Hurghada goes green: A sustainable transformation on the Red Sea

Egypt's Hurghada, a coastal gem nestled along the Red Sea, is set to undergo a remarkable ecological makeover, positioning it as a beacon of sustainable living. Thanks to a $3 million investment from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Hurghada is gearing up to become a model green city.

While Egypt experiences a surge in construction, with ambitious projects like the new capital Al-Masa taking shape, there's a parallel focus on environmentally-conscious initiatives. Embracing the concept of green cities, Egypt is channeling efforts into enhancing green spaces, transitioning to electric vehicles, boosting waste recycling, and harnessing solar energy.

Following in the footsteps of Sharm el-Sheikh, which showcased its eco-friendly strides during the 27th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change, Hurghada is poised to emerge as the next eco-conscious hub. Spearheaded by the Egyptian Ministry of the Environment and supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the project aims to mitigate environmental degradation and promote sustainable practices.

Hurghada's transformation is pivotal, given its significance as a bustling tourist destination, drawing in visitors with its rich marine life and adventure offerings. However, burgeoning tourism activities have posed threats to biodiversity. Part of the GEF funding will be allocated to reviving degraded marine ecosystems and constructing eco-friendly infrastructure to minimize carbon footprint.

With 87,000 residents coexisting alongside a steady stream of tourists, Hurghada's journey towards sustainability underscores Egypt's commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental preservation. As the city embraces renewable energy and eco-conscious