Egyptian Success in Stockholm and a New Achievement in Cairo
It is a momentous day for the Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE). This new scientific achievement spanning both the international and national levels reflects the fruits of the professional and tireless work of the Centre’s team and its partners, while reaffirming CEDARE’s commitment to supporting innovative initiatives and efforts to address social and water-related challenges.
Success in Stockholm, Sweden
CEDARE is proud to announce that Basmala Reda Diab Egypt’s
representative at the Stockholm Junior Water Prize 2026—has won the People’s Choice Award during the competition held in Stockholm, Sweden.
Basmala received the award for her innovative project:
“Enhancing Microbial Fuel Cells for Sustainable Wastewater Treatment: Agricultural Waste-Derived Activated Carbon & Tea-Leaf Nanomaterials”
The project focuses on developing microbial fuel cells for sustainable wastewater treatment using activated carbon derived from agricultural waste and nanomaterials extracted from tea leaves. It contributes to the development of more sustainable approaches to wastewater treatment, resource recovery, and renewable energy generation.
This award marks the culmination of a journey that began in Egypt, where the Basmala project was selected from among 110 entries in the national competition for the Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP) – Egypt 2026, organized and overseen by CEDARE in collaboration with the Stockholm Junior Water Prize.
The year 2026 marks Egypt’s second participation in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize and the second consecutive year of its involvement through SJWP–Egypt, with CEDARE leading and organizing the national participation. This reflects the Centre’s commitment to supporting innovative Egyptian youth and providing them with opportunities to showcase their ideas and solutions on the international stage.
During the international competition, Basmala delivered an outstanding presentation of her project, effectively explaining her research concept, methodology, and the project’s potential to contribute to sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment, resource recovery, and energy generation.
CEDARE emphasizes that this success is not merely an achievement for Basmala; it also serves as an inspiring example of the capabilities of Egyptian youth to develop scientific and innovative solutions to environmental and water-related challenges.
It is also worth noting that CEDARE will celebrate Basmala Fouad upon her return to Egypt, coinciding with the celebration of the first anniversary of the launch of the CEDARE Environmental Innovation Prize, which was established by the Centre to support and empower university youth and encourage them to develop innovative ideas and solutions to environmental and development challenges. This reflects CEDARE’s continued commitment to identifying, nurturing, and supporting young talent on their journey toward innovation and sustainability.
Congratulations, Basmala! Wishing you continued success and excellence.
In Cairo, another achievement was realized for CEDARE, following the approval by H.E. the Minister of Local Development and Environment and H.E. the Governor of South Sinai of the environmental, engineering, economic, and institutional proposal prepared by CEDARE for the sustainable development of the Blue Hole area within the Abu Galum Protected Area, as well as the area adjacent to the site that falls under the Governorate’s jurisdiction.
These achievements are the result of sincere and dedicated work.
The two achievements in Stockholm and Cairo, reflect the outcome of the professional and dedicated efforts of the CEDARE team and its partners toward building a more sustainable future.
Congratulations to Egypt. Congratulations to Basmala. Congratulations to CEDARE
