A race against time and against ourselves. Against the dangerous idea that we can’t do this, that there is no way.
Unlike most races, it won’t have one winner. In this race we all win, or we all lose. Winning it requires a radical, unprecedented level of collaboration, from all corners of our world. From our cities, businesses, regions and investors. From people everywhere.
Together we’re racing for a better world. A zero carbon and resilient world. A healthier, safer, fairer world. A world of wellbeing, abundance and joy, where the air is fresher, our jobs are well-paid and dignified, and our future is clear.
To get there we need to run fast, and get faster. We need more and more people to join the race, and right now. This is not about 2050, it’s about today.
Together, we can do this. And we’re already on our way.
Balancing renewable energy expansion with biodiversity conservation in Egypt.By Climate Champions | November 14, 2024
NAME
Khaled Noby Mohamed
TITLE Executive Director, Nature Conservation Egypt (NCE)
LOCATION Cairo, Egypt
ABOUT
Khaled Noby Mohamed leads Nature Conservation Egypt (NCE), an organization dedicated to integrating biodiversity conservation into the renewable energy sector. As Egypt undergoes an expansion of renewable energy production to meet growing domestic demand and reduce emissions from fossil fuels, NCE is playing a critical role in ensuring that the country’s rich biodiversity, especially its migratory birds and threatened native species, is protected.
MOTIVATIONS
“After earning my BSc in Environmental Science from Aswan University, I joined Egypt’s Protected Areas before pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Cologne, where I learned the importance of integrating conservation efforts with local culture and heritage. This experience shaped my commitment to impactful, sustainable conservation. Renewable energy, while beneficial, can also have unintended consequences on biodiversity, and these should not be overlooked. I am dedicated to addressing these challenges by advocating for thoughtful planning that respects both migratory and local biodiversity, ensuring our initiatives have lasting, meaningful impact.”
IMPACTS
Before
While challenges are ongoing, before NCE’s interventions, Egypt’s renewable energy sector faced significant challenges in balancing energy development with wildlife conservation:
Migratory birds frequently collided with powerlines, particularly in high-risk areas such as the Sinai Peninsula, which lies along a major migratory Flyway.
Species like the Uromastyx aegyptia (Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard) were overlooked in national and international conservation efforts, and their habitats were increasingly under threat from energy infrastructure expansion.
There was limited recognition of the impacts of energy infrastructure on wildlife, especially bird populations, and little action was being taken to address these issues.
After
Since NCE’s initiatives under Khaled’s leadership, significant progress has been made:
In collaboration with the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) and the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA), NCE installed bird diverters along 20km of high-risk powerlines in Sinai. This initiative, supported by BirdLife International, has made powerlines more visible to birds and is expected to significantly reduce bird collisions, particularly during migration periods.
NCE conducted Egypt’s largest national powerline survey, covering approximately 300km, identifying high-risk areas for bird collisions. This data has been instrumental in guiding targeted conservation efforts.
NCE successfully conducted a comprehensive field survey in collaboration with partners such as AMEA Power and the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE). As a result, 13 Uromastyx aegyptia lizards were captured, cared for, and released back into their natural habitat.
NCE worked with local communities to ensure the long-term sustainability of these conservation efforts, engaging them in protecting local species and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity.
Challenges
Khaled and his team faced several challenges in their work:
Securing funding for conservation initiatives like bird diverters and species protection projects was a significant challenge. The collaboration with BirdLife International and other partners helped address this.
Raising awareness among local communities and gaining their support for conservation efforts required strategic outreach and education. NCE organized consultations and workshops to encourage collaboration and ensure long-term success.
Finding funding for infrastructure improvements at NCE, such as renting suitable workspaces for the expanding team or acquiring vehicles for fieldwork, remains challenging. Most available funding, according to Khaled, does not cover these essential operational needs, limiting resources for effective on-the-ground conservation.
Future Goals
“My vision for the future of NCE is to establish it as a leader in biodiversity conservation, fully integrated into Egypt’s renewable energy transition. With renewable energy expanding rapidly, NCE is focused on creating a robust, national-level capacity-building program to ensure a steady stream of qualified professionals who can address the growing conservation needs. This effort will support not only NCE’s work but also the broader sector as conservation measures become essential for sustainable development.
In parallel, we are leading an ambitious biodiversity offset project with AMUNET Wind Power, aiming to achieve net zero loss in avian biodiversity throughout their operations in Egypt. By establishing effective conservation frameworks, providing actionable solutions to mitigate biodiversity impacts, and fostering collaborative partnerships with the private sector, I believe we can drive impactful conservation outcomes while supporting Egypt’s development goals.”
Advice
“My key advice to leaders and organizations committed to nature conservation in a fast changing world is this: never underestimate the power of small, consistent efforts. No matter how daunting the challenge, keep planting seeds of hope every day, even if the impact isn’t immediately visible. Focus on the actions you can take now and let the results come with time. One day, you’ll look back and find that each seed has grown into a strong tree, forming a lasting forest of impact.
Balancing conservation with development requires resilience and a long-term perspective. As we face obstacles, remember that each effort contributes to a broader, cumulative impact. It’s these continuous, steady actions that create meaningful change.”
NCE team inspecting lizard’s burrow to detect the presence of the animal in AMUNETWindPower station
After installation.
Diverters installation on the power line to minimize bird collision
NCE team installing the keeping facility in AMUNET WindPower station
Meet Gilberto Ribeiro, Partner and CIO of VOX Capital, leading climate finance innovations for sustainable energy and land use in Brazil. Gilberto’s work mobilizes funds to address Brazil’s environmental challenges, from deforestation to sustainable agriculture.
Meet Lynn von Koch-Liebert, Head of Climate, Energy & Infrastructure at Lendistry, who is championing equitable access to climate finance. Lynn is dedicated to ensuring underserved communities and small businesses have the capital to lead in the clean energy transition.
Meet Ramil Azmammadov, CEO of Dr. Agro, who’s empowering Azerbaijani farmers to make data-driven decisions for sustainable yields. Dr. Agro’s platform equips farmers with tools for crop planning, budgeting, disease alerts, and climate insights – helping them navigate challenges and increase productivity.
Meet Sheela Bharat Patel – Founder & Director of SPARC and a champion for resilient, low-carbon housing solutions for communities in informal settlements across the Global South. Through her ROOH campaign (Roof Over Our Heads), Sheela is transforming vulnerable communities by empowering women and local networks to co-create housing solutions that withstand climate challenges