Weekly News Brief SNE
8th of June 2025
Egypt’s Senate to address proposed amendments to Natural Reserves Law
31st of May 2025
Egypt’s Senate is set to review proposed amendments to the 1983 Natural Reserves Law, aiming to modernize outdated legislation that no longer aligns with current environmental, social, and economic realities. Spearheaded by Representative Noha Ahmed Zaki, the changes would shift the law’s focus from strict conservation to a more balanced framework that enables sustainable tourism, local community involvement, and stronger environmental enforcement. The revisions also seek to define acceptable resource uses, classify reserves scientifically, and create sustainable financing for conservation. Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad noted that Egypt currently has 30 reserves, with several already developed for ecotourism and internationally recognized for effective biodiversity protection.
Mashat discusses with UN official efforts to update 'Egypt Vision 2030'
31st of May 2025
Minister Rania Al Mashat met with UN Resident Coordinator Elena Panova to discuss updating Egypt Vision 2030 in response to local and global economic shifts, reinforcing its role as the foundation for Egypt’s development. The meeting emphasized Egypt’s strategic partnership with the UN and its agencies, especially as they mark 80 years of collaboration. Discussions focused on empowering the private sector, aligning national and local development plans with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and refining monitoring mechanisms. Mashat also highlighted new policy tools, including the 2022 Planning Law, to enable data-driven and inclusive economic development, while both sides prepared for the upcoming UNSDCF Steering Committee meeting.
Egypt launches campaign to curb single-use plastic pollution amid global climate push
1st of June 2025
On World Environment Day 2025, Egypt’s Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad launched the “Reduce It” campaign to combat single-use plastic pollution, supported by UNIDO and the Government of Japan. The initiative promotes sustainable alternatives and aligns with Egypt’s broader circular economy goals under Vision 2030. Fouad emphasized the shift from plastic bans to gradual reduction, citing health, economic, and ecological benefits, while highlighting Egypt’s regulatory and investment framework supporting green industries. Japan and UNIDO praised the campaign’s potential to position Egypt as a sustainability leader, as it aims to reduce plastic reliance, stimulate eco-friendly manufacturing, and improve public health.
Egypt plans desert city supplied with diverted Nile water
1st of June 2025
Egypt has announced plans to build Jirian, a 6.8 million sq meter desert city west of Cairo, which will reroute about 7% of the country’s annual Nile River quota—10 million cubic meters of water per day—to support upscale residential developments and irrigate the 2.28 million-acre New Delta agricultural project. The initiative, led by the military-affiliated Mostakbal Misr for Sustainable Development and three private developers, aims to boost state asset value and land prices amid growing water shortages, power constraints, and economic challenges. The project will include housing, commercial areas, a yacht marina, and a free economic zone, promoting what officials call a “non-traditional, innovative” development model.
Egypt, Japan, UNIDO launch ‘Reduce It’ campaign to raise awareness of single-use plastic bag hazards
1st of June 2025
Egypt’s Ministry of Environment is launching a nationwide awareness campaign titled “Reduce It” to educate the public on the environmental dangers of single-use plastic bags, in collaboration with JICA and UNIDO and in alignment with World Environment Day. The campaign, to be announced at a high-profile event attended by officials including Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad, Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir, and Japanese Ambassador Iwai Fumio, aims to promote eco-friendly alternatives and marks Sharm El Sheikh’s recognition as Egypt’s first ICLEI Global Network sustainable city. This initiative follows alarming data from Egypt’s Cabinet IDSC, which reported 5 million tons of single-use plastic consumed in 2022/2023, contributing to a global crisis where only 10% of 7 billion tons of plastic waste is recycled, causing up to $600 billion in annual environmental and economic damage.
Egypt set to reach 30% of its power mix from renewable energy
2nd of June 2025
Egypt’s Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy announced plans to increase renewables to 30% of the national energy mix by 2030, with a projected total capacity of 25.1 GW—including wind, solar, hydro, and battery storage. This surpasses the original 21 GW target and reflects growing investments in clean energy. As part of electricity market liberalization under the new Electricity Law, four new solar and wind projects (totaling 400 MW) have been approved to sell power to industrial clients. Despite current renewables representing just 11% of Egypt’s 59 GW capacity, these steps mark a significant shift toward sustainable energy.
3rd Int’l Conf. on climate & environment kicks off in Cairo
3rd of June 2025
The third International Conference on Climate and Environment (ICCE 2025), launched under the auspices of the Arab League and Egypt’s Prime Minister’s Office, is being held at the Arab League headquarters in partnership with Nile University and the Engineers for A Sustainable Egypt Foundation. Coinciding with World Environment Day, the two-day event gathers ministers, religious leaders, academics, and climate experts to exchange insights on sustainability, climate action, and eco-innovation. The conference features high-level panels discussing regional climate strategies, water resource management, plastic pollution, and sustainable urban development, while also honoring local "Go Green" initiatives supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Egypt hosts 3rd International Climate, Environment Conference to advance sustainable innovation
3rd of June 2025
Egypt inaugurated the third edition of the International Conference on Climate and Environment on Tuesday, uniting senior officials, academics, religious leaders, and experts to address environmental challenges and foster innovative solutions for sustainable development. Held under the auspices of the Prime Minister and the Arab League and organized by Nile University and the Engineers for Sustainable Egypt Foundation, the event coincides with World Environment Day. Speakers emphasized the vital role of universities in policy innovation and youth engagement, and proposed initiatives like a national “Science Valley.” Sessions cover critical topics including the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, green hydrogen, circular economy, AI in environmental systems, and plastic reduction, alongside an exhibition and discussions on sustainable cities, agriculture, and eco-tourism aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the SDGs.
Experts, MPs, call on state to take warnings of Alexandria sinking seriously
4th of June 2025
A severe storm that hit Alexandria Governorate on Saturday reignited concerns among experts and MPs about the city’s vulnerability to climate change impacts, especially rising sea levels and coastal erosion. Studies from institutions like NASA and the Technical University of Munich warn that Alexandria faces accelerated shoreline erosion, building collapses due to saltwater intrusion, and the risk of partial submersion, though worst-case sea level rise projections suggest the city is not at risk of total sinking. Marine science professor Mohamed Shaltout highlighted the broader risks of climate change, including water scarcity, drought, and ecological shifts. Several MPs called on the government to take these scientific warnings seriously by conducting in-depth studies and implementing urgent marine protection and crisis management plans to safeguard Alexandria’s coastline, infrastructure, and population against future storms and rising seas.
Egypt Nearing Seismic Zone, Warns Environment Minister
4th of June 2025
Following recent earthquakes near Crete and in the Mediterranean, Egypt’s Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, warned of entering a zone of heightened seismic activity, marking an unusual increase in earthquake frequency. While earthquakes are not directly caused by climate change, Fouad explained that rising sea levels may trigger geological shifts that contribute to more seismic events. She also highlighted the growing intensity of extreme weather patterns—such as floods, droughts, and storms—as evidence of climate change’s impact on Egypt. The government has developed a comprehensive crisis management strategy, including an early warning system and operational protocols to respond swiftly to both climate and seismic threats, with measures like temporary closures during severe events. Meanwhile, climate experts and the IPCC warn that sea levels could rise by nearly one meter by 2100 under high-emission scenarios, threatening to submerge much of the Nile Delta and displace millions, especially in vulnerable coastal cities like Alexandria.
Egypt nearing active seismic zone, now ‘at onset of danger’: Environment Minister
4th of June 2025
Egypt’s Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad has warned that the country is entering a period of heightened seismic activity, calling it “the onset of danger,” as recent earthquakes reveal unusual geophysical patterns. While climate change does not directly cause earthquakes, she noted that rising sea levels may contribute to increased seismic events, alongside more frequent and severe weather phenomena such as heavy rainfall, floods, and storms. The government has established a central crisis management authority and is prepared to take measures like closing schools during extreme conditions, emphasizing the importance of an effective early warning system to protect lives and infrastructure amid these evolving environmental challenges.
Sharm El Sheikh designated as Egypt’s first green city by ICLEI
4th of June 2025
Sharm El Sheikh has become Egypt’s first city officially recognized as a “Green City” by the global Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) network, a milestone announced by Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad and other officials. This achievement reflects years of efforts accelerated by Egypt hosting major UN environmental conferences, including COP27, and involves 39 projects focused on renewable energy, sustainable transport, waste management, water desalination, and biodiversity preservation. With significant investments and initiatives like solar power installations, cycling paths, and bans on single-use plastics in hotels, Sharm El Sheikh aims to be a global model for sustainable tourism, showcasing Egypt’s commitment to environmental transformation and economic growth.
UAE to ban single-use plastics by 2026
5th of June 2025
UAE announces full ban on single-use plastics by 2026. Minister Dr. Amna Al Dahak highlights national and global efforts to combat pollution on World Environment Day
Towards greener industry
6th of June 2025
Egypt’s latest campaign to reduce single-use plastics, launched under the theme “Overcoming Plastic Pollution” for World Environment Day, focuses on close collaboration with the industrial sector to promote sustainable materials. Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad highlighted ongoing efforts, including the National Strategy to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Bags, which aims for a just green transition while engaging producers and consumers. The campaign, called Qallelha (Reduce), is supported by the Federation of Egyptian Industries and international partners like Japan and UNIDO, emphasizing capacity building and technical support for small and medium enterprises. Additionally, Sharm El Sheikh was recognized as Egypt’s first “Green City,” committing to environmental initiatives such as renewable energy investments and banning single-use plastics in hotels, with strong community and private sector involvement backed by significant funding.