Nature & Science Foundation (NSF) proposes to work in collaboration with the UNDP–SGP at the preparation phase (September–November). NSF will play the role of a coordinator and facilitator between all Egyptian NGOs. We aim to bring all NGOs under one umbrella and conduct a joint agenda (plan) to ensure a successful and fruitful participation for all organizations during COP14 and afterwards. Our role is to ensure that all organizations are on board throughout the whole process from planning to execution. Moreover, we will follow up the progress of the planned tasks, such as the production of a guide, a documentary film, etc. We will also provide scientific assistance and consultancy wherever and whenever needed. Finally, we will build up on this NGO’s union to support a national network, which aims to secure the continuation and integration of the conservation works of all the NGOs in the future. 

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Objectives:

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1. Team up and establish a mission work group:

 

This project aims to bring together the civil society organizations of Egypt. The teaming up and continuous communication between the organizations facilitates the work during the preparation phase. The role of this work group is to discuss, plan, and assign tasks. It also follows up the progress of the work. On the long term, this collaboration will develop into a union of the NGOs, which aims to sustain a network that sets conservation goals, and facilitates the exchange of information and expertise under the umbrella of the GEF- SGP. This way we open up opportunities of joint projects and sharing of expertise to address the different conservation targets in a complementary manner.

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2. A well-organized contribution of the organizations at the COP14 event:

 

In the coming couple of months, NGOs will prepare for the upcoming conference of the parties. Part of the preparation is to present their past and present work in conservation, through printed materials, documentaries, and other means of communicating the conservation efforts to the national and international communities. In addition, they have to ensure that attendees are participating in relevant events and gathering i.e. according to topics (ex: marine conservation, local communities, etc.), to ensure the maximum benefit for individuals and their organizations.

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3. Ensure the contribution of local communities and their traditional knowledge and work at the side events:

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One of the most important objectives of this project is making sure that the local communities take part at the event. NGOs should work with the local communities to plan and prepare for the event, and find ways of giving the communities enough room and support to present their traditional knowledge and work. This is in addition to highlighting their local efforts towards conserving local fauna and flora. All efforts will be exerted to result in a well-coordinated participation of the local communities at the side events during the conference.

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4. Enhance the exposure and the visibility of the NGOs and their work to the national and international communities:

 

Besides participating in the meetings and events of the COP14, the NGOs will exhibit their work such as products, posters, activities, etc at the side events. The cooperative efforts will be followed up with a database, guide, and a documentary for all the NGOs. All this should be available online for the public to see. Part of the exposure is achieved by ensuring that representatives from the local communities, such as Bedouin, are part of this network. Furthermore, a number of scientific side events will be proposed handling the hot issues on biodiversity e.g. molecular markers and species identification, Status of Egyptian Biota, Youth and local community integration for biodiversity conservation in Protected Areas, The value of Biodiversity: Importance of Pollinators to Egyptian Economy, etc.

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5. ​Integrate the biodiversity issues into policies and decision making:

 

It is very important for the biodiversity actions to be considered while making policies and decisions in the future. For COP14, the integration of Industry, Energy, Infrastructure in biodiversity will be discussed. Therefore, a team of scientists with youth and local people will discuss the ways of integration and why we are trying to do this integration.