Author: aishaahmed

Members of the Libyan Association of Friends of Artisanal Fishing participated in the ceremony announcing the winner of the Best Eco-City title for 2026, as part of supporting national initiatives aimed at environmental protection and promoting sustainability concepts. On this occasion, the Libyan Association of Friends of Artisanal Fishing extends its warmest congratulations to the city of Nalut on winning the title of Best Eco-City for 2026, wishing its residents and institutions further progress, success, and continued outstanding efforts in environmental conservation and sustainable development. The Association emphasizes the importance of these initiatives in instilling a culture of environmental awareness and encouraging Libyan cities to adopt sustainable practices and preserve natural resources to ensure a healthy environment for future generations. Warm congratulations to the city of Nalut, and wishing them continued excellence and dedication in service of the environment and the nation.

The Libyan Association of Friends of Artisanal Fishing participated in facilitating the activities of the National Stakeholder Workshop hosted by the University of Benghazi the mother of Libyan universities at the Faculty of Science on October 18, 2026. The event was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as part of the process to formulate the national strategy for the Blue Economy in Libya.

The workshop aimed to discuss the findings of the national study on the potential and challenges of the blue economy, examine strategic priorities based on a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), and review the proposed roadmap to complete the drafting of the national strategy.

The Association’s participation highlights the vital role of artisanal fishing in discussions regarding the future of Libya’s blue economy, ensuring that the needs of fishermen and coastal communities are considered while aligning development opportunities with the conservation and sustainability of marine resources.

The Association extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the University of Benghazi, represented by the Faculty of Science, for hosting the workshop, as well as to the National Committee for the Blue Economy, the UNDP, and all participants for their dedicated efforts and contributions in supporting this national initiative.

As part of strengthening cooperation between fishermen and researchers, and consolidating a culture of joint work to serve the marine environment and support scientific research, the Libyan Society for Friends of Artisanal Fishing – Eastern Region extends its deepest thanks and appreciation to a group of fishermen in the eastern region. This comes in recognition of their kind efforts and active contribution in assisting one of the society’s members, Zaid Mohammad Alsunousi, while completing his scientific research for his Master’s thesis.

This initiative reflected the spirit of cooperation and solidarity between fishermen and researchers, affirming the vital role that fishermen play in supporting scientific studies related to the marine environment and biodiversity. They are regarded as essential partners in protecting our marine resources and enhancing scientific knowledge about them.

In valuing this positive stance, the society emphasizes that such initiatives deserve appreciation and praise, and encourages the continuation of cooperation between the local community and scientific institutions to serve the artisanal fishing sector and preserve marine wealth in Libya.

In recognition of this generous stance, the society honored the fishermen for their dedication, cooperation, and support for scientific research.

The names of the honored fishermen from the Tolmeitha Marine Harbor:

• Rais Khaled Ibrahim Battour
• Rais Abdullah Hassan Al-Aqili
• Rais Mohammed Saad Zaqarlu
• Rais Khalifa Al-Kelili Al-Mesmari
• Rais Jamika Shat (from the sisterly state of Egypt)

All thanks and appreciation to every fisherman who contributes to serving science and the sea.

The activities of the scientific workshop on sea turtle biology continued today at Omar Al-Mukhtar University, with the participation of the Libyan Association for Friends of Artisanal Fishing, represented by Mr. Zaid Mohammad Alsunousi, and supervised by Prof. Dr. Ramadan Attia.

The second day featured practical and applied training sessions, focusing on methods for studying sea turtles, identifying key morphometric measurements, and examining anatomical characteristics and internal organ components to enhance the scientific and field expertise of the participants.

This participation reinforces the association’s commitment to supporting scientific research, field training, sea turtle conservation, and marine biodiversity, as well as strengthening cooperation between academic institutions and organizations working in the field of marine environment protection.

Together for science that serves our sea, and efforts that contribute to protecting our coasts and biodiversity.

As part of the efforts of the Libyan Association of Friends of Artisanal Fishing to monitor and document marine biodiversity along the Libyan coast, a dead sea turtle was found on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in the archaeological region of Tolmeita—historically known as Ptolemais—in northeastern Libya, located approximately 110 km from Benghazi.

The sea turtle was discovered by citizen Hisham Mustafa Al-Aqqad, who promptly reported it to the association’s research team. Team members relocated to the site to inspect and document the incident.

The research team conducted morphometric measurements and recorded data following a specific scientific protocol. This contributes to the documentation of sea turtle mortality incidents and provides scientific data for future research and studies.

The specimen was transferred to Omar Al-Mukhtar University for further scientific examination and procedures by Mr. Zaid Mohammad Alsunousi, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ramadan Attia.

This effort falls within the ongoing dedication of the association and its research team to monitor marine species, document biodiversity, and support scientific research aimed at preserving the marine environment and sea turtles in Libya.

We monitor… We document… And we contribute to protecting our marine biodiversity.

Ms. Fatima Al-Badri Al-Sarraj, a member of the Libyan Association of Friends of Artisanal Fishing, participated in the national workshop on enhancing integration between Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects in Libya. The event was organized by the Ministry of Environment on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the ministry’s headquarters in Janzour.

The participation of the association’s members reaffirmed the vital role of civil society in supporting marine and coastal environmental protection, sustaining fisheries resources, and promoting artisanal fishing and sustainable development in Libya.

The workshop was attended by a number of national entities, experts, and specialists, along with international participants via video conferencing. During the sessions, GEF-8 projects and programs were reviewed, and opportunities for integration, cooperation, experience sharing, and avoiding duplication across environmental projects were discussed.

Discussions emphasized the importance of transitioning from isolated projects toward an integrated national environmental portfolio that fosters coordination and partnership, ultimately delivering more sustainable outcomes.

Within the framework of enhancing national efforts to protect natural resources and develop the green economy sector, Dr. Ismail Shaqman (Member of the Supreme Committee and President of the Libyan Association of Friends of Artisanal Fishing), along with Ms. Sarah Ben Zaqlam and Dr. Lubna Shohib (Members of the National Green Economy Committee), participated in the specialized workshop titled “A National Roadmap for the Green Economy in Libya.” The workshop was held in Gammarth, Tunis, spanning two consecutive days of intensive discussions.

The workshop was jointly organized by the Planning Institute and the University of Rostock, in cooperation with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), and was attended by a select group of experts, academics, and decision-makers.

Workshop Objectives and Goals

The workshop aims to support and shape national efforts toward transitioning to a green and sustainable economy, focusing on:

• Drafting a National Roadmap: Laying the groundwork for a comprehensive strategy that balances economic development with the protection of the environment, as well as marine and coastal resources.
• Policy and Program Development: Preparing action plans that promote economic diversification and support sustainable solutions for biodiversity conservation and optimal resource investment.
• Exchanging International Expertise: Reviewing global best practices to keep pace with modern trends in sustainability, traditional craftsmanship, and environmental development.

The Farwa Environmental Camp 2026 launched at the Farwa Nature Reserve under the slogan:

“For the Sustainability of Biodiversity in the Farwa Reserve,” taking place from September 10 to 12, 2026.

The camp was organized by the BESCIDA Association, with the participation of the Libyan Society for Birds, supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and supervised by the Ministry of Environment, along with several environmental organizations, institutions, and advocates dedicated to environmental protection and biodiversity.

The camp features a diverse scientific and awareness program focused on protecting marine and coastal ecosystems, algae, Posidonia, combating desertification, and safeguarding sea turtles and migratory birds, alongside various field and environmental activities.

The Libyan Society of Artisanal Fishing Friends is honored to participate in the camp’s activities through board/member Mr. Zaid Mohammad Alsunousi, reinforcing the Society’s commitment to supporting environmental initiatives and raising awareness on the importance of protecting marine and coastal environments and sustaining biodiversity.

We wish great success to the organizers of the Farwa Environmental Camp and to all participants in this important initiative.

Several members of the Libyan Society of Friends of Artisanal Fishing participated in a national workshop organized by the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), to adopt three operational climate change adaptation plans.

The workshop aimed to review and approve strategic plans focusing on:

• The Climate-Smart Blue Economy System
• Ecosystem Restoration in Arid Lands
• Enhancing Green Infrastructure

Participants also discussed implementation mechanisms to support the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for climate change, advancing sustainable development and environmental resilience in Libya.

The Department of Zoology at the Faculty of Science, in cooperation with the Libyan Association for Friends of Artisanal Fishing and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the participation of the Community Sustainability Center at the University of Tripoli and the Libyan Society for Birds, organized a scientific symposium entitled “Biodiversity, the Blue Economy, and Climate Change” on Thursday morning, July 16, 2026, at the Rasheed Ka’bar Auditorium at the University of Tripoli.

The symposium aimed to raise scientific awareness regarding the importance of biodiversity, discuss the impacts of climate change on marine and coastal ecosystems, and review opportunities for developing the blue economy in Libya to support sustainable development.

PhD students from the Marine Sciences department participated alongside an elite group of researchers, academics, representatives of government bodies, international organizations, and civil society organizations, as well as postgraduate students. Discussions focused on the role of research institutions and universities in supporting scientific research, preserving marine and coastal biodiversity, promoting the blue economy, and tackling the challenges posed by climate change.

The symposium concluded with an open panel discussion and the formulation of a set of recommendations designed to support the sustainable management of marine resources in Libya.

Mr. Omar Younis Abu Aishah and Mr. Abdul Aziz Hadia Abukhreis, members of the Libyan Association of Artisanal Fishing Friends, are participating in a specialized training course on the monitoring and observation of cetaceans. The course launched today in the city of Abi Kammash as part of the activities of Child Project 3.1, under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment and in cooperation with its international partners.

This participation reflects the Association’s commitment to enhancing its members’ capacities in marine biodiversity conservation and developing field-monitoring skills for threatened marine species, thereby contributing to the protection of the marine environment along the Libyan coast.

The event also marked the inauguration of the Sea Turtle Care Center at the PISIDA Association for the Protection of Farwa Lagoon and Island—a significant step forward in supporting efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and conserve sea turtles.

We wish the Association’s representatives every success, and we hope this course enhances expertise and fosters knowledge exchange to serve the goals of protecting the marine environment and supporting sustainable artisanal fishing.

This activity comes as part of the PROZHUM projects for the restoration of Mediterranean wetlands, under the supervision of the Tour du Valat research center in France.

Upon a kind invitation from the Libyan Society for Birds, Ms. Aisha Saif Al-Nasr, a member of the Libyan Artisanal Fishing Friends Association, delivered a lecture on the importance of wetlands on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Al-Riyada Office Hall in Tawergha. This activity took place as part of the project to involve the local community in the revival of the Ain Tawergha area, implemented by the Libyan Society for Birds in cooperation with the Tawergha Municipal Branch, within the PROZHUM projects for the restoration of Mediterranean wetlands under the supervision of the Tour du Valat research center in France. The program was attended by an elite group of administrators from the Tawergha Municipal Branch, along with distinguished participation from the Tawergha Boy Scouts and Girl Guides Troop.

At the conclusion of this participation, the Libyan Artisanal Fishing Friends Association extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to Prof. Dr. Khaled El-Tayeb and all members of the Libyan Society for Birds for the generous invitation, warm hospitality, and organizing this meaningful environmental activity. The Association highly values their great efforts in protecting and restoring wetlands, as well as promoting local community participation in preserving this vital environmental heritage. Furthermore, the Association expresses its pride in this constructive cooperation and looks forward to further partnerships and joint initiatives that contribute to conserving biodiversity and supporting sustainable environmental development in Libya.

The first workshop titled “The Blue Economy in Libya: Challenges and Obstacles – Integrating Biodiversity and the Fisheries Sector into the National Action Plan (NAP)” launched this morning, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, in the city of Derna at the Derna Pearl Hotel. The event saw broad participation from representatives of academic institutions, government bodies, civil society organizations, and experts in environmental and marine affairs.

The opening session featured official speeches delivered by Prof. Dr. Nasr Ayad Al-Mansouri, President of Derna University; Ms. Sirine Mesleh, representative of the Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC); Prof. Dr. Ismail Abdelsalam Al-Shaqman, Chairman of the Steering Committee and National Committee for the Blue Economy; and Mr. Ali Al-Montaser, representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The speakers emphasized the importance of the workshop in supporting the state’s transition toward a blue economy and advancing the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources. They also highlighted the need to unify national and international efforts to protect marine biodiversity and foster sustainable development.

The scientific sessions included several specialized lectures aimed at fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange among key stakeholders. The workshop focuses on addressing the challenges and obstacles to implementing the blue economy concept in Libya, with the ultimate goal of formulating actionable recommendations and proposals to integrate biodiversity and the fisheries sector into national policies and plans.