SEKEM, in collaboration with Heliopolis University and the Egyptian Biodynamic Association (EBDA), is actively participating in UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh from 2 to 13 December to highlight the critical role of organic and biodynamic agriculture in combating desertification.
The initiative serves as a strategic approach to address climate change, restore biodiversity, reduce water waste, and promote a sustainable future. During the conference, SEKEM will present its ongoing project, “Greening the Desert,” which aims to regenerate 50,000 hectares of desert land in Al Wahat El-Bahariya Oasis. The delegation will also participate in discussions on issues such as water security, rural community engagement, carbon sequestration, and land rehabilitation.
The Greening the Desert Project
In 2020, SEKEM launched the Greening the Desert Project in Al Wahat El-Bahariya Oasis, targeting the regeneration of 50,000 hectares of desert land using sustainable practices like organic and biodynamic farming. By 2024, SEKEM has successfully rehabilitated over 7,000 hectares, greatly improving soil fertility and restoring ecological balance. A major focus is the adoption of innovative methods to optimize water efficiency, such as:
Developing drought-resistant crops.
Recycling irrigation water.
Implementing sub-surface irrigation and night irrigation techniques.
Additionally, SEKEM has planted 600,000 trees, aiding in CO2 compensation and boosting biodiversity through biodynamic farming practices.
Community Engagement and Holistic Development
SEKEM’s approach is not only about environmental regeneration but also about community empowerment. The project emphasizes:
Providing educational facilities.
Offering cultural activities to promote holistic development. SEKEM’s goal is to create a sustainable community where diverse cultures can thrive together while combating climate change and contributing to the overall well-being of the people.
Agriculture as a Solution to Climate Change
At COP16, SEKEM will present the Joint Call to Action titled “Agriculture is Part of the Solution: A Joint Call for Organic and Climate-Positive Agriculture”, which was first introduced at COP29. This call, led by SEKEM, EBDA, Heliopolis University, and the Carbon Footprint Center, promotes a framework for agricultural carbon credit schemes that adhere to rigorous standards. The framework allows farmers to:
Trade validated carbon credits in the national and international Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM).
Channel proceeds towards improving farmers’ livelihoods and supporting their transition to climate-friendly practices.
The initiative focuses on empowering smallholder farmers by providing knowledge, funding, and support based on the Economy of Love (EoL) certification standard, which encourages carbon sequestration through sustainable practices.
SEKEM’s CEO Remarks on COP16 Participation
Commenting on SEKEM’s role at COP16, Helmy Abouleish, CEO of SEKEM Group, stated: “I am thrilled to represent SEKEM at COP16 in Riyadh, where we will share our strategies for combating desertification and promoting sustainable land reclamation.
In Egypt, desert regions account for nearly 95% of the land area. Through regenerative practices like organic and biodynamic farming, we aim not only to reclaim arid lands but also to enhance water conservation, restore biodiversity, and mitigate climate change. Our Economy of Love model represents a holistic approach that improves farmers’ livelihoods while increasing carbon sequestration through projects like afforestation, composting, soil carbon management, and the use of renewable energy.
We hope to share this model with other countries facing similar challenges, transforming barren land into thriving green valleys.”
SEKEM’s Commitment to Climate Action
SEKEM has been a consistent advocate for climate action at international platforms such as COP27, COP28, and COP29, promoting the importance of biodynamic agricultural practices. At COP29, SEKEM partnered with key institutions to launch a Joint Call for creating carbon credit frameworks that align with stringent standards, focusing on regenerative agriculture as a vital tool for achieving climate goals. Furthermore, SEKEM’s delegation organized impactful sessions that spotlighted transformative agricultural solutions and advocated for policies to simplify access to carbon credits.
About SEKEM
Founded in 1977 by Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish, SEKEM is a pioneering initiative in the Egyptian desert that focuses on sustainable development across economy, ecology, society, and culture. SEKEM produces, processes, and markets organic and biodynamic products such as food, textiles, and herbal medicines both in Egypt and internationally. Recognized as the organic pioneer in Egypt, SEKEM was awarded the Alternative Nobel Prize in 2003. SEKEM allocates a portion of its profits to fund the SEKEM Development Foundation (SDF), which operates schools and a medical center. In 2012, Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development was founded to further SEKEM’s mission of promoting sustainability education in Egypt.
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