Small Grants Program Joins Civil Society in Celebrating National Environment Day Clean-up Campaigns, Tree Planting, Awareness Sessions, and Training Programs to Promote Sustainable Practices
As part of preparations for the 2025 National Environment Day celebration, several civil society organizations implementing projects funded by the Small Grants Program (GEF/SGP) carried out a wide range of activities. These included clean-up and tree-planting campaigns, workshops and awareness sessions, as well as training programs on recycling agricultural waste, installing and maintaining solar panels, and energy-saving LED lamps.
National Environment Day is celebrated annually on January 27, marking the issuance of Egypt’s first environmental protection law—Law No. 4 of 1994. The celebration was initiated by the Arab Office for Youth and Environment, chaired by Dr. Emad El-Din Adly, and is held under the patronage of Minister of Environment Dr. Yasmine Fouad. This year’s theme is: “The Nexus of Water, Food, Energy, and Ecosystems: Foundations of Sustainability.”
In Qena Governorate, the Community Development Association in Naqada organized an awareness seminar on sustainable solutions for recycling agricultural waste, as part of the project “Optimal Use of Agricultural Waste – All Good in Our Ambassador,” funded by the Small Grants Program. The seminar, which saw strong participation from local residents, addressed the environmental and health hazards of burning waste and presented innovative solutions to convert it into economic resources that support sustainable agriculture and improve living standards.
In Fayoum Governorate, the Higher Horizons Association for Development and Community Service held a public seminar under the project “Recycling Palm Waste and Combating Palm Weevil in Itsa Villages.” The session aimed to educate farmers about the dangers of burning palm waste and how to repurpose it into livestock feed and organic fertilizers. The seminar also reinforced the National Environment Day theme, emphasizing the interconnection between energy, food, water, and ecosystems as essential pillars of sustainable development.
As part of the “Waraq Green” project, the House on the Rock Association in Giza continued its efforts to preserve trees and expand green spaces. The association held a discussion session to raise awareness about the role of trees in combating climate change and protecting biodiversity. Participants highlighted the need for more practical steps to safeguard ecosystems, noting that every tree cut down represents a loss for future generations.
Also in Giza, the “Together to Paradise” Association for Development and Special Needs launched a series of activities and awareness messages throughout January to mark National Environment Day. These initiatives are part of the “Solar Energy in Industry” project and cover areas including Imbaba, Awsim, Bashtil, and October Gardens. In collaboration with local districts and health units, the campaign aims to promote awareness of solar energy’s importance in addressing climate change. The association also announced free training for youth on installing and maintaining solar energy systems and LED energy-saving lamps.