environment, advance sustainable development, and strengthen community engagement in environmental conservation.