Cairo: Manal Awad, the Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, conducted a coordination meeting to review ongoing activities between the Ministry of Environment and the Center for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE). This meeting is a part of a series aimed at monitoring significant environmental portfolios.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting included key attendees such as Ali Abou Senna, Head of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA), and various advisors and assistants to the minister. The discussions focused on the organizational structure of CEDARE and its collaborative efforts with the ministry. CEDARE contributes to enhancing the ministry's ability to prepare Egypt's State of Environment Reports by updating methodologies with international standards. This is facilitated through an AI-powered tool developed in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), which aims to improve reporting efficiency and outcomes.

Awad also examined the collaboration in implementing the 'SwitchMed II' project, which supports the circular economy and promotes sustainable consumption and production strategies. The project covers four main areas: waste management law implementation, reducing plastic bag usage, organizing roundtables on plastic pollution, and developing a strategic roadmap for the Blue Economy.

The meeting further addressed decisions from CEDARE's 18th Board of Trustees meeting, including policy updates, the formation of a technical advisory committee, and the recommendation to establish specialized units to enhance the center's capacities and partnerships.

Additionally, Awad reviewed activities with the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA). Key decisions from the 21st Ministerial Council session of PERSGA were discussed, including approvals for funding projects on sustainable fishery resource development and marine ecosystems, as well as a regional plan to combat illegal fishing and manage ship waste.

The council also approved updates to the emergency response plan for marine pollution incidents in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, reflecting a commitment to conserving marine resources and reducing pollution.