Minister of Local Development: Implementation of integrated environmental projects in the field of pollution reduction

Cairo - Ahmed Saber

Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Environment, held an extensive meeting to monitor the latest developments in the Ministry and the Environmental Affairs Agency’s investment plan for the environmental sector for the fiscal year 2026/2027, as well as the implementation status of the projects included therein. This comes in line with the Ministry’s commitment to achieving the highest possible efficiency in directing investments and supporting projects that contribute to improving environmental quality and enhancing sustainability. The meeting was attended by several of the Minister’s assistants and advisors, along with relevant Ministry leadership.

During the meeting, Awad emphasized the importance of ensuring that the investment plan reflects environmental work priorities and citizens' needs, with a focus on projects yielding direct environmental benefits, improving the efficiency of the Ministry’s infrastructure and facilities, and supporting the state’s efforts to address environmental challenges and enhance service levels.

She listened to a detailed presentation on the components of the investment plan, implementation rates, and the financial status of the projects. The plan includes a comprehensive package of projects in areas such as pollution reduction, addressing the impacts of climate change, conserving biodiversity, and enhancing the efficiency of the environmental work system. The priorities for the upcoming phase were also discussed, aligning with the state’s directions and plans for sustainable development and maximizing resource utilization. Investments are being directed toward environmental files most closely linked to protecting natural resources and improving quality of life.

Awad clarified that the Climate Change Program plan includes completing the implementation of the interactive map for climate change risks and threats, finalizing procedures to develop the climate work system within local administration, and completing the establishment of the Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Center. These efforts are carried out through coordination with relevant domestic and international entities, thereby enhancing Egypt’s capacity to face and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

In the context of the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen the air quality improvement system, the investment plan includes completing the implementation of several programs and projects aimed at supporting the efficiency of managing and operating ambient air pollution monitoring networks, enhancing the efficiency of the industrial emissions and noise level monitoring network, and completing the project to upgrade vehicle exhaust inspection devices. These initiatives contribute to strengthening the environmental monitoring and supervision system and supporting efforts to improve air quality.

The Minister of Local Development and Environment also listened to presentations on projects and programs aimed at enhancing environmental protection and natural resources, improving water quality, and reducing industrial pollution. The water quality improvement program includes completing the monitoring of coastal waters and lakes across the Arab Republic of Egypt, as well as completing real-time monitoring of drains managed by the Environmental Affairs Agency. The plan also includes a natural reserves protection program to develop the reserves network nationwide. This involves constructing and equipping the new administrative building for the Coral Reef Administration, upgrading the administrative headquarters of the General Administration for Red Sea Reserves, enhancing the administrative building of the Al-Alba Reserve, and constructing two service buildings in the Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley) Reserve.

Regarding efforts to improve the industrial environment and reduce pollution sources, the investment plan includes implementing several projects and programs, such as the Industrial Environment and Energy Improvement Project. This project focuses on decarbonizing the chemical, fertilizer, and food industries, thereby supporting the state’s efforts to reduce pollution and promote a transition toward more sustainable industrial practices.

Dr. Manal Awad also reviewed the program for upgrading regional branches and enhancing infrastructure. She directed the necessity of completing the project to support and upgrade the laboratories of the Suez and Tanta branches, conducting field visits to monitor their actual status, and finalizing procedures for the supply and installation of fire suppression and alarm systems in several regional branches. Field inspections have been completed, and preliminary estimates have been prepared to facilitate the implementation process. These steps aim to enhance branch readiness, improve the efficiency of their headquarters, and support their capacity to perform their environmental service duties across governorates.

Furthermore, the Minister of Local Development and Environment directed the implementation of a comprehensive plan to upgrade the efficiency of the Environmental Educational Cultural Center “Beit El-Qahira” and the Environmental Awareness Center in Maasara, both affiliated with the Ministry. She also ordered the upgrade of digital transformation systems in the Ministry’s Crisis and Disasters Room to monitor environmental incidents and respond to them promptly. The investment plan includes several projects and programs supporting digital transformation, afforestation, and the development of the Ministry’s work system. The digital transformation program includes projects to enhance the efficiency of the Ministry’s information networks.

The Minister directed the continuous monitoring of project implementation rates and the immediate handling of any challenges that may affect achievement levels, while adhering to specified timelines. She emphasized coordination between sectors and relevant entities to ensure integrated efforts and the achievement of targets. Awad also stressed the importance of establishing clear indicators to measure the return on environmental investments. This ensures that resources are directed toward the most prioritized and impactful projects, achieving the best possible use of financial appropriations. This approach aligns with the state’s direction toward raising the efficiency of public expenditure and maximizing investment returns. It also involves updating implementation priorities according to new developments and environmental work needs, thereby driving priority projects and achieving the Ministry’s goals in environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources.