As far back as the first civilisations of ancient Egypt, the Nile River played a central role as a source of life. Today, it continues to provide fresh water for around 100 million Egyptians, is used to irrigate crops and serves as a tourist attraction. As a result, many Egyptians are economically dependent on the river. This system of dependency is fragile, as the river is subject not only to the effects of climate change, but also to the consequences of anthropogenic use, threatening this very livelihood. Pollution from (plastic) waste is one of these major problems, which not only affects water quality but also impacts aquatic species. This in turn has an impact on the income of local fishermen, among others.

Pollution of the Nile River is therefore a multifaceted problem that not only threatens the health and livelihoods of millions of people but also undermines the environment, economy, and cultural significance of the region. The VeryNile project aims to avert these potential hazards by cleaning up the river and ensuring a sustainable livelihood for the local population.

The VeryNile project, a social enterprise that combines environmental and economic impact, has tackled pollution in the Nile by working with local communities, particularly fishermen and women on the Nile islands in Cairo. The project pays 180 fishermen to collect plastic waste, increasing their income while helping to clean up the river. The waste is recycled rather than sent to landfill, with women on Qursayah Island upcycling the plastic into new products. The initiative also provides social services, health education and vocational training, including a nursery and learning programme for children to promote environmental awareness.

VeryNile‘s strategy focuses on building trust and sustainable partnerships with local stakeholders. Fishermen are recognised as stewards of the Nile, and the project offers fair wages and additional employment opportunities in recycling and upcycling. Through workshops, community activities and digital campaigns, The project‘s digital application tracks every kilogram of plastic collected, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the recycling process.

VeryNile‘s efforts extend beyond clean-up to include cultural initiatives such as a community kitchen and garden on Qursayah Island, which provide additional employment and promote sustainable agriculture. The project‘s creative outreach includes campaigns such as the Plastic Pyramid, built from 225,000 plastic bottles, to raise awareness of plastic pollution.

The VeryNile project has generated significant positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes, while also fostering community cohesion and environmental stewardship. Key results include a 30% increase in income for fishermen participating in the plastic collection initiative and the creation of over 25 jobs for women who upcycle recycled plastic into baskets and other products, empowering them with new skills and economic opportunities.

Positive effects include improved waste management through community clean-ups and the installation of waste bins, promoting responsible waste disposal. VeryNile has removed 454 tonnes of waste from the river to date. 

Additionally, the establishment of an on-island healthcare response system have improved access to medical care. Educational initiatives have further empowered residents to contribute to their community‘s growth, while the Kids of the Nile program nurtures the next generation of environmental stewards. 

Moreover, VeryNile’s outreach has expanded beyond local communities, raising awareness about the Nile’s pollution through corporate, school, and organizational partnerships, and inspiring collective action towards a cleaner environment.

Negative effects were minimal, though challenges included the initial need to build trust with local fishermen. Through consistent engagement, these challenges were overcome, resulting in strong partnerships.