Egypt's Ministry of Local Development and Environment is preparing climate action plans for Qena and Kafr El-Sheikh governorates through 2035, aiming to integrate adaptation and emissions-reduction projects into local development and attract international climate finance.
Egypt's Ministry of Local Development and Environment has announced the development of comprehensive climate action plans for the Qena and Kafr El-Sheikh governorates, targeting implementation through 2035. The initiative seeks to embed climate adaptation and emissions-reduction measures directly into local development and investment strategies, rather than treating climate policy as a separate track.
Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad discussed the proposed plans in a virtual meeting with the governors of Qena and Kafr El-Sheikh. The project is being carried out in partnership with the German development agency GIZ, the National Solid Waste Management Programme, and the European Union's Green Initiative.
Integrated approach to local climate resilience
The plans will include measures to protect critical sectors and public services from climate risks, improve energy and water efficiency, promote climate-smart agriculture, and support the circular economy. Strengthening governance, data-sharing, and monitoring systems is also a key component. A dedicated roadmap for solid waste management covering 2026-2035 will be developed, with a focus on identifying financing needs for both mitigation and adaptation projects.
International finance and capacity building
Potential funding sources identified include the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, Adaptation Fund, the European Union, international banks, development agencies, as well as government programmes and private-sector investment. Minister Awad called for a priority list of implementable projects to attract international climate finance and reduce fiscal pressure on local and state budgets. She also highlighted the need to strengthen environmental departments in both governorates and provide staff training to ensure effective implementation.
Next steps and regional context
Project teams are scheduled to visit Qena and Kafr El-Sheikh in August to advance the planning process. The ministry is also considering updating Giza Governorate's climate action plan, originally prepared with GIZ in 2017, to align with the new plans. Coordination with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development is ongoing to ensure climate-related investments are incorporated into governorate investment plans.
