The Ministry of Environment in Egypt and the U.N. Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have entered into a $3 million agreement to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and protect biodiversity in Hurghada City. The project, known as “Green Hurghada” or “Greening the Tourism Industry in Hurghada” as referred to by UNIDO, aims to foster a sustainable recovery in Hurghada’s tourism, energy, and transportation sectors.
Funding for the project has been provided by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), an international fund focused on biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.
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Over a span of five years, the project will align with post-COVID-19 recovery plans and focus on implementing sustainable technology solutions and promoting green investments in Hurghada’s tourism sector. In addition, it will raise awareness about the importance of preserving biodiversity.
Fostering sustainable tourism practices
The ultimate goal is to develop a more resilient tourism industry while prioritizing environmental, economic, and social sustainability.
During the signing ceremony, Patrick Gilabert, UNIDO representative of the Regional Office Hub in Egypt, highlighted the project’s aim to encourage sustainable tourism practices and address the impact of tourism and fishing activities on biodiversity.
Strategic environmental assessments will be conducted, and efforts will be made to mitigate the effects of climate change and air pollution, he added.
Gilabert also noted that the project will include a dedicated program for providing technical assistance, fostering technology development, and offering investment incentives.
The Ministry of Environment will establish a Project Steering Committee (PSC) to oversee the implementation of the project.
In addition, Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad stated that it would also oversee the collaboration of various Egyptian ministries and organizations in the project, offering crucial strategic assistance to accomplish its objectives. Fouad further mentioned that the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) will play a role in preparing project monitoring studies and essential reports.
Vision for a green Sharm El-Sheikh
Egypt’s broader vision includes transforming Sharm El-Sheikh into a green city by 2028, as part of a GEF-funded initiative carried out in collaboration with the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
In recent years, Egypt has already taken steps towards sustainability in Sharm El-Sheikh, such as adopting electric vehicles for transportation, mandating green certifications for hotels, and banning single-use plastic bags.
Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh are vital tourist destinations along Egypt’s Red Sea coast, attracting millions of visitors from around the world each year.
According to Tourism Minister Ahmed Issa, these two cities collectively received around seven million tourists in 2023, out of the total of 14.9 million tourists who visited Egypt.
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