The SEKEM Development Foundation (SDF) is NBS4MED’s Egyptian partner, contributing expertise in sustainable agriculture, local community engagement, and the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions in semi-arid environments.
The SEKEM Development Foundation (SDF) is a pioneering Egyptian organisation with a long-standing commitment to sustainable development, environmental regeneration, and community wellbeing. Originally established as part of SEKEM’s vision to reclaim desert land and promote ecological balance, SDF has grown into a key actor in advancing sustainable practices across local communities in Egypt.
With extensive experience in sustainable agriculture, resource-efficient land management, compost use, wastewater treatment, and low-carbon approaches, SDF works to improve livelihoods while protecting natural resources, particularly in semi-arid and water-scarce environments. The organisation also brings strong experience from transnational cooperation projects focused on eco-innovation, circular economy, and sustainable agriculture.
In the framework of NBS4MED, SDF will play a central role in the implementation of the pilot action in Egypt, working closely with Heliopolis University to deliver on-site interventions designed to improve environmental conditions and increase climate resilience.
More specifically, SDF will establish a green corridor in Heliopolis. The on-site action will include planting trees and vegetation, installing rainwater catchment and storage infrastructure together with a smart irrigation system, and creating walkways and recreational areas using cool pavement to help mitigate the urban heat island effect.
A key part of SDF’s contribution lies in its ability to connect local communities, technical experts, and educational institutions. Through its collaboration with Heliopolis University, SDF will help ensure that the pilot action is supported by both scientific knowledge and local implementation capacity. By combining hands-on implementation, stakeholder engagement, and applied knowledge, SDF will help demonstrate how Nature-Based Solutions can be adapted to Mediterranean semi-arid contexts and generate long-term environmental and social benefits.
Last Update
09/04/2026
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