Anas Ma’rouf Oqbah: A Yemeni Youth’s Journey into Green Entrepreneurship
“No idea has zero value.” This conviction, according to young Yemeni entrepreneur Anas Ma’rouf Oqbah, was the driving force behind his green project, “Lego Bricks.” Despite facing skepticism from many who saw his idea as an unattainable dream, given Yemen’s unstable situation and the lack of support for green entrepreneurship, Anas persevered.
A graduate of the Department of Administrative Sciences at the University of Aden, Anas’s project focuses on transforming plastic waste into alternative bricks using only plastic and sand. This innovative approach not only helps reduce waste but also contributes to sustainable construction.
Anas notes that his project has faced and continues to face numerous challenges, including a lack of specialized guidance in its early stages and insufficient funding and investor support. However, he remains committed to overcoming these obstacles, continuously developing the project, and seeking opportunities to implement it in a way that benefits both society and the environment.
A Glimpse into Reality and Vision
Regarding the current state and future of environmental entrepreneurship in Yemen, Anas explains that the reality is “somewhat discouraging due to the unstable situation, weak infrastructure, lack of support, and funding difficulties.”
He believes that the solution lies in adopting policies that support the circular economy, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and improved water resource management. Anas points out that “Yemen can draw inspiration from the experiences of countries like Sweden, the Netherlands, and Germany in the field of environmental management.”
Anas’s Contributions to Climate and Environmental Advocacy
Anas’s commitment to the environment extends beyond his entrepreneurial project. He is one of Yemen’s most prominent young advocates for environmental initiatives. He co-founded the “Sahseh” platform, where he currently serves as Programs Manager, and is an active member and administrator in other initiatives. He is also a frequent participant in numerous workshops and events focused on climate action at local, regional, and international levels, including the Conference of the Parties (COP) in Azerbaijan.
The young Yemeni environmental activist firmly believes that climate change is not a theoretical concept but “a real battle that requires action, and climate action is a necessity, not an option.” He calls on everyone in Yemen, especially the youth, to embrace efforts to preserve the environment and combat climate change, each from their own position and sphere of influence.
