In a powerful demonstration of commitment to environmental sustainability, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is actively participating in the global “Earth Hour” initiative today. The Ministry, alongside the Supreme Council of Antiquities, will switch off unnecessary external lighting in select iconic monuments and museums across the country, joining millions worldwide to mark this annual event.
This year’s Earth Hour campaign, held under the theme “Together for the Biggest Earth Hour”, aims to raise awareness about the critical need for energy conservation and its role in mitigating climate change. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Shereif Fathi, emphasized that this participation is in line with Egypt’s commitment to combating global warming and promoting positive environmental behaviors for a sustainable future.
Major Landmarks and Museums to Go Dark for One Hour
According to Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, several key historical sites and museums across Egypt will be involved in the initiative. From 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM local time, unnecessary lighting will be turned off in six prominent archaeological sites and nine museums nationwide. Some of the most notable sites include:
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Cairo: Salah El-Din Citadel
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Alexandria: Qaitbay Citadel
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Luxor: Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
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Aswan: The Air Dome
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Museums: The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, Royal Carriages Museum in Boulaq, and the Greek-Roman Museum in Alexandria, among others.
The Ministry’s participation highlights Egypt’s ongoing commitment to preserving its vast cultural heritage while promoting environmental stewardship. By conserving energy, Egypt joins the global effort to address climate change, further supporting sustainable tourism practices.
Earth Hour: A Global Call for Climate Action
Earth Hour, an initiative that has become a staple in the global environmental calendar, takes place every year on the last Saturday of March. This event serves as a reminder of the collective action required to tackle the climate crisis, with cities, organizations, and individuals switching off their lights for one hour to symbolize their commitment to a sustainable future.
This annual event has been successful in raising awareness about climate change, while simultaneously promoting energy-saving practices and encouraging people to rethink their environmental impact. By participating, Egypt continues to strengthen its position as a key player in global sustainability efforts.
Egypt’s Ongoing Efforts for a Sustainable Future
Egypt’s participation in Earth Hour is just one facet of its broader efforts to address climate change and environmental challenges. The country’s tourism and heritage sectors are increasingly prioritizing sustainability, and the government continues to implement policies that promote energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
As Egypt takes this essential step to raise awareness about the importance of energy conservation, it also sends a clear message to the world: sustainability is not just a global concern, but a local commitment to creating a better future for all.
