Egypt to Raise Awareness About Water Pollution Risks

The Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the Great Pyramids of Giza, is seen before sunset during high temperature behind a canal which flows into the River Nile on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt August 4, 2022. (Reuters)
The Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the Great Pyramids of Giza, is seen before sunset during high temperature behind a canal which flows into the River Nile on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt August 4, 2022. (Reuters)
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Egypt to Raise Awareness About Water Pollution Risks

The Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the Great Pyramids of Giza, is seen before sunset during high temperature behind a canal which flows into the River Nile on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt August 4, 2022. (Reuters)
The Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the Great Pyramids of Giza, is seen before sunset during high temperature behind a canal which flows into the River Nile on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt August 4, 2022. (Reuters)

Egypt's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation will carry out a major clean-up campaign along the Nile River.

A statement by the Ministry on Friday stated that the campaign will protect and clean the Nile River from pollution and plastic waste, preserve aquatic biodiversity, and raise environmental awareness.

“This major campaign to clean the Nile River will be recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest campaign ever in the world, and a distinct opportunity as it is the longest cleaning campaign in terms of kilometers, with the participation of the largest number of participants, and the removal of the largest expected amount of waste,” said Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Mohamed Abdel-Atti.

The campaign will be carried out in Cairo, Giza, Qalyubia , Dakahlia, Damietta, Gharbia, Menoufia, Kafr El Sheikh, Beheira, Beni Suef, Minya, Assiut, Sohag, Qena, Luxor and Aswan, the statement added.

It will be launched on September 17, coinciding with the celebration of the World Cleanliness Day, as part of the ongoing preparations for holding the Fifth Cairo Water Week and preparing for activities during the upcoming COP27 climate conference that will be held in Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh.

The Ministry of Irrigation has kicked off a strategy to manage water in Egypt until the year 2037 with investments worth more than $50 billion.

The Nile water accounts for more than 90 percent of Egypt’s needs or 55.5 billion cubic meters.



Teen Heir to Japanese Throne Says Marriage Not on his Mind

Japan's Prince Hisahito, the only son of Crown Prince Fumihito and second in line to the throne, takes part in his first press conference to mark his coming-of-age at the Akasaka East Residence in Tokyo on March 3, 2025. (Photo by JIJI Press / AFP) / Japan OUT
Japan's Prince Hisahito, the only son of Crown Prince Fumihito and second in line to the throne, takes part in his first press conference to mark his coming-of-age at the Akasaka East Residence in Tokyo on March 3, 2025. (Photo by JIJI Press / AFP) / Japan OUT
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Teen Heir to Japanese Throne Says Marriage Not on his Mind

Japan's Prince Hisahito, the only son of Crown Prince Fumihito and second in line to the throne, takes part in his first press conference to mark his coming-of-age at the Akasaka East Residence in Tokyo on March 3, 2025. (Photo by JIJI Press / AFP) / Japan OUT
Japan's Prince Hisahito, the only son of Crown Prince Fumihito and second in line to the throne, takes part in his first press conference to mark his coming-of-age at the Akasaka East Residence in Tokyo on March 3, 2025. (Photo by JIJI Press / AFP) / Japan OUT

Prince Hisahito, the Japanese imperial family's last hope for the monarchy's long-term survival -- unless succession rules change -- said marriage is not on his mind yet in his first press conference on Monday.

Only males can ascend the ancient Chrysanthemum Throne and women leave the imperial family if they marry a commoner, with their offspring having no royal status.

But Hisahito, who turned 18 in September and is second in line to become emperor after his father, said it was much too early for him to consider tying the knot.

"Regarding marriage, I have not yet thought deeply about the ideal time or partner," Hisahito told reporters, according to AFP.

Hisahito is the only son of Crown Prince Akishino, 59 -- the brother of Emperor Naruhito, 65 -- and Crown Princess Kiko, 58.

Naruhito's daughter, Aiko, 23, cannot succeed her father under the Imperial Household Law, in place since 1947, because of her gender.

Hisahito also told his first news conference -- foreign media were excluded -- that he enjoys observing insects and plants as well as growing vegetables and rice in his private time.

He is also "concerned about the impact (of climate change) on people's lives".

"I feel nervous talking to you all," he said, adding he will consider the possibility of studying abroad like his family members have done.

"As a young member of the Imperial Family, I am determined to fulfil my role," Hisahito said.

The imperial family, whose history according to legend goes back 2,600 years, formally renounced its divine status after Japan's defeat in World War II and it has no political power.

Akihito, who abdicated in 2019 due to his age and poor health, is credited with modernizing the institution.

Lawmakers last year began discussing possible relaxations to the strict succession rules, and a Kyodo News poll found 90 percent public support for female succession.