CAIRO: In a concerted effort to bolster environmental initiatives and promote ecotourism, Egypt’s Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, and Minister of Civil Aviation, Sameh el Hefny, engaged in discussions focused on addressing climate change and enhancing sustainable aviation practices. The talks underscored a shared commitment to integrating environmental concerns within the aviation sector.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Minister Fouad highlighted the necessity of cooperative strategies with the Civil Aviation Ministry to mitigate climate change impacts and promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). She presented promotional materials on ecotourism and the Red Sea Protected Areas Islands, intended to be displayed at airports to draw tourists and spotlight Egypt’s environmental attractions.

The dialogue also covered the Civil Aviation Ministry’s role in Egypt’s climate agenda, particularly through the execution of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS) 2050. This involves setting priorities for adaptation strategies in aviation and airport operations.

Minister Fouad expressed a desire to partner with the aviation ministry on a pioneering waste management initiative at key airports, like Cairo International Airport or Sharm El Sheikh Airport. She also discussed efforts to create an interactive map detailing climate change impacts.

Minister Hefny acknowledged the aviation sector’s vulnerability to climate change and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to international environmental standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He affirmed the ministry’s dedication to environmental sustainability and its role in global climate change mitigation efforts.