The Egyptian Businessmen's Association, led by Engineer Ali Eissa, recently convened a joint meeting of its agriculture, irrigation, and environment committees to discuss desertification's effects on the agricultural and productive sectors. The meeting, attended by Engineer Ahmed Kamal, Executive Director of the Environmental Commitment and Sustainable Development Office at the Egyptian Industries Federation, focused on the challenges posed by desertification and the role of environmental commitment in supporting the agricultural sector.
The meeting, chaired by Engineer Mostafa El-Nagari, head of the agriculture and irrigation committee, and Hussein Lotfi, head of the environment committee, brought together members interested in the agricultural and environmental sectors. El-Nagari emphasized that the meeting aimed to address the challenges facing various sectors and the Egyptian economy, particularly in achieving sustainable development, food security, and combating climate change.
El-Nagari highlighted that food security and sustainable development are top priorities for the Egyptian leadership and government, and that combating climate change and its impact on food and agriculture is a pressing issue. He noted that Egypt, as a major food producer, faces significant challenges in this regard. The meeting also discussed the importance of involving the private sector in addressing these challenges and finding innovative solutions.
Manour El-Gebli, deputy head of the agriculture and irrigation committee, stressed the close relationship between agricultural activity, the environment, and climate change. He emphasized that preserving agricultural productivity requires a serious approach to addressing desertification and soil degradation. El-Gebli also highlighted the need for international cooperation and expertise in addressing these issues.
Dr. Ahmed Kamal, Executive Director of the Environmental Commitment and Sustainable Development Office, presented an overview of desertification, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, and Egypt's commitments under the agreement. He also discussed the Egyptian strategy for participating in the next Conference of Parties on desertification and the launch of an initiative to establish a private sector coalition to combat desertification.
The meeting concluded with a call for the private sector to play a more significant role in addressing desertification and environmental challenges. Engineer Mostafa El-Nagari emphasized the need for a comprehensive statement outlining the private sector's needs and challenges, which can be used to engage with relevant authorities and international organizations. The meeting also highlighted the importance of focusing on reforestation, land restoration, and carbon credits as areas that can provide opportunities for the Egyptian private sector.
The Egyptian Businessmen's Association has expressed its support for the government's efforts to achieve sustainable development and food security. The association's engagement in discussions on desertification and environmental challenges reflects its commitment to addressing these critical issues. Key points from the meeting include the need for private sector engagement in combating desertification, the importance of international cooperation, and the potential for environmental commitment to support the agricultural sector.
Key points
- The Egyptian Businessmen's Association calls for private sector engagement in combating desertification
- The meeting highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges
- The association emphasized the need for a comprehensive statement outlining the private sector's needs and challenges
