Cairo: Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment Manal Awad engaged in discussions with a World Bank mission regarding recent developments in cooperation on the green transition and blue economy. The meeting included key figures such as Ms. Galina Andronova Vincelette, the World Bank Vice President for Operations Policy and Country Services; Mr. Stefan Gimber, Director for Egypt, Yemen, and Djibouti; and Ms. Maria Sarraf, Environment Director for the Middle East and North Africa region.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Dr. Awad commenced the meeting by acknowledging the fruitful collaboration with the World Bank in executing the Greater Cairo Air Pollution Management and Climate Change Project. This project is recognized as a significant initiative in Egypt, aiming to mitigate air pollution and address climate change impacts. Dr. Awad highlighted accomplishments through initiatives that reduce air pollution, such as the integrated solid waste management city project in 10th of Ramadan City and the introduction of electric buses into the public transport system.
Dr. Awad emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation to develop laboratories in central departments within the governorates linked to the Ministry of Environment, to ensure precise sample analysis and alleviate pressure on Cairo's central laboratory. She expressed her commitment to encouraging private-sector involvement in environmental efforts, using the project as a model to engage the private sector in the solid waste management system and managing the integrated waste management complex in 10th of Ramadan City.
She pointed out that this strategy would alleviate the state's burden while offering mutual benefits by opening new investment opportunities for the private sector and satisfying development needs. Additionally, she praised the World Bank's contribution to supporting the Ministry of Environment in the safe closure of the Abu Zaabal landfill, safeguarding citizens' health.
Addressing the blue economy, the minister discussed potential cooperation in implementing a pilot smart, real-time monitoring system in a natural reserve, aiding in timely decision-making for reserve management and resource preservation. She emphasized replicating this model across other Egyptian reserves to create an integrated monitoring and management system, involving civil society in oversight.
World Bank Vice President Vincelette lauded the cooperation with Egypt in implementing the Greater Cairo Air Pollution Management and Climate Change Project, noting it as the largest waste management project by the Bank in the region. She underlined the project's significance in addressing air pollution and its sources and its potential impact on citizens, particularly in Greater Cairo. The project also serves as a model for private-sector participation by minimizing investment risks in environmental sectors.
She highlighted that this collaboration reflects Egypt's commitment to addressing environmental challenges, encompassing critical sectors such as industry, agriculture, and transport. The World Bank views this as a pioneering and successful model to be replicated in other regional countries.
The World Bank representatives expressed gratitude to all project contributors, including the Ministries of Environment and Local Development, concerned governorates, and the Public Transport Authority. They acknowledged achievements such as establishing 120 air pollution monitoring stations, devising an action plan for acute air pollution episodes, reducing open burning incidents by 50% over three years, and efforts in rehabilitating the Abu Zaabal landfill, promoting sustainable transport, and establishing the integrated solid waste management city in 10th of Ramadan City with private-sector participation, creating jobs for citizens.
The representatives also noted the Bank's interest in providing technical support to Egypt in the blue economy, given Egypt's diverse water resources and rich marine environment, and exploring support in assessing coral reef degradation.