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The Egyptian Chamber of Diving and Watersports (CDWS) has announced that the South Sinai governorate is to follow in the footsteps of the Red Sea governorate and implement a ban on single-use plastic.
The Red Sea Governorate, the administrative body responsible for much of the Egyptian mainland’s Red Sea coastline, including Hurghada and Marsa Alam, announced in April 2019 that it would implement a ban on single-use plastics which began two months later on 1 June. The South Sinai Governorate, which takes administrative responsibility for the resort of Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab, has announced that its own ban will commence on 1 March this year.
A statement available on the CDWS’ Facebook page states that single-use plastic bags are to be banned and replaced with paper bags or a biodegradable alternative ‘in public stores providing food products, such as restaurants, supermarkets, grocery shops, butchers, fish markets as well as all industrial and commercial stores and pharmacies in South Sinai’
The decree goes on to read that it also ‘strictly prohibits the use of single-use plastic bags and/or plastic utensils (forks, knives, spoons, plates, cups, and straws) used for food and beverage purposes on-board of touristic boats – both safari & daily boats – within the South Sinai governorate, in order to preserve the marine environment.’
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The production and sale of single-use plastic are also to be forbidden, and the statement promises that ‘actions shall be taken against any violations’. A list of guidelines and suppliers to assist with the ban’s implementation is also provided.
The full CDWS statement regarding the South Sinai governor’s decree can be read at: facebook.com/CDWSEGYPT/posts/2889270421133246
