More help from WB to improve Cairo air quality

Egypt’s Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad held an expanded meeting with the World Bank (WB) mission to discuss the results of WB delegation’s visit to follow up on the implementation of the Greater Cairo Air Pollution and Climate Change Management project, as well as the activities of the Bank’s Blue Economy Fund, known as PROBLUE FUND.
The minister expressed her appreciation for the WB’s continuous support to the environment sector in Egypt, especially during the preparations for the COP27 climate conference and beyond.
The minister reviewed the latest developments in the Greater Cairo Air Pollution Management and Climate Change project, assessing the stages of implementation and the challenges it faces.
The project is aimed to reduce air and climate emissions from critical sectors and increase resilience to air pollution in Greater Cairo.
The WB has recently announced a $9.13m grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to expand the scope of the Greater Cairo Air Pollution Management and Climate Change Project. This grant will reinforce the environmental benefits of the original project, both at the local and global levels, by improving the management of electronic and healthcare waste.
The original project – approved in 2021 – supports Egypt’s efforts to reduce pollution in Greater Cairo, with focus on reducing vehicle emissions, improving the management of solid waste, and strengthening the air and climate decision-making system.
“Expanding the Greater Cairo Air Pollution Management and Climate Change Project falls within Egypt’s commitment to a green transition by utilising innovative methods to enhance the management of electronic and healthcare waste,” the minister of environment said.
The project’s development will support Egypt’s climate strategy 2050 by creating a regulatory environment with data-driven decisions and awareness on the management of waste and recycling, Fouad added.
“We are committed to supporting Egypt’s broader environmental preservation efforts,” the WB delegation said. “This project is also in line with our upcoming Country Partnership Framework with Egypt for FY 2023-2027, which puts people at the centre of its strategy, and aims to support the country’s efforts to improve climate resilience while greening the economy,” they added.
Minister Fouad also discussed with the WB members the proposed activities of the PROBLUE Fund, which is a multi-donor trust fund managed by the World Bank to help developing countries chart a path towards the blue economy approach. It supports the sustainable and integrated development of marine and coastal resources in healthy oceans.