The Egyptian Biodynamic Agriculture Association to Hold Its Third Forum in 2025 in Collaboration with Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development
Under the theme “The Impact of the Economy of Love on Community Development”
The Egyptian Biodynamic Agriculture Association (EBDA), in collaboration with the Economy of Love Initiative and Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development, hosted the forum titled “The Impact of the Economy of Love on Community Development in Egypt” at Heliopolis University. The event was attended by numerous government leaders, policymakers, environmental experts, and academics, with the aim of highlighting the successful model of the Economy of Love and how it improves individuals’ living standards socially through the transition to organic agriculture.
The forum saw high-level participation from government representatives, including:
• H.E. Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment
• H.E. Dr. Khaled Abdel Halim, Governor of Qena
• Eng. Amr Lashin, Deputy Governor of Aswan
• Dr. Mohamed Abu Zaid, Deputy Governor of Minya
• Dr. Gaber El-Kelhy, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture – Luxor
• Eng. Khaled Kasba, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture – Damietta
• Major General Hisham El-Shimy, Assistant Secretary-General of Luxor Governorate
The panel discussions explored the potential for expanding biodynamic agriculture in Egypt and the role of carbon financing in supporting farmers as a tool for community development. The forum’s activities included honoring the "Climate Champions", farmers who showed exceptional commitment to carbon sequestration practices and sustainable biodynamic farming, following the “Economy of Love” standards. These farmers came from various governorates including Damietta, Minya, Qena, Luxor, and Aswan.
In his speech at the forum, Mr. Helmy Abouleish, CEO of the SEKEM Group and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Heliopolis University, stated:
“We aspire to convert seven million farmers in Egypt to biodynamic agriculture, up from just 400 farmers in 2022. Today, thanks to scientific support and ongoing training, over 30,000 farmers have implemented biodynamic farming systems and obtained carbon certificates. At SEKEM, we believe sustainability is not just an environmental goal but a holistic vision integrating environment, economy, culture, and social welfare. Through carbon certificates and the Economy of Love, we provide farmers with real tools to improve their income, achieve positive environmental impact, and build a more sustainable future for rural communities.”
Sessions also addressed the economic and social impact of carbon bonds on the quality of life of farmers. Discussions concluded with an inspiring success story from Damietta Governorate, where farmer Mohamed El-Siddiq shared his journey transitioning from conventional farming to embracing the principles of the Economy of Love.
This forum is the third in a series of events held in 2025 to celebrate “Climate Champion” farmers across several governorates, in line with EBDA’s efforts to expand positive agricultural transformation in Egypt.
Source: akhbarelyom.com
