🇪🇬 Egyptian CSOs in action: A successful pilot phase of PPI OSCAN 3

Ten months after the launch of the pilot phase of the PPI OSCAN 3 program in Egypt, the first results are in. Three local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), each supported with €10,000, have successfully implemented concrete and innovative projects in favor of the environment and local communities. This success is largely due to the strategic support of RAED – Arab Network for Environment and Development, a member of IUCN-Med and coordinator of the program in Egypt.

This pilot experience, closely supported by the Mubadarat program, demonstrates the ability of Egyptian CSOs to turn targeted support into tangible results. It sets the stage for the sustainable strengthening of environmental civil society in Egypt through structured support from IUCN-Med.

Three flagship projects for a pilot phase!

1. Preserving the Nile Seeds: A Sustainable Initiative for Biodiversity

In Aswan, the Benban Solar Energy Investors Association for Community Development launched a Nile Basin Seed Bank project on Saluga Island. The objective is to preserve the seeds of threatened local plants, train 20 agronomists, researchers, and teachers, and raise awareness among farmers about conservation. The project combines biodiversity preservation with economic benefits for the communities. During field expeditions, 12 plant species were collected, and 20 people were trained in seed collection and conservation, including 10 women and 10 youth who received paid training.

This project represents a significant advancement in preserving local natural resources and generating income for the community.

👉Learn more about the project : https://mubadarat-uicn.org/ppi-oscan-3-banque-semences-bassin-nil-conservation-biodiversite-egypte/

2. Protecting sea turtles in Sinai: A community mobilization

In the coastal city of El Arish, the Sinai Women’s Rights Association launched a sea turtle conservation project, with some species listed on the IUCN Red List. Over 10 months, the association carried out:

  • Monitoring nesting sites along 45 km of coastline

  • Beach clean-up campaigns with volunteers, including schoolchildren (over 3 tons of plastic collected)

  • Training 50 fishermen on practices to reduce sea turtle mortality on the coast

  • Raising awareness among over 3,000 beneficiaries about environmental issues

An exemplary project that combines ecotourism, community engagement, and the protection of endangered species.

👉Learn more about the project : https://mubadarat-uicn.org/ppi-oscan-3-lassociation-pour-les-droits-des-femmes-du-sinai/

3. The Green Path: An Ecological Corridor for Egypt

Led by the Youth Foundation for Development and Creativity (YDI), the “Green Path” initiative aligns with national priorities to combat environmental degradation in urban areas. The project aims to restore green spaces in five Egyptian governorates, in response to the current strategy of reforestation and the development of natural spaces in cities, promoted by Egyptian authorities.

By planting 1,250 trees adapted to local conditions and rehabilitating five areas around nature reserves, the initiative contributes to improving air quality, stabilizing soils, and reducing the impact of urban heat islands. Furthermore, the project generates tangible social benefits: 500 residents participated in environmental awareness workshops, and 100 volunteers were trained to sustain these efforts in the long term.

Through this integrated approach, the project illustrates how ecological restoration can go hand in hand with community development and environmental education, even in urban settings.

👉Learn more about the project : https://mubadarat-uicn.org/ppi-oscan-3-la-fondation-de-la-jeunesse-pour-le-developpement-et-la-creativite-ydi/

Strengthened Commitment to Conservation in North Africa

With these three initiatives, the PPI OSCAN program reinforces its commitment to biodiversity and sustainable development in North Africa. By including Egypt as a beneficiary country, it strengthens its impact and supports local CSOs in their efforts to protect their environment and improve the living conditions of communities.

💡 To learn more about our initiatives and our commitment to CSOs in North Africa, visit: https://linktr.ee/mubadaratbyiucn