Egypt’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, held a pivotal meeting with Mr. Ahmed Rizk, Director of the UN-Habitat Egypt Office, to discuss a range of potential collaborative projects. The initiatives focus on critical areas including waste management, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, urban mobility, and plastic pollution. The meeting received key officials, including Dr. Ali Abu Sena, Head of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, Mr. Yasser Abdullah, Head of the Waste Management Regulatory Agency, Ms. Hoda El-Shawady, Assistant Minister for Environmental Tourism, and Dr. Maihetab El-Ramal, Green Climate Fund Focal Point.
Key Collaborative Projects Discussed
One of the major topics discussed during the meeting was the potential for collaboration on Egypt’s Smart Waste Management (SWIFT) project. The project aims to address significant waste challenges, particularly in the construction and demolition sectors and plastic waste management. The first step will be the pilot implementation of this initiative in Giza, which will serve as a model for future waste management systems across the country. The project also involves capacity building for local authorities and policy reforms to ensure effective waste management.
Additionally, the meeting explored the development of the “Sustainable Oasis” project in the Farafra Oasis, a collaboration with UN-Habitat, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the Global Biodiversity Facility. The project focuses on integrating biodiversity restoration practices and climate adaptation strategies in the New Valley, with an emphasis on interactive climate change mapping, sustainable water and agricultural resource management, private sector engagement, and community participation.
Nature-Based Solutions and Climate Adaptation
Dr. Yasmine Fouad emphasized the importance of nature-based solutions to enhance Egypt’s climate resilience. As part of the ongoing efforts, discussions centered on ecosystem restoration initiatives in Egypt’s northern coastline. The collaboration with the Adaptation Fund aims to improve coastal resilience by utilizing nature-based solutions, such as sustainable marine ecosystem management, green infrastructure for coastal protection, and strengthening community engagement. The Minister also mentioned the possibility of establishing a new marine protected area along Egypt’s Mediterranean coast as part of these efforts.
Urban Mobility and Green Cities
A key component of the collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and UN-Habitat is enhancing urban mobility through sustainable transport systems. Mr. Rizk presented the success of the Cairo Bike project, which has gained popularity among stakeholders and can serve as a model for other Egyptian cities. The project could potentially be expanded to include green cities such as Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada, where urban mobility can be improved through eco-friendly transport solutions. Furthermore, the collaboration would also support green city projects in Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada as part of the Ministry’s environmental initiatives.
Addressing Plastic Pollution Through Innovative Solutions
In addressing Egypt’s plastic pollution crisis, Mr. Rizk suggested a pioneering initiative to incorporate treated plastic waste into asphalt mixtures for road construction. This innovative approach not only improves the durability and sustainability of road infrastructure but also helps reduce environmental impact by decreasing plastic waste in landfills and cutting down CO2 emissions. The Ministry of Environment will work with the government, private sector, and research institutions to implement this solution.
Next Steps and Future Collaboration
The meeting concluded with an agreement to prepare project proposal documents for the proposed initiatives. These documents will be discussed with relevant stakeholders, including government entities and donor organizations, to evaluate their feasibility and align them with Egypt’s strategic priorities.
The collaboration between Egypt’s Ministry of Environment and UN-Habitat marks a significant step toward addressing some of the country’s most pressing environmental challenges, while also contributing to broader global sustainability goals.
