Strengthening Ties: Egypt and France’s Enduring Environmental Partnership Celebrated by Environment Minister – Egyptian Gazette

Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad recently met with a team from MEDEF International, which represents major French businesses keen on green investments in Egypt. The delegation was led by Wouter van Wersch from Airbus, highlighting the collaboration between Egypt and France on climate issues.

Fouad emphasized Egypt’s commitment to global environmental efforts, particularly through its participation in key agreements like the Paris Agreement. Over the past few years, Egypt has made strides in weaving environmental concerns into its economic and social plans. For instance, in 2019, the government set a goal for its national budget to comprise 100% green projects by 2030.

The country, which contributes less than 1% of global emissions, is focusing on adapting to climate change, especially regarding water and food security. To support this, Egypt has developed a national climate investment strategy aimed at fostering private sector involvement and reducing investment risks. New strategies related to the circular economy and marine pollution are also in the works.

Tourism is particularly important in Egypt and is deeply tied to natural resources. Efforts to protect coral reefs are part of a broader initiative to promote sustainable tourism. Additionally, there are plans to set up a Nature Fund in collaboration with local banks, aimed at supporting eco-tourism initiatives.

In waste management, Egypt has introduced its first law grounded in circular economy principles. The Waste Management Regulatory Authority is in charge of establishing technology standards and contracts. A notable success is the partnership with cement companies to use alternative fuels, which has helped to reduce coal dependence.

There are also exciting prospects in sustainable aviation fuel, with a feasibility study already completed. The industrial sector is shifting toward environmental compliance, aided by a Green Sustainable Industry program that provides soft loans to support greener practices.

Egypt has initiated pilot projects to recycle construction waste and is developing a major waste management facility with the World Bank. This hub aims to process various types of waste in East Cairo.

Fouad shared that Egypt is working on producing both traditional and electric vehicles, focusing on low-emission fuels and expanding electric public transport. These moves align with the country’s climate goals, making an impact on emission reductions.

The Central Bank of Egypt is promoting green finance initiatives, urging banks to establish sustainability units to align financial practices with environmental objectives.

The French delegation showed enthusiasm for investing in Egypt’s green transition, expressing interest in projects related to green hydrogen and ecosystem balance. They look forward to further discussions on specific investments in environmental projects, which include companies involved in green building and renewable energy.

For more insights on Egypt’s environmental strategies, you can check out the United Nations Environment Programme and stay updated on climate efforts globally.

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