The CB3 Project

On World Environment Day, and with the presence of H.E. Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, a group of five students (Khadija, Judy, Khadija, Abdullah, and Omar) from Hayah International Academy presented their project. Their project is part of the CB3 International Schools' Competition on the three Rio Conventions.The competition aimed at encouraging students to put their understanding of the Rio Conventions into action. Students actively participated in providing solutions and sharing visions of the changing world they are part of. The information gathered allowed the students to recognize their role in solving environmental issues, as well as develop ideas on how they can do so.

Khadija ElLeithy, Judi Yassin, Khadija ElNaggar, Abdullah ElSewedy, and Omar Hassan prepared an educational video for children on biodiversity. It highlights the environmental systems and vital areas in Egypt and recommends positive behaviors to preserve them. H.E the Minister of Environment showed great interest in expanding this project. The five students had the CBD as their convention of focus, but were also able to effectively demonstrate the intersections between climate change, desertification, and biodiversity.

"I really enjoyed this competition and I feel like it made me more aware of Egypt’s different ecosystems and biomes which need to be protected. It was kind of challenging, but that’s how I know that I benefited from it. I also found it very fun because my group and I were able to work together to create a fun video which will hopefully encourage more people to help save and protect the ecosystems and biomes in Egypt, as well as the rest of the Earth." -Khadija ElLeithy

"The experience we had with the CB3 Project was great. It allowed us to share our ideas on how to educate future generations about biodiversity. We hoped that it would help to preserve the phenomenal biodiversity in Egypt. I think the CB3 allows students to make an impact while getting educated on the topic themselves at the same time. All in all, very fun." -Judi Yassin

"I learned a lot from participating in the CB3 project. I was given the opportunity to research more about my country, and to also give my suggestions that hopefully would be useful. Through the project I got to meet other students my age that are as passionate as I am about our country’s environment. It was truly an unforgettable and informative experience working with the Egyptian Ministry of Environment. I am beyond thankful for this opportunity. Thank you" -Khadija ElNaggar

"This experience was very eye opening for me it made me realize things that I have not realized before and I have learned new things about our environment that I think everyone should know and this is exactly why we decided to join the project." -Abdullah ElSewedy

"CB3 was an amazing experience. It was a fun and interactive project where we were able to influence others in a positive way. I want to thank everyone who was part of this experience." -Omar Hassan

وزارة البيئة - Ministry of Environment
UNDP Egypt

Egypt is distinguished by the variety of its natural environments represented by desert, semi desert, marine and mountain environments. These natural environments, in return, affect its cultures, customs and traditions, notably the different languages spoken by Egyptians like the Amazeghian language, the Fadegat and Kenoz languages in Siwa, and the Abdet language in the South Red Sea. These customs are also represented by several arts, taking cooking as a prime example.

For these reasons, The Ministry of Environment, in cooperation and with the support of the CB3, Migratory Soaring Birds, Protected Areas Financial Sustainability, XIV Biological Diversity Conference Projects, organized the first “Festival of Nature and Local Cultures” at Wadi Degla Protected Area, Cairo, from 22 to 24 August 2019. The festival collected a diversity of Egyptian arts from several cultures and environments for those full days.