The first edition of the environmental and Climate Investment Forum

Egyptian Minister of Environment Highlights Ecotourism and Bioeconomics in Key Industry Session

Dr. Yasmin Fouad, Egypt’s Minister of Environment, attended a pivotal session on ecotourism and bioeconomics, alongside key figures including Dr. Ali Abu Senna, Head of the Environmental Affairs Authority; Eng. Mohamed Abdel Karim, Chairman of the Industrial Development Authority; Mr. Ahmed Rizk, Deputy Representative of UNIDO; Ms. Sylvain Merlin, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Egypt; and representatives from Scatec, econopia, and chitosan. The session was moderated by Mr. Mohamed Aliwa from the Ministry of Environment’s Green Sharm El Sheikh program.

Dr. Ali Abu Senna underscored the urgent need for Egypt to transition to a dynamic and sustainable economy, noting the country’s rich biomass resources. The Ministry has developed a comprehensive strategy to assess biomass availability, implement appropriate technologies, and distribute resources across provinces, creating new income and job opportunities while boosting economic growth.

Discussions also highlighted the rapid development of eco-tourism in Egypt, focusing on sustainable use of the nation’s rich natural reserves. Initiatives such as the eco W project have led to a significant rise in eco-tourism permits and increased financial returns, capitalizing on Egypt’s diverse marine and cultural reserves.

Mohamed Abdel Karim emphasized the Industrial Development Authority’s commitment to environmentally friendly industrial growth, promoting green industrial zones, energy efficiency, and waste recycling. Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmed Rizk from UNIDO discussed the rising importance of bioeconomics and the circular economy, encouraging government-private sector collaboration to utilize agricultural and food industry waste for producing competitive export goods.

The session further showcased investment prospects in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the bioeconomics sector. Professor Shahira Yahya of Chitosan shared successful initiatives in converting marine waste into organic fertilizers, supporting small farmers and advancing high-quality fertilizers for export and industrial crops. This illustrates promising opportunities in the emerging bioeconomics market.