The Mediterranean Sea, like many of the world’s saltwater bodies, is becoming more acidic as it absorbs excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This shift in seawater chemistry weakens marine ecosystems, disrupting food chains and contributing to the decline of fish stocks. For Port Said in Egypt—a city whose identity and economy are deeply tied to fishing—this is not only an ecological crisis but also an economic one. For Young Climate Prize finalist Moemen Sobh, an architecture student from a long line of Port Said fishermen, the problem revealed an opportunity. Each year, tonnes of discarded fish skins are thrown back into the sea as “waste.” Sobh envisioned a way to transform this byproduct into value, creating Visenleer—a durable, sustainable fish-skin leather. By giving fishermen an additional source of income per catch, the material strengthens both the local economy and the culture of resourcefulness. His vision extends from clothing to tents, while also serving as a teaching tool: through workshops with students, Sobh connects design innovation with sustainability goals.

Sobh’s mentor in this project was Nelly Ben Hayoun, the London-based artist and experience designer known for her radical, cross-disciplinary practice. Her achievements include founding NASA’s International Space Orchestra and collaborating with figures as diverse as Noam Chomsky and Kid Cudi. In 2022, she launched Tour de Moon, a lunar-inspired festival of live events and immersive experiences across the UK.