The Sharm El Sheikh Green City project is a model for sustainable transformation

The Sharm El Sheikh Green City Project is a model for sustainable transformation

In the past few years, the city of Sharm El Sheikh has witnessed a gradual shift in its development vision, through which it has transcended its traditional framework as a famous tourist destination. To adopt a green transformation model based on sustainability principles, with the support of the state and international partners.

From hereEarth GuardsIn this article, we review the most prominent features of the green transformation in the city of Sharm El Sheikh, starting with renewable energy and clean transportation projects, through the management of resources, water, and waste, and reaching the role of the local community in supporting this transformation; So keep reading.

Sharm El Sheikh Green City Project

The city’s hosting of the United Nations Climate Conference “COP27” in 2022 played a pivotal role in promoting this transformation, as the city of Sharm El Sheikh turned into a global platform to showcase Egypt and Africa’s commitment to addressing climate change. On this occasion, the “Green Sharm El Sheikh” project was launched with a comprehensive plan that combines reliance on renewable energy, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable tourism.

With support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and close cooperation with the Egyptian government, the European Union, and Japan, the features of the new city began to take shape. Solar energy projects were expanded, transportation, water and waste systems were improved, and the role of local communities in applying the principles of green tourism was activated.

The efforts made by the Egyptian government in the city reflect how to implement Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a green city that relies heavily on tourism, and with increasing environmental awareness globally, the city has become a fertile ground for environmental innovation thanks to projects funded by several international partners, including the Global Environment Fund and the European Union.

Solar energy drives the green transition

Within the framework of implementing the Green Sharm El Sheikh project, the state faced many challenges, and the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and respond to the high demand for energy was at the heart of those challenges. Tourism – which is the pillar of the city’s local economy – is one of the most energy-consuming sectors. Which makes their transformation to more efficient systems an environmental and economic necessity.

Here comes the role of the solar cell systems project “Egypt-PV” of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which is the cornerstone of the city’s green transformation __EG_PH_35, as it began deploying photovoltaic solar energy systems in public buildings and tourism sectors, from The city’s airport has expanded to schools, hospitals and museums, and solar panels have become a common sight, reflecting a real commitment to reducing the carbon footprint.

By 2024, the city’s installed solar energy capacity reached 50 megawatts, compared to only 5 megawatts in 2020, an achievement that translates into a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of about 4,050 tons annually, equivalent to the ability of coral reefs to absorb carbon in an area of 60 square kilometers.

Integration of the green transformation model in the city

The efforts in the Sharm El Sheikh Green City project were not limited to the energy sector only, but also extended to include the transportation system, waste management, and water provision, in an integrated model of sustainable development. The city streets witnessed the introduction of electric buses into service. Which contributed to reducing levels of air and noise pollution, and improving the quality of life for both residents and visitors.

Within the framework of supporting clean mobility, a wide network of bicycle paths was created to reduce dependence on private cars and promote environmentally friendly lifestyles. This integration of infrastructure clearly reflects the green spirit of Sharm El Sheikh, which depends on linking environmental solutions with the daily needs of residents and visitors. This coincided with a comprehensive development of the waste management system, through the establishment of a modern sanitary landfill, a recycling facility, and a specialized unit for sterilizing medical waste at Sharm El Sheikh Hospital, with joint funding with the Union. European.

Water was not isolated from this integrated green transformation; The state has invested in developing wastewater treatment facilities and enhancing the efficiency of supply networks, which contributed to reducing losses and improving the quality of reused water, especially in public facilities and tourist hotels. Which supports the city’s direction towards rational use of resources and strengthens the pillars of sustainable development.

From a local model to global inspiration

Through this integrated vision, Sharm El Sheikh transformed from a local project into a global source of inspiration. The experience of the green city of Sharm El Sheikh proves that green transformation can become a reality when there is will and cooperation between local and international partners. According to the representative of the United Nations Development Program in Egypt, Alessandro Fracasetti, the city has become a model of what sustainable cities can look like, through projects that go beyond renewable energy to include resource management, transportation, and environmental education.

This shift is consistent with Egypt’s updated commitments under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs-Nationally Determined Contributions), which aims to reach 42% renewable energy by 2035; Which consolidates the city’s position as a practical model for implementing these goals.

The role of society in supporting the green transformation

The green transformation in Sharm El Sheikh was not just government efforts or environmentally friendly infrastructure, but rather an integrated community experience, in which the local people were at the heart of the equation. Awareness campaigns have been launched to reduce plastic consumption, and citizen-led initiatives have been supported to promote sustainable practices in their daily lives. The doors of green investment have also been opened to the private sector. This allowed entrepreneurs to provide innovative solutions in the fields of energy, water and waste. This intersection of formal policies and the spirit of community innovation has created a unique model of a collectively managed city.

Thus, Sharm El-Sheikh has proven that sustainability is not just a technical project, but rather a culture that takes root over time, is built on partnership and trust, and is translated into a more humane and prosperous future.Guardians of the Earth believes that what the city has achieved confirms that even major tourist destinations can turn into a locomotive for sustainable development, if they are replanned with a comprehensive vision. And conscious.