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CairoScene
09-06-2025
- General
- CairoScene
Sharm El-Sheikh Joins Global ICLEI Network as Egypt's First Green City
Sharm El-Sheikh launched 39 sustainability projects, including solar and green transport initiatives. Jun 09, 2025 Sharm El-Sheikh has officially joined ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability – becoming the first city in Egypt to be part of the international network dedicated to sustainable urban development. This step recognises the city's progress in implementing environmental reforms since 2018, when it hosted the UN Biodiversity Conference, and more recently, the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP27). As part of preparations for COP27, nearly 39 environmental projects were carried out under presidential directives to transform Sharm El-Sheikh into a comprehensive green city. These included infrastructure upgrades such as 145 kilometres of bike lanes, the introduction of a public bike-sharing system, and the expansion of electric and solar-powered public transport. Renewable energy investments reached EGP 800 million, resulting in a solar power production capacity of 51 megawatts. Community-led waste management programmes were also introduced to encourage recycling and reduce overall consumption. Preservation efforts have extended to Ras Mohammed National Park, where biodiversity protection programmes are being updated to safeguard over 3,000 marine species. Behavioural change has also been identified as key to the city's green transformation, with public campaigns promoting reduced resource use and wider adoption of clean energy. While Sharm El-Sheikh is the first Egyptian city to join ICLEI, El-Kharga in the New Valley Governorate was previously recognised as a green city by the Arab League. Egypt's broader sustainability strategy is expected to bring more cities into international sustainability networks in the near future.
See - Sada Elbalad
08-06-2025
- See - Sada Elbalad
Sharm El-Sheikh Becomes 1st Egyptian Green City to Join Global ICLEI Network
Ahmed Emam Egypt marked a significant milestone in its environmental journey as Sharm El-Sheikh was officially declared the first Egyptian green city to join the ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, a global network dedicated to sustainable urban development. The announcement was made by Minister of Environment0 Yasmine Fouad during a high-level ceremony attended by South Sinai Governor Khaled Mubarak, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Guemar Dieb, and Eng. Mohamed Aliewa, Director of the Green Sharm Project. Fouad described Sharm El-Sheikh's inclusion in ICLEI as the culmination of a years-long transformation, positioning the city as a national and regional leader in environmental sustainability. She traced the city's green journey back to 2018, when Egypt hosted the UN Biodiversity Conference, which brought international attention to the rich ecosystems of South Sinai and highlighted the country's commitment to integrating local communities in the management of natural reserves. Momentum grew further when Sharm El-Sheikh hosted the COP27 UN Climate Conference in 2022. Under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's directive, the city underwent sweeping upgrades, implementing nearly 40 environmental projects to prepare for the summit and to serve as a model for sustainable tourism. The minister emphasized that the success of sustainability initiatives hinges on public participation, noting that 'the human being is the foundation of sustainability.' She called on citizens to adopt eco-friendly habits such as recycling, resource conservation, and the use of renewable energy, stressing that environmental change begins with individual choices. The city's green credentials include major investments in solar power, sustainable transport, and waste management. Among the standout achievements are the installation of solar panels generating 51 megawatts of electricity, the construction of 145 kilometers of bicycle lanes, and the implementation of shared bike systems and electric buses. Community engagement has also played a vital role, particularly in solid waste management and biodiversity protection. Governor Khaled Mubarak hailed the ICLEI membership as a national accomplishment and a direct result of Egypt's strategic vision for sustainable development. He underscored that the green transformation of Sharm El-Sheikh aligns with South Sinai's sustainable development strategy, endorsed by President El-Sisi in 2024, which aims to position the city as a global hub for green tourism. 'Sharm El-Sheikh is no longer just a tourist destination; it is becoming a blueprint for how cities in the region can thrive economically, socially, and environmentally,' Mubarak said. He pointed to the 'Green Sharm' initiative as a turning point, driven by five integrated pillars: clean energy, waste reduction, sustainable transport, water conservation, and biodiversity. He also highlighted future plans, including a ban on single-use plastics in 50 hotels, increased support for local initiatives, and expanded partnerships with the private sector and international donors. So far, the city has attracted more than \$19.7 million in green financing, with further investments expected. In turn, Eng. Mohamed Aliewa, head of the Green Sharm project, described the city's ICLEI membership as a pivotal step toward its transformation into a sustainable city. He noted that Sharm El-Sheikh is now the fourth Arab city to join the international network. Aliewa also unveiled an online portal listing all certified green hotels, dive centers, and eco-friendly facilities — a tool designed to guide tourists seeking sustainable travel options. UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Guemar Dieb praised the city's achievement and Egypt's broader commitment to sustainability. He described Sharm El-Sheikh's transformation as a model for international green development, noting that the city's hosting of COP27 brought global attention to its environmental efforts and solidified its status as a beacon of climate leadership. Dieb applauded Fouad's role as Egypt's ministerial envoy to COP and her efforts in coordinating across government agencies to raise environmental standards in the city. 'Sharm El-Sheikh's success is a testament to what's possible when leadership, vision, and international cooperation come together,' he said. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan
Egypt Independent
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Sharm El Sheikh designated as Egypt's first green city by ICLEI
Sharm El Sheikh has officially become Egypt's first city to be recognized as a 'Green City' by the global Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) network. This significant achievement was announced by Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad, alongside South Sinai Governor Khaled Fouda and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Gimar Deeb. The designation marks the culmination of Sharm El Sheikh's extensive journey towards environmental sustainability, which gained momentum after Egypt hosted the UN Biodiversity Conference in 2018 and was solidified by the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in 2022. Guided by presidential directives, approximately 39 projects transformed the city into a comprehensive green model. Key initiatives contributing to this status include substantial investments (LE800 million) in renewable energy (51 megawatts, solar installations across hotels and remote areas), the establishment of 145 km of cycling paths and sustainable transport, and robust solid waste management systems that engage the local community, including converting used cooking oil into biodiesel. The city also focuses on water desalination in Nabq Protectorate and biodiversity preservation, including coral reef monitoring. Though Sharm El Sheikh is the inaugural Egyptian city to join the ICLEI, El-Kharga City's prior designation as a green city by the Arab League highlights Egypt's expansive dedication to sustainable development. Governor Fouda emphasized that COP27 was a critical turning point, solidifying Sharm El Sheikh's identity as a green tourism destination. The 'Green Sharm' project specifically targets energy, waste, transport, water, and biodiversity, including a ban on single-use plastics in 50 hotels by 2025/2026. This comprehensive strategy, supported by over $19.7 million in funding, aims to make Sharm El Sheikh a global model for sustainable tourism, promoting a healthy environment, a promising economy, and a responsible community. The Green Sharm Project Manager and the UNDP representative both lauded Sharm El Sheikh's inclusion, emphasizing it as a clear demonstration of Egypt's dedication to green transformation and its positive impact on the city's tourism appeal in addition to its role as a global symbol post-COP27.
Egypt Today
16-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
Egypt, Canada strengthen environmental cooperation with focus on green transition and climate action
File- Egyptian Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad - press photo CAIRO – 16 May 2025: Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad held a meeting with Canadian Ambassador to Egypt Louis Dumas and his accompanying delegation to discuss ongoing and future cooperation on environmental issues at both national and multilateral levels. The meeting was attended by Ambassador Raouf Saad, Advisor to the Minister on Multilateral Agreements, and Soha Taher, Head of the Central Administration for International Cooperation and Climate Change. Fouad praised the long-standing and distinguished environmental partnership between Egypt and Canada, highlighting Canada's early support in building Egypt's environmental capabilities, particularly in data management through the development of an environmental information system, which played a crucial role in understanding and addressing complex environmental challenges. The discussions covered collaborative efforts at the multilateral level, particularly during the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) held in Canada, where both countries worked together to establish a global biodiversity framework. The two sides praised the joint cooperation during the COP27 Climate Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh and COP28 in Dubai, where Egypt and Canada jointly led consultations on climate finance, resulting in an agreement to scale up climate funding. The minister presented Egypt's vision for green transformation, which centers on raising ambition, encouraging green investment, and engaging the private sector. She emphasized Egypt's aspiration to become a regional hub for green hydrogen and renewable energy, leveraging its significant natural capital and reaffirmed the state's commitment to inclusive green transition, supported by the government, civil society, and local communities alike. She also referenced presidential directives issued since 2018 to ensure active youth and women participation in environmental efforts, beyond mere awareness. Notable examples include small-scale waste management projects and the conservation of natural reserves, she said. The 'Eco Egypt' campaign was cited as a successful initiative promoting eco-tourism through youth and entrepreneur engagement. The minister elaborated on Egypt's policy approach to tackling plastic pollution, a pressing global and national challenge. She mentioned the Cabinet's approval of extended producer responsibility regulations for plastic bags under the Waste Management Law, alongside changes in production standards and the introduction of alternatives. A public awareness campaign on reducing single-use plastics is being prepared, in line with World Environment Day's theme of reducing plastic pollution, she said. The role of education in addressing environmental challenges was also a key topic. Fouad stressed the importance of integrating global environmental issues such as biodiversity and climate change into the national education system. Egypt has already incorporated these topics into school curricula and welcomed Canadian interest in developing technical education that includes environmental and sustainability components, she said. The Canadian ambassador commended the historical depth of Egyptian-Canadian relations and expressed Canada's intention to support Egypt's green transition. He highlighted areas of potential cooperation, including technical education aligned with environmental sustainability, smart agriculture, and research partnerships aimed at addressing environmental priorities.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Invite-Only Meeting Revives Hope For a Global Plastic Treaty
(Bloomberg) -- More than a dozen countries took part in informal talks aimed at unblocking negotiations to stem a global wave of plastic pollution, which scientists warn could have major public health consequences if left unchecked. Despite Cost-Cutting Moves, Trump Plans to Remake DC in His Style Amtrak CEO Departs Amid Threats of a Transit Funding Pullback New York Subway Ditches MetroCard After 32 Years for Tap-And-Go NYC Plans for Flood Protection Without Federal Funds The Scary Thing About the Wildfire That Was Stopped Nations and blocs that joined the meeting convened by Norway in Oslo on Monday and Tuesday included China, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Japan and the European Union. India, Iraq and Saudi Arabia were invited but did not attend. A new round of formal United Nations-backed negotiations for a global plastic treaty will be held in Geneva in August. Previous attempts in South Korea last year were obstructed by a small group of oil producers, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, who objected to limits on production and consumption. Success in delivering a pact may hinge on a small group of countries — including India, South Africa, Brazil and particularly China, which has a large petrochemical sector but is increasingly concerned about plastic's health impacts. 'What we are working now is to find that landing zone and the compromise that can bring an agreement' at the Geneva talks, Norwegian Climate Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen said in an interview. 'A lot of countries now really want to step up and demonstrate that the multilateral system is actually working.' The process of finding global consensus on solutions to climate and environmental challenges has faced scrutiny after a series of disappointing outcomes at UN-brokered summits, and failures last year to strike agreements to halt plastic pollution, protect biodiversity and end desertification. Yet a deal reached at the UN Biodiversity Conference last month in Rome, where more than 140 countries agreed to raise hundreds of billions of dollars a year to halt nature loss, is injecting new hope for a plastics pact. Norway was following some of the same strategies diplomats used to seal the Rome agreement by initiating informal talks ahead of scheduled negotiations, Eriksen said. A global plastic treaty would seek to curb how much of the material contaminates the world's soil and waterways. Plastic waste is not biodegradable, breaking down instead into microplastics which can then enter the food stream. Recent research has shown the material is toxic as it accumulates in human bodies. Plastic production is forecast to jump about 60% to 736 million tons a year by 2040, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. (Updates with new comment from fourth paragraph) Tesla's Gamble on MAGA Customers Won't Work How TD Became America's Most Convenient Bank for Money Launderers The Real Reason Trump Is Pushing 'Buy American' A New 'China Shock' Is Destroying Jobs Around the World The Future of Higher Ed Is in Austin ©2025 Bloomberg L.P.
