Lack of environmental awareness, combined with limited funding, have hampered environmental protection efforts in Egypt as it continues its economic development.
However, industrial and vehicle emissions in the densely populated city of Cairo have led to an unhealthy mix of air pollution that threatens the health of millions of Egyptians.
The result has been that Egypt, with significant help from the international community, necessarily is taking steps to get its most pressing environmental problems under control.
In addition to remediation efforts under CAIP, Egypt's environment will benefit from attacking the source of many environmental problems. With a $40-million grant from the U.S., Egypt is strengthening its capacity to protect its environment, starting with boosting environmental education.
The grant will fund the development of human resources to protect the environment, benefit 21 nature reserves on the Red Sea, and finance the environment projects of a number of government ministries, including the tourism, oil, and education ministries.
With support from partnerships on the international level (such as the Gore-Mubarak Partnership) and stronger environmental awareness on the national level, Egypt appears to be on a path toward better environmental protection.
By implementing environmentally-friendly policies that encourage cleaner and more efficient use of energy, Egypt will be in a better position to foster long-term development while protecting its ancient and cultural treasures, as well as the health of all Egyptian citizens.
Source: United States Energy Information Administration.
Note: The information is from May 2000.
© 2000 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
