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Report on an Seminar within the Qara Bolly Lighthouse Project

Publication date :December 29, 2020

As part of the activities of the Qara Bolly Lighthouse Project, managed by the Oxygen Environmental Protection Association and supported by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), an awareness Seminar was held on Tuesday, December 29, 2020.

The workshop focused on training and raising awareness among a group of targeted participants and interested individuals within the region about the importance of the area and preserving it from an environmental perspective. Lectures were delivered by specialized members in environmental sciences affiliated with the Libyan Association of Artisanal Fishing Friends.

The initiative aims to raise awareness among various groups of Qara Bolly residents about the geographical, environmental, economic, and tourism importance of the region’s coast. The ultimate goal is to create a new segment of people who are concerned with the marine environment, thus contributing to the strategy of protecting and sustaining biodiversity and providing a healthy terrestrial, marine, and food environment for Libyan citizens.

 

4. Marine, Coastal, and Shoreline Pollution
Delivered by Sara Ben Zoqlam, the lecture defined marine pollution and its negative impact on marine life, vegetation, fisheries, and public health. Solutions from other countries were discussed, such as reducing plastic bag usage. The audience shared that plastic bags had already been banned in bakeries in Qara Bolly. They were also educated on the risks posed to biodiversity and human health by untreated wastewater, which will worsen with urban growth.

5. Diseases Caused by Seawater Pollution
Researcher Mohamed Al-Shwaihidi emphasized that the goal was not to discourage seafood consumption or beach activities but to raise awareness about the health risks associated with marine pollution caused by human behavior, such as plastic pollution. He presented examples of diseases caused by bacterial and parasitic pollution, along with illustrative images of symptoms.
The audience asked questions on how to prevent these diseases and ways to reduce pollution to maintain clean and healthy beaches.

Recommendations for the Audience

  1. Environmental Preservation: Promote awareness about environmental protection.
  2. Community Involvement: Organize designated cleanup days for coastal areas with the participation of city residents.
  3. Advocacy for Regulatory Action: Encourage residents to pressure regulatory and executive bodies to enforce strict laws against harmful behaviors affecting coastal environments.
  4. Active Intervention: Ensure that regulatory authorities take action to prevent environmentally damaging practices.

Summary of Awareness Lectures

1. Biodiversity of the Libyan Coastal Region
Presented by researcher Nerouz Bek Benghazi, this lecture highlighted all the marine life recorded in Libya.

2. Water Birds in Libya (Qara Bolly Region)
Researcher Aisha Saif Al-Nasr presented this topic, listing the bird species recorded in the area and emphasizing the importance of wetlands for certain migratory bird species. Despite their significance, these wetlands face threats such as over-exploitation of natural resources, pollution, urban expansion, and sand extraction.
The audience showed keen interest, especially regarding bird migration patterns, and posed questions about the importance of wetlands and key wetland areas in Libya with economic and environmental value.

3. Overfishing and Biological Rest Periods
Researcher Mohamed Al-Hajjaji explained the concept of overfishing and its unsustainable impact on ocean resources, which leads to the degradation of marine ecosystems.

Seminar photos

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