Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, received Dr. Bahaa El Ghanam, Head of the Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development Authority, to discuss cooperation in boosting environmental and climate investment, implementing the bio-economy strategy, and promoting lake development. The meeting was attended by several officials from the Ministry of Environment, including Dr. Ali Abu Sena, CEO of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, and Dr. Mohamed Salem, Head of the Nature Conservation Sector.
Sustainable Development Strategy and Joint Cooperation
The Minister of Environment emphasized the role of the Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development Authority in driving sustainable development across various sectors, such as energy, agriculture, water, and natural resources. She pointed out that the Ministry of Environment was one of the first ministries to adopt the concept of sustainable development, which links economic and social impacts on natural resources with the future effects of excessive use of these resources.
She also highlighted the ministry’s goal to collaborate with the Future of Egypt Authority on several projects related to recycling agricultural waste and converting it into industrial resources and bioenergy. This collaboration includes both large and small projects with partners such as the private sector, entrepreneurs, and youth.
Agricultural Waste’s Role in Strengthening the Bio-Economy
Minister Fouad discussed the importance of the agricultural waste strategy developed by the Ministry of Environment, which can serve as a starting point for joint cooperation with the Future of Egypt Authority. She mentioned that this strategy involves projects for recycling agricultural waste and turning it into new products, which is one of the ministry’s leading areas. She also outlined investment opportunities in this field, such as utilizing jojoba and prickly pear oils, as well as using rice straw to produce silica.
The Minister further emphasized the importance of utilizing both agricultural and animal waste for eco-friendly energy production through biogas, in collaboration with the Ministry’s Biomass Energy Institute.
Lake Bardawil Development and Future Collaboration
Regarding Lake Bardawil, the Minister of Environment stressed the urgency of taking immediate action to improve the environmental condition of the lake, and working to develop and protect it in collaboration with the Future of Egypt Authority. She explained that the Ministry will work on the development of Lake Bardawil in line with international agreements on wetlands, with a focus on preserving biodiversity.
Appreciation for the Efforts of the Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development Authority
Dr. Bahaa El Ghanam expressed his appreciation for the Minister of Environment’s efforts in supporting environmental investment, stating that the Future of Egypt Authority contributes to many major agricultural and industrial projects, including the project to plant 1.5 million feddans in the new Delta and the development of Egypt’s largest industrial city in Dabaa.
He also presented the authority’s efforts in digitizing agriculture in Egypt, including the digitization of all agricultural contracts and the use of satellite technology to monitor crops.
Strategy for Protecting Lakes
In terms of lake development, Dr. Ali Abu Sena outlined the ministry’s efforts to preserve biodiversity in lakes, highlighting the establishment of a permanent committee dedicated to lakes and taking scientific measures to protect them, especially Lake Bardawil.
