The Environment

Dr. Ayman Swidan, a member of the Board of Directors of MAS for Human Rights and Environment – Italy, has officially signed a comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Program with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, marking the beginning of a long-term institutional partnership aimed at strengthening environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable development efforts.

This three-year program, renewable upon mutual agreement, establishes a structured framework for technical and institutional cooperation. It is designed to provide direct support to the Ministry without imposing significant financial burdens, leveraging the Association’s extensive network of international experts, European engineering offices, environmental project implementation companies, and international funding partners.

Key Areas of Cooperation

The program is structured around six integrated strategic pillars:

• Combating Desertification and Land Restoration through afforestation projects using drought-resistant      local species and sustainable land rehabilitation techniques.
• Climate Change and Renewable Energy via pilot solar and wind energy projects, climate      reporting support, and early warning systems for environmental risks.
• Waste Management and Green Economy by introducing integrated waste sorting, recycling,      and valorization models, alongside income-generating green initiatives.
• Coastal Protection and Biodiversity Conservation, including shoreline protection, support for protected      areas, and environmental monitoring using modern technologies.
• Capacity Building and Training for national technical staff through workshops, local      programs, and training exchanges with European partner institutions.
• Women’s Empowerment in Environmental Development (Urban      and Rural) as a cross-cutting priority,      strengthening women’s leadership in environmental management and green      entrepreneurship.

Financial Advantage and Added Value

The Mass Association for Human Rights and Environment commits to covering the equivalent of 5% of each agreed project’s cost in the form of technical expertise, studies, design, and supervision services. In addition, participating European implementation companies will provide a 5% discount on project values as a direct environmental contribution in the host country.

Expected Outcomes

This strategic cooperation is expected to:

• Accelerate the implementation of priority environmental      projects.
• Reduce overall project costs.
• Enhance national technical capacity.
• Strengthen Mauritania’s international profile as a      credible partner in environmental and climate initiatives.

Dr. Ayman Swidan emphasized that this partnership represents a practical model of international cooperation built on knowledge transfer, shared responsibility, and long-term sustainability. The Association reaffirms its full commitment to supporting the Ministry throughout the duration of the program and to mobilizing international partners and funding to ensure lasting environmental and institutional impact.

This agreement marks a significant step toward building a resilient and sustainable environmental system that supports national development priorities while protecting natural resources for future generations.

 As part of an official meeting organized by LAINA Association,

 Dr. Ayman Swidan met with:

• Mr. Markus Steiner – Swiss Environmental Advisor
   
• Mr. Lukas Müller – Expert in Sustainability and Environmental Policy
   

The meeting focused on environmental issues and sustainable development, with particular emphasis on supporting the countries of the Maghreb region in strengthening their environmental systems and enhancing international cooperation in the field of environmental protection and sustainability.

During the meeting, Dr. Ayman Swidan delivered a presentation addressing the environmental framework in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, highlighting current challenges as well as available opportunities to advance environmental policies and achieve a balanced approach between development objectives and the protection of natural resources.

The participants also commended the prominent role played by H.E. Ms. Massouda Laghdaf, Minister of Environment, acknowledging her concrete efforts and effective institutional work in developing the environmental sector through initiatives and programs that have contributed to improving environmental performance and promoting sustainability.

International Conference on Environmental Biotechnology and Sustainable Solutions (ICEBSS)

12 January 2026 | Vienna, Austria

Within the framework of international collaborative efforts to advance environmental action and support the transition toward a green economy, a high-level meeting was convened on the sidelines of the International Conference on Environmental Biotechnology and Sustainable Solutions (ICEBSS). The meeting brought together Eng. Ashraf Mohamed, President of MAS Association, with a distinguished group of international experts specializing in environmental protection and sustainable development, including:

• Mr. Jonathan Robert Thompson –  Senior Environmental Policy Advisor 
• Dr. William Michael Anderson – Professor of Environmental Biotechnology &    Climate Change
• Expert Charlotte William Fletcher – Environmental Consultant & Carbon Reduction Specialist
• Dr. Maria Elisabetta Romano – International Expert in Sustainable Development & Circular Economy

Key Discussion Themes

The meeting addressed several priority issues related to environmental protection and sustainable development, with particular focus on Green Carbon Factory initiatives and their strategic role in reducing harmful emissions, restoring environmental balance, and contributing effectively to climate change mitigation at both regional and international levels.

Participants explored opportunities for collaborative action to support innovative environmental initiatives, while reviewing advanced scientific technologies and practical solutions aimed at reducing carbon footprints, improving the efficiency of natural resource utilization, and promoting environmentally responsible industrial production models. Successful case studies of Green Carbon Factory projects were also presented, demonstrating their positive impact on local economic development, sustainable job creation, and long-term environmental value.

Institutional Cooperation and Regional Support

The discussions further emphasized the importance of supporting the Ministries of Environment in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and the State of Libya, highlighting the need to strengthen institutional partnerships, facilitate the exchange of technical and scientific expertise, and enhance national capacities in environmental technologies and green economy practices. Participants agreed that such support represents a strategic pathway to enabling relevant authorities to implement effective environmental policies and to develop legislative and regulatory frameworks that encourage responsible investment in green projects.

Community Engagement and Future Actions

Attendees underscored the importance of raising environmental awareness within local communities, strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors, and fostering environmental innovation in a manner that ensures balanced development and safeguards the rights of future generations. It was also agreed to develop joint action plans, including training and research programs, as well as conducting feasibility studies for future environmental initiatives across the region.

Conclusion and Institutional Mandate

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants expressed their appreciation for the leadership role of MAS Association, under the direction of Eng. Ashraf Mohamed, in convening international expertise within a unified, non-profit framework dedicated to environmental sustainability. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation and coordination in the coming phase to advance environmental protection and accelerate the transition toward a green economy in Mauritania, Libya, and the wider region.

In this context, Eng. Ashraf Mohamed announced that he has formally mandated Dr. Ayman Swidan and Eng. Ibrahim Tahoun to present a set of proposed initiatives and technical recommendations to Her Excellency the Minister of Environment of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. These proposals will address the pressing challenges of desertification and outline practical, industry-based environmental solutions, with particular emphasis on the role of environmentally responsible and green carbon factories in mitigating environmental degradation and promoting sustainable development.

Mr. Ashraf Mohamed, President of the Association, received a high-level delegation from the GIO Organization for Environment and Culture from the Republic of Bulgaria, comprising 

Dr. Ivan Dimitrov

Dr. Nikola Petrov

Dr. Stefan Georgiev

Dr. Maria Ivanov and 

Dr. Elena Stoyanova
The visit took place within the framework of strengthening international cooperation and exchanging expertise in the fields of environmental protection and sustainable development.

During the meeting, an in-depth discussion was held on key contemporary environmental issues, as well as ways to support countries suffering from weak environmental governance. The dialogue focused on improving environmental conditions through the exchange of international expertise, capacity building, and the implementation of development programs based on sustainability principles, with the aim of achieving long-term environmental and developmental impact.

Special attention was given to a number of Arab countries, particularly those in the Maghreb region, where mechanisms for joint cooperation were discussed in the areas of environmental protection, the development of environmental management systems, and the promotion of environmental and cultural awareness. These efforts aim to enhance the integration between environmental and cultural dimensions and to support balanced and sustainable development pathways.

This visit underscores the growing role of the Association at both regional and international levels, and its commitment to expanding its network of partnerships with European and international institutions concerned with environmental and cultural affairs. Such cooperation seeks to facilitate the transfer of successful experiences and the localization of best practices in the target countries.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a Joint Cooperation Agreement was signed addressing environmental issues and the improvement of environmental conditions. In addition, a general framework for future cooperation was established, paving the way for the activation of joint programs and projects in the coming phase, in line with the objectives of sustainable development and in support of structured and effective environmental cooperation.

 e MAS Association for the Environment and Human Rights Hosts a High-Level International Delegation to Discuss the Implementation of the “Green Carbon Steel” Project in Egypt and Mauritania

As part of its commitment to environmental protection, sustainable development, and human rights, the MAS Association for the Environment and Human Rights hosted a high-level international delegation at its headquarters in Italy. The delegation was welcomed by Eng. Ashraf Khalaf, President of the MAS Association.

The meeting was dedicated to discussing the mechanisms for implementing the current phase of the “Green Carbon Steel” industrial project in the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. The project is considered one of the most advanced strategic initiatives in the field of decarbonizing the steel industry and promoting clean industrial production in developing countries.

The delegation included:

• Dr. Markus Weber – International consultant for heavy industry and the low-carbon transition.
   
• Eng. Thomas Müller – Industrial engineer (Germany), specialized in Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technologies.
   
• Eng. Stefan Huber – Energy engineer and specialist in sustainable industries (Austria).
   

During the technical meetings, participants analyzed the technological aspects of the project, which is based on:

• Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF),
   
• The use of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI),
   
• Integration of renewable energy sources,
   
• Advanced energy efficiency systems,
   

with the objective of reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 50–60% compared to traditional steelmaking processes.

The discussions were held under the scientific and executive supervision of Dr. Amira Hassan Alrafii, an expert in the preparation of technical, economic, and environmental feasibility studies, as well as the originator and promoter of the “Green Carbon Steel” project.

Dr. Al-Rafaie oversaw:

• Detailed technical feasibility studies,
   
• Preliminary environmental assessments and emission management plans,
  Green financing and investment models,
  The overall executive structure of the project,
   
• in accordance with European and international standards, adapted to the specific contexts of Egypt and Mauritania.

She emphasized that the project represents an advanced model of sustainable industrialization, capable of facilitating clean technology transfer, attracting international green financing, and supporting responsible economic development in the concerned countries.

For his part, Eng. Ashraf Khalaf, President of the MAS Association for the Environment and Human Rights, reaffirmed that hosting the delegation falls within the association’s strategy to:

• Promote the green economy,
   
• Defend the right to a healthy environment,
   
• Support sustainable technology transfer to emerging countries,
   
• Strengthen the link between human rights, the environment, and sustainable industrial development.
   

He also highlighted that the project is fully aligned with the mission of the MAS Association to support initiatives that ensure economic growth, environmental protection, and the rights of future generations in the Arab and African regions.

• Her Excellency Ms. Messouda Baham Mohamed Laghdaf, Minister of Environm trueent  and Sustainable Development of the Islamic  Republic   of  Mauritania,  received  a  delegation  of  the  rganizationheaded   by  Dr. Ayman Swidan,  a member  of  the Association and Chairman of  the Committee for Environmental Protection,   Development, and  Livestock  Programs in  the Maghreb  Arab  States, and  Eng. Ibrahim Tahoun, a member  of  the Organization   for Public Relations in  the Maghreb Arab States, at  the  Ministry’s headquarters in  the  capital,  Nouakchott,  in  the  presence of  a  number  of  senior officials.  The meeting discussed the efforts of the Mauritanian Ministry of Environment to promote sustainable environmental  development, and reviewed areas of joint  cooperation  in the fields of environmental protection,  adaptation to   climate change, and support  for environmental projects that serve the sustainable development goals in Mauritania. 

• Ways to enhance international  partnerships  to  secure technical and financial  funding  for  vital environmental  initiatives  were also  explored. The  representative  of the  Organization   expressed the    Organization’s readiness  to provide  specialized technical cadres and expertise in the  fields of  environmental  protection, in addition to  assisting  in applying  for  financial grants from the European Union  and the  European  Commission for the  benefit of the  Ministry of Environment in the  Islamic  Republic  of  Mauritania, within  the framework  of  supporting  sustainable  environmental  development projects in accordance with the best international standards. The delegation also affirmed the  Organization’s keenness to strengthen cooperation with the Ministry in future joint projects, with the aim  of  achieving  positive  environmental,  social,  and  economic  impacts  that  are consistent  with the  United Nations  Sustainable Development  Goals. At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Ayman Swidan, a member of the  Organization, presented a  Certificate of Appreciation  to Her Excellency Ms. Messouda Baham Mohamed Laghd, in recognition of her  exceptional efforts in the environmental  approach, strengthening  international cooperation,  and supporting the path of sustainable environmental development in Mauritania.